Beyond Scalp: New study Suggests Role for Elissara® in Hair Growth

Preclinical findings demonstrate nutricosmetic by Monteloeder may offer broad support to hair resilience

Key Takeaways

• New preclinical research reveals Elissara® activity across multiple pathways associated with healthy hair growth
• Elissara® shown to help preserve growth-signalling IGF-1 protein levels important for hair-follicle development under environmental stress
• The findings extend Elissara®'s clinically demonstrated scalp benefits to include follicular resilience
• Monteloeder will present the study results at Vitafoods Asia and SupplySide Global.

MADRID, Sept. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Results of a new study show that Elissara®, a nutricosmetic by Monteloeder, SL, a subsidiary of SuanNutra, SA, exhibits multifactorial activity associated with healthy hair growth and hair follicle function. The four-botanical polyphenol-enriched ingredient demonstrated support of hair follicle function and hair resilience.

Hair appearance, and particularly hair loss, is a major concern affecting millions of men and women worldwide and has a substantial impact on self-esteem and social confidence.

"Consumers are increasingly concerned about their hair's appearance and are seeking natural, science-backed solutions that support hair vitality," explains Mariana Ortega, Science Marketing Manager for SuanNutra. "Supplement brands are responding to the growing demand for hair health solutions. The category is evolving from multivitamins targeting hair, skin, and nails toward more advanced, targeted products. We empower supplement brands with a complete beauty-from-within toolkit, enabling them to develop next-generation solutions that complement consumers' healthy lifestyles and go beyond topical care."

"Elissara is a great example of Visible Radiance™, our branded beauty-from-within line. "This science-driven platform designed as 'plug-in' line for beauty brands," adds Ortega.

Elissara® is a proprietary combination of four herbs formulated to work together to support the scalp's environment for more vibrant and healthier looking hair. It includes standardized extracts of lemon verbena (Lippia citriodora), olive leaf (Olea europaea), Japanese pagoda tree (Styphnolobium japonicum), and rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis).

The preparation delivers a specific fingerprint of bioactive compounds, including: verbascoside, oleuropein, hydroxytyrosol, quercetin, and rosemary-derived diterpenes (carnosol and carnosic acid). Together, these phenolic compounds provide a broad spectrum of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity

Getting to the root of hair growth

This three-pronged preclinical trial, published in the August 2026 issue of the journal Biomolecules involved laboratory assessments of human dermal papilla cells and scalp tissue samples exposed to environmental stressors such as pollution and UV light. Results showed that Elissara® influenced multiple biological pathways associated with healthy follicle function and the hair growth cycle. In human dermal papilla cells, Elissara® increased cell proliferation to approximately 2.5 times that of untreated controls.

Elissara® increased both collagen and signaling proteins associated with healthy hair-follicle function, including markers involved in cell proliferation, structural support and follicular signalling in human scalp explants. Elissara® was shown to help preserve growth-signalling IGF-1 protein levels important for hair-follicle development under environmental stress as well as reduce markers of oxidative damage, in scalp tissue exposed to PM2.5 pollution and UVA-induced environmental stress.

Beauty from skin to strand

"Elissara was initially developed as a natural inner beauty botanical formula to support the skin against pollution and UV exposure," informs Daniel González-Hedström, PhD, R&D Director for SuanNutra." It later exhibited scalp health benefits in a clinical study involving 66 women where daily oral supplementation significantly improved scalp moisturization and hydration, and reduced sebum levels and scalp redness. The benefits were also reflected in participants' self-assessments, with almost 79% reporting healthier-looking hair and 76% noting enhanced shine. Close to 80% of them reported that their hair felt stronger. This is what inspired us to further explore its potential in supporting hair growth."

The science of hair growth

Hair growth and follicular function are complex, shaped by a mix of genetics, hormonal changes, and inflammation, alongside lifestyle and environmental factors that can influence hair follicles. Androgens, particularly dihydrotestosterone (DHT), are known to contribute to shortening the anagen (growth) phase and shrinking hair follicles, while declining estrogen levels in women, particularly during menopause, may lead to hair thinning. Preclinical research showed that Elissara® may help support a healthier hormonal environment around the hair follicle by modulating pathways linked to DHT.

"Rather than relying on a single pathway, Elissara® combines four standardised, polyphenol-rich botanicals selected to provide complementary biological activity," says González-Hedström. "We are gradually unearthing Elissara®'s potential benefits on hair resilience. The findings of this preclinical trial provide new insights into its pathways of action and help us understand how the composition may support healthy follicular function. The next step is to investigate whether these mechanistic findings translate into measurable hair benefits in a clinical setting."

Previously marketed under the name "Zeropollution®," Elissara® is backed by two clinical trials demonstrating its positive impact on scalp condition and the hair's appearance. At a daily dose of 250 mg, it is available in various formats including tablets, capsules, or softgels.

Visit SuanNutra at Vitafoods Asia, in Bangkok, on September 2-4, booth #H5-E21 to discover how science is transformed into visible results.

About Monteloeder 

Monteloeder, SL contributes innovation and scientific rigor to the development of botanical ingredients, and by featuring proprietary patented products supported by clinical studies. Its Visible Health Platform™ reflects the company's strategic approach to translating clinical science into tangible, consumer-perceivable benefits. The platform is built upon three key pillars that address today's most relevant health areas: Visible Metabolic Health™, Visible Balance™ and Visible Radiance Monteloeder is a subsidiary of SuanNutra, which boasts a rich heritage of more than 125 years of combined experience in the European, US and Asian nutraceutical sector.

Company contact 
Monteloeder, S.L., a subsidiary of SuanNutra
Mariana Ortega
Science Marketing Manager
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.suannutra.com

Press Contact
NutriPR
Liat Simha 
Tel: +972-9-9742893
E-mail: [email protected] 
Website: www.nutripr.com

SOURCE Monteloeder, S.L.