Argan (Argania Spinosa) press cake extract enhances cell proliferation and prevents oxidative stress and inflammation of human dermal papilla cells

MiR-199a-5p inhibits dermal papilla cells proliferation by regulating VEGFA expression in cashmere goat

Hair follicles undergo a renewal cycle consisting of anagen, telogen and catagen stages. MicroRNA (miRNA) plays a crucial role in this process. Recent studies have shown that miR-199a-5p, which exhibits differential expression between anagen and telogen stages in the hair follicle cycle of cashmere goats, inhibits the proliferation of various cell types, including skin keratinocytes and vascular endothelial cells. Since the proliferation of dermal papilla cells (DPCs) is a key factor in the hair follicle cycle, we utilized DPCs to investigate the function and molecular mechanism of miR-199a-5p in cashmere goats. Our functional analysis revealed that miR-199a-5p significantly suppressed cell viability and proliferation of DPCs, as evidenced by MTT, EdU and RT-qPCR methods. Subsequently, we investigated the regulatory mechanism of miR-199a-5p. Through bioinformatics analysis, a potential correlation between lnc102173187 and miR-199a-5p was predicted. However, the dual luciferase reporter assay revealed no interaction between lnc102173187 and miR-199a-5p. Further investigation using dual-luciferase reporter assay, RT-qPCR, and western blot results confirmed that VEGFA was the target gene of miR-199a-5p from. The functional experiment demonstrated that VEGFA promoted the proliferation of DPCs, and antagonized the inhibitory effect of miR-199a-5p on DPCs proliferation. Taken together, this research revealed the role of miR-199a-5p and VEGFA on the proliferation of dermal papilla cells in cashmere goat, which would enrich the theoretical basis for hair follicle development, and could also serve as a marker cofactor to play an important reference and guidance role in the breeding, improvement and optimization of cashmere goat breeds.

Progress on the mechanism of natural products alleviating androgenetic alopecia

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) has become a widespread problem that leads to considerable impairment of the psyche and daily life. The currently approved medications for the treatment of AGA are associated with significant adverse effects, high costs, and prolonged treatment duration. Therefore, natural products are being considered as possible complementary or alternative treatments. This review aims to enhance comprehension of the mechanisms by which natural products treat AGA. To achieve this, pertinent studies were gathered and subjected to analysis. In addition, the therapeutic mechanisms associated with these natural products were organized and summarized. These include the direct modulation of signaling pathways such as the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, the PI3K/AKT pathway, and the BMP pathway. Additionally, they exert effects on cytokine secretion, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant capabilities, as well as apoptosis and autophagy. Furthermore, the review briefly discusses the relationship between signaling pathways and autophagy and apoptosis in the context of AGA, systematically presents the mechanisms of action of existing natural products, and analyzes the potential therapeutic targets based on the active components of these products. The aim is to provide a theoretical basis for the development of pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, or dietary supplements.

Signaling pathways in hair aging

Hair follicle (HF) homeostasis is regulated by various signaling pathways. Disruption of such homeostasis leads to HF disorders, such as alopecia, pigment loss, and hair aging, which is causing severe health problems and aesthetic concerns. Among these disorders, hair aging is characterized by hair graying, hair loss, hair follicle miniaturization (HFM), and structural changes to the hair shaft. Hair aging occurs under physiological conditions, while premature hair aging is often associated with certain pathological conditions. Numerous investigations have been made to determine the mechanisms and explore treatments to prevent hair aging. The most well-known hypotheses about hair aging include oxidative stress, hormonal disorders, inflammation, as well as DNA damage and repair defects. Ultimately, these factors pose threats to HF cells, especially stem cells such as hair follicle stem cells, melanocyte stem cells, and mesenchymal stem cells, which hamper hair regeneration and pigmentation. Here, we summarize previous studies investigating the above mechanisms and the existing therapeutic methods for hair aging. We also provide insights into hair aging research and discuss the limitations and outlook.

