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We investigated shampoo-related changes in levels of some trace elements in the scalp hair of females and their impact on scalp skin properties. Sixty healthy women divided into control and experimental group who used regular shampoo and Urtica cannabina (U.cannabina) extract shampoo, respectively. Scalp skin was examined using an electronic skin analyzer, and trichometric analysis was performed with a Folliscope. The collected scalp hair samples were digested and measured using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The average copper (p=0.05), zinc (p=0.0002), and iodine (p=0.0004) levels increased notably, whereas the selenium content decreased slightly (p=0.337) in the experimental group. We found that the average iodine content in scalp hair of Mongolian females was three times lower than the global average. The average increase in trace elements may be considered to be due to the transfer of an element into the human scalp during shampooing. These results indicate that some trace elements in human scalp hair are not only associated with nutritional status and environmental factors, but cosmetic products can also affect the trace element composition. The hair growth, diameter, and density gradually increased and were higher in the experimental group than in the control group. Scalp skin moisture, sebum, and pH values increased in the experimental group, whereas the control group showed no notable difference. Herbal extracts may potentially support scalp hair growth and increase the hair density. This ability can be explained by the trace elements in the herbal extract, which may play a key role in inducing hair growth.

The nettle Urticacannabina (U.cannabina) is not only a functional edible food for humans but also a potential alternative feed resource for poultry, providing protein, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary U.cannabina on the production of high-quality eggs with enriched n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and lower cholesterol contents. One hundred and twenty laying hens were assigned to three groups [control, 15% alfalfa meal supplementation (TRTA), and 15% U.cannabina supplementation (TRTU)]. The results showed that the feed intake, yolk color, and shell thickness were increased (p < 0.05) in the U.cannabina group. Moreover, cholesterol contents of the yolk and serum were lower in the U.cannabina group (p < 0.05). The total n-3 PUFA concentration in the yolk was increased while the ratio of n-6/n-3 was reduced in the U.cannabina group (p < 0.01). In conclusion, the dietary inclusion of U.cannabina increased shell thickness, yolk n-3 PUFA levels, and yolk color, and reduced cholesterol contents of the yolk and serum without any negative impacts on health or laying performance.

The study was conducted in vitro to investigate the effects of different ratios of Urtica cannabina and Leymus chinensis on fiber microstructure and digestibility in ruminal fluid. The experiment was divided into five groups based on the U. cannabina/L. chinensis ratios: A (0:100), B (30:70), C (50:50), D (70:30), and E (100:0). The culture medium was collected at 0, 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 h. The results showed that: (1) in vitro crude protein degradability (IVCPD) was higher in group A, whereas in vitro neutral detergent fiber degradability (IVNDFD) was higher in group C (p < 0.05); (2) protozoa count was increased from 1 h to 3 h and decreased afterwards, with significant differences observed in several genera (p < 0.05); (3) microbial crude protein (MCP) contents at 1, 3, 6, and 24 h were higher in groups A and C (p < 0.05); (4) the basic tissue of U. cannabina was gradually degraded. At 24h, the secondary xylem vessel structure was observed in groups B and C, but not in groups D and E. In summary, there was higher neutral detergent fiber (NDF) digestibility, higher rumen MCP contents, and lower protozoa count, showing the significance of the 50:50 ratio for microbial growth and fiber digestibility.