Varsity develops hair tonic from coffee dregs
Researchers at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia have developed a hair tonic using caffeine extracted from spent coffee grounds and antimicrobial wasabi extract. The product, developed in collaboration with Trinovate Lab Group, aims to promote hair growth while reducing waste.
Why it matters
This innovation demonstrates a sustainable approach to product development by repurposing industrial waste into high-value consumer goods.
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.
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