Glycyrrhizin micellar nanocarriers for topical delivery of baicalin to the hair follicles: A targeted approach tailored for alopecia treatment

Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside and its derivative vitisin A alleviate androgenetic alopecia by exerting anti-androgen effect and inhibiting dermal papilla cell apoptosis

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA), one of the most common forms of hair loss, lacks satisfactory treatment methods in modern society. This study employed an experimental design combining in vitro and in vivo approaches to explore the effects of Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (C3G) and Carboxypyranocyanidin-3-O-glucoside (Vitisin A) on AGA. In human dermal papilla cells (HDPCs), both anthocyanins demonstrated inhibitory effects on androgen receptors, significantly reduced dihydrotestosterone (DHT) induced apoptosis of HDPCs, and regulated the secretion of Fibroblast growth factor 7 and Transforming growth factor beta 1. In vitro transdermal experiment revealed that both C3G and Vitisin A could penetrate mice skin, aided by the application of cream. Furthermore, in vivo experiments with mice indicated that application of C3G or Vitisin A cream effectively improved hair follicles miniaturization, regression, and apoptosis caused by DHT. The repression of Wnt10b and β-catenin expression induced by DHT was prevented by C3G and Vitisin A in both cell and mouse model. Consequently, these findings suggest that C3G and Vitisin A could be considered as alternative methods for alleviating AGA.

Innovative Strategies for Hair Regrowth and Skin Visualization

Today, about 50% of men and 15-30% of women are estimated to face hair-related problems, which create a significant psychological burden. Conventional treatments, including drug therapy and transplantation, remain the main strategies for the clinical management of these problems. However, these treatments are hindered by challenges such as drug-induced adverse effects and poor drug penetration due to the skin's barrier. Therefore, various efforts have been undertaken to enhance drug permeation based on the mechanisms of hair regrowth. Notably, understanding the delivery and diffusion of topically administered drugs is essential in hair loss research. This review focuses on the advancement of transdermal strategies for hair regrowth, particularly those involving external stimulation and regeneration (topical administration) as well as microneedles (transdermal delivery). Furthermore, it also describes the natural products that have become alternative agents to prevent hair loss. In addition, given that skin visualization is necessary for hair regrowth as it provides information on drug localization within the skin's structure, this review also discusses skin visualization strategies. Finally, it details the relevant patents and clinical trials in these areas. Together, this review highlights the innovative strategies for skin visualization and hair regrowth, aiming to provide novel ideas to researchers studying hair regrowth in the future.

The Molecular Mechanism of Natural Products Activating Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway for Improving Hair Loss

Hair loss, or alopecia, is a dermatological disorder that causes psychological stress and poor quality of life. Drug-based therapeutics such as finasteride and minoxidil have been clinically used to treat hair loss, but they have limitations due to their several side effects in patients. To solve this problem, there has been meaningful progress in elucidating the molecular mechanisms of hair growth and finding novel targets to develop therapeutics to treat it. Among various signaling pathways, Wnt/β-catenin plays an essential role in hair follicle development, the hair cycle, and regeneration. Thus, much research has demonstrated that various natural products worldwide promote hair growth by stimulating Wnt/β-catenin signaling. This review discusses the functional role of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and its related signaling molecules. We also review the molecular mechanism of the natural products or compounds that activate Wnt/β-catenin signaling and provide insights into developing therapeutics or cosmeceuticals that treat hair loss.