Schizochytrium sp. Extracted Lipids Prevent Alopecia by Enhancing Antioxidation and Inhibiting Ferroptosis of Dermal Papilla Cells

Alopecia has gradually become a problem that puzzles an increasing number of people. Dermal papilla cells (DPCs) play an important role in hair follicle (HF) growth; thus, exploring the effective chemicals or natural extracts that can remediate the growth of DPCs is vital. Our results showed that Schizochytrium sp.-extracted lipids (SEL) significantly promoted proliferation (up to 1.13 times) and survival ratio (up to 2.45 times) under oxidative stress. The treatment with SEL can protect DPCs against oxidative stress damage, reducing the reactive oxygen species (ROS) level by 90.7%. The relative gene transcription and translation were thoroughly analyzed using RNA-Seq, RT-qPCR, and Western blot to explore the mechanism. Results showed that SEL significantly inhibited the ferroptosis pathway and promoted the expression of antioxidant genes (up to 1.55-3.52 times). The in vivo application of SEL improved hair growth, with the length of new hair increasing by 16.7% and the length of new HF increasing by 92.6%, and the period of telogen shortening increased by 40.0%. This study proposes a novel therapeutic option for alopecia, with the effect and regulation mechanism of SEL on DPC systematically clarified.

Regulatory Effects of Thai Rice By-Product Extracts from Oryza sativa L. cv. Bue Bang 3 CMU and Bue Bang 4 CMU on Melanin Production, Nitric Oxide Secretion, and Steroid 5α-Reductase Inhibition

Alopecia and gray hair are common hair abnormalities affecting physical appearance and causing psychological problems. Chemical treatments partially restore hair disorders but have distressing side effects. Bioactive plant compounds constitute promising sources of potential medicinal substances instead of chemical agents, producing high side effects. In this study, we focused on the waste of local rice cultivars: Bue Bang 3 CMU (BB3CMU) and Bue Bang 4 CMU (BB4CMU) from the north of Thailand. The rice bran oil (RBO), defatted rice bran extract (DFRB), and rice husk (H) were determined for in vitro hair revitalization in melanin production, nitric oxide (NO) secretion, and steroid 5α-reductase inhibition. The results indicated that BB4CMU-RBO with high contents of iron, zinc, and free fatty acids showed a comparable induction of melanin production on melanocytes (130.18 ± 9.13% of control) to the standard drug theophylline with no significant difference (p > 0.05). This promising melanin induction could be related to activating the NO secretion pathway, with the NO secretion level at 1.43 ± 0.05 µM. In addition, BB4CMU-RBO illustrated a significant inhibitory effect on both steroid 5α-reductase genes (SRD5A) type 1 and type 2, which relates to its primary source of tocopherols. Hence, rice bran oil from the Thai rice variety BB4CMU could be applied as a promising hair revitalizing candidate, from natural resources, to help promote hair growth and re-pigmentation effects.

Chemical Composition, Antioxidant Potentials, and Calcium Oxalate Anticrystallization Activity of Polyphenol and Saponin Fractions from Argania spinosa L. Press Cake

A wide range of biological properties and a potent therapeutic and prophylactic effect on chronic diseases are all present in Argania spinosa L. press cake. The aim of this research is to valorize the anticrystallization properties against calcium oxalate crystals of Argania spinosa L. press cake fractions and identify its bioactive components. Chemical species identification was performed using GC–MS analysis. The turbidimetric model was used to investigate crystallization inhibition in vitro. Infrared spectroscopy technique was used to characterize the synthesized crystals. Furthermore, both DPPH and FRAP methods were used to assess antioxidant activity. The results show that the fractions are equally important in crystallization inhibition percentages of calcium oxalate crystals. For saponin and polyphenol fractions, the inhibition percentages are in the orders of 83.49% and 82.83%, respectively. The results of the antioxidant activity by DPPH method show that the two fractions are equally important in the elimination of free radicals; the inhibition percentages were 77.87 ± 4.21 and 89.92 ± 1.39 for both polyphenols and saponins, respectively. FRAP method showed that the absorbance increases proportionally with concentration, and the absorbance are almost similar for both fractions and reach maximum values in the orders of 0.52 ± 0.07 and 0.42 ± 0.03, respectively, for saponins and polyphenols. These findings demonstrate that both fractions are rich in bioactive chemicals and have an anticrystallization capacity, allowing them to be employed for the curative and prophylactic effects against urolithiasis.

