COFFEE dregs are being put to good use as a hair growth stimulant.
Researchers at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) have developed a hair tonic using caffeine extracted from discarded or spent coffee grounds, with natural wasabi extract added to enhance its antimicrobial properties.
UTM’s Institute of Bioproduct Development (IBD) director Assoc Prof Dr Rosnani Hasham said it began with the idea of extracting caffeine still present in spent coffee grounds.
“Our research found that spent coffee still contains a considerable amount of caffeine, so instead of treating it as waste, we extracted and studied it for potential applications.
“It was produced at IBD’s herbal extraction centre, where the extracts are processed at pilot scale under halal and MeSTI-certified facilities to ensure consistent quality,” she said in an interview.
Assoc Prof Rosnani said studies showed the caffeine extract demonstrated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, while cytotoxicity tests indicated it was safe for use.
“Findings suggest the extract could promote hair growth while helping to reduce hair loss.”
She added that these antimicrobial properties were also important as excessive microbial growth on the scalp can interfere with healthy hair growth.
“The research, which began in 2025 as part of a PhD project, involved identifying the most effective extraction method before scaling up production and translating the findings into a consumer product.
“We chose to develop a hair tonic because previous studies had already shown caffeine to be well suited for supporting hair growth, making it a more suitable application than skincare products.
“To strengthen the formulation, we incorporated natural wasabi extract for its antimicrobial properties.”
Assoc Prof Rosnani said the hair tonic was developed in collaboration with Trinovate Lab Group Sdn Bhd, which recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with UTM.
The company’s chief executive officer Muhammad Mohd Kamil said they hoped to expand into the Indonesian market next year while continuing to collaborate with local universities to commercialise research innovations.
“We hope to encourage stronger collaboration between industry and academia so that more Malaysian research can be translated into products with commercial potential,” he said.