Ethnobotany, traditional knowledge, and nutritional value of Argan (Argania spinosa (L.) Skeels) in Western Anti-Atlas of Morocco

The Souss region in Morocco is known nationally and internationally for its essential knowledge of traditional herbal medicine and the cultural heritage of nutrition. The endemic species Argania spinosa (L.) Skeels is an important crucial plant used by the local population to treat many diseases and prepare some authentic foods. To identify the therapeutic uses of the Argan tree [Argania spinosa (L.) Skeels] and their benefits in preparing authentic foods, the survey was conducted using semi-structured questionnaires. We have achieved 450 interviews with traditional health practitioners and knowledgeable villagers. In the region of Chtouka Aït Baha and Tiznit (Western Anti-Atlas). In parallel with this survey, we collected some old local manuscripts from conventional practitioners in the region. The data obtained were analyzed using specific ethnobotanical indices such as Use Value (UV), Fidelity Level (FL), and Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC). In parallel, we analyzed the nutritional value of some authentic foods derived the argan oil (Amlou, Tagoulla, and Labsis). All 450 interviewees use the argan oil in food or for the preparation of their authentic foods derived (Amlou, Tagoulla, and Labsis); among them, 100 persons use Argan, in addition to food, in the treatment of various diseases with UV and RFC at 1.94 and 0.22, respectively. Among eight treated diseases by argan tree, the treatment of skin and subcutaneous diseases had a very highly significant value of the FL index (98%). Similarly, the analysis of the manuscripts collected in the study area revealed an ancient therapeutic use of the argan tree. The results also show that the Argan oil extracted from the seed is used to prepare authentic foods with significant nutritional value, especially Amlou.

Integration Analysis of Transcriptome and Proteome Reveal the Mechanisms of Goat Wool Bending

Zhongwei goat is a unique Chinese native goat breed for excellent lamb fur. The pattern of flower spikes of the lamb fur was significantly reduced due to the reduction of the bending of the hair strands with growth. In order to explore the molecular mechanism underlying hair bending with growth, we performed the comprehensive analysis of transcriptome and proteome of skins from 45-days, 108-days and 365-days goat based on TMT-based quantitative proteomics and RNA-seq methods. In the three comparison groups, 356, 592 and 282 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were screened, respectively. KEGG pathway analysis indicated that DEPs were significantly enriched in a set of signaling pathways related to wool growth and bending, such as ECM-receptor interaction, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, PPAR signaling pathway, protein digestion and absorption, and metabolic pathways. In addition, 20 DEPs abundance of goat skin at three development stages were examined by PRM method, which validated the reliability of proteomic data. Among them, KRT and collagen alpha family may play an important role in the development of goat hair follicle and wool bending. COL6A1, COL6A2, CRNN, TNC and LOC102178129 were identified as candidate genes based on combined analysis of transcriptome and proteome data and PRM quantification. Our results identify the differential expressed proteins as well as pathways related to the wool bending of Zhongwei goats and provide a theoretical basis for further revealing the molecular mechanism underlying wool bending of goats.

Argan oil as a pretreatment of human hair before exposure to oxidative damage: Attenuated total reflectance and protein loss studies

INTRODUCTION

In recent years, argan oil has gained increasing interest in hair care products. In this study, attenuated total reflectance technique was utilized as a fast method and the results were compared to protein loss measurements in order to show the preventive effect of argan oil pre-treatment on excised human hair after oxidative hair damage.

METHODS

Hair tresses were divided into three groups: in group-1; they were damaged using oxidant agent solely, in group-2 and 3; hair were pre-treated with argan oil before undergoing the oxidative damage. In group-2, the oil was removed by physical cleaning but in group-3 the oil was removed with a washing procedure. ATR (attenuated total reflectance) spectrum was recorded for different samples. Quantitative studies of protein loss in hair samples were performed by Lowry method. The antioxidant properties of argan oil were also measured in vitro using 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) protocol, which determined the ability of the oil to scavenge the DPPH free radicals.

RESULTS

The amount of protein loss with oil pre-treated groups was reduced significantly. The ATR spectrum showed oil deposition on hair even after washing. Four distinctive ATR peaks were changed during oxidation. The changes in peak height values were linear. The antioxidant property measured with DPPH method led to a IC50 value of 59 µg/ml.

CONCLUSION

Argan oil pre-treatment was effective in protecting hair against oxidative damage. ATR outcomes were in accordance with protein loss results. In this study, the ATR testing method as a fast technique was used efficiently in quantification of hair damage.

Argan Oil: Chemical Composition, Extraction Process, and Quality Control

Argan oil is considered a relatively international product exported from Morocco, although different companies in Europe and North America distribute argan oil around the globe. Argan oil is non-refined vegetable oil, of the more well-known “virgin oil” type, is produced from the argan tree [Argania spinosa (L.) Skeels]. The argan tree is deemed to be an important forest species from both social and economic standpoints. Argan oil has rapidly emerged as an important product able to bring more income to the local population. In addition, it also has important environmental implications, owing to its ability to stand against desert progression. Currently, argan oil is mainly produced by women's cooperatives in Morocco using a semi-industrial mechanical extraction process. This allows the production of high-quality argan oil. Depending on the method used to prepare argan kernels, two types of argan oil can be obtained: food or cosmetic grade. Cosmetic argan oil is prepared from unroasted kernels, whereas food argan oil is achieved by cold pressing kernels roasted for a few minutes. Previously, the same food argan oil was prepared exclusively by women according to a laborious ancestral process. Extraction technology has been evolved to obtain high-quality argan oil at a large scale. The extraction process and several accompanying parameters can influence the quality, stability, and purity of argan oil. In view of this, the present review discusses different aspects related to argan oil chemical composition along with its nutritional and cosmetic values. Similarly, it details different processes used to prepare argan oil, as well as its quality control, oxidative stability, and authenticity assessment.

Ficus benghalensis as Potential Inhibitor of 5α-Reductase for Hair Growth Promotion: In Vitro, In Silico, and In Vivo Evaluation

The screening of hair follicles, dermal papilla cells, and keratinocytes through in vitro, in vivo, and histology has previously been reported to combat alopecia. Ficus benghalensis has been used conventionally to cure skin and hair disorders, although its effect on 5α-reductase II is still unknown. Currently, we aim to analyze the phytotherapeutic impact of F. benghalensis leaf extracts (FBLEs) for promoting hair growth in rabbits along with in vitro inhibition of the steroid isozyme 5α-reductase II. The inhibition of 5α-reductase II by FBLEs was assessed by RP-HPLC, using the NADPH cofactor as the reaction initiator and Minoxin (5%) as a positive control. In silico studies were performed using AutoDock Vina to visualize the interaction between 5α-reductase II and the reported phytoconstituents present in FBLEs. Hair growth in female albino rabbits was investigated by applying an oral dose of the FBLE formulation and control drug to the skin once a day. The skin tissues were examined by histology to see hair follicles. Further, FAAS, FTIR, and antioxidants were performed to check the trace elements and secondary metabolites in the FBLEs. The results of RP-HPLC and the binding energies showed that FBLEs reduced the catalytic activity of 5α-reductase II and improved cell proliferation in rabbits. The statistical analysis (p < 0.05 or 0.01) and percentage inhibition (>70%) suggested that hydroalcoholic FBLE has more potential in increasing hair growth by elongating hair follicle's anagen phase. FAAS, FTIR, and antioxidant experiments revealed sufficient concentrations of Zn, Cu, K, and Fe, together with the presence of polyphenols and scavenging activity in FBLE. Overall, we found that FBLEs are potent in stimulating hair follicle maturation by reducing the 5α-reductase II action, so they may serve as a principal choice in de novo drug designing to treat hair loss.

Ethnobotany, phytochemistry and biological properties of Argan tree (Argania spinosa (L.) Skeels) (Sapotaceae) - A review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The argan [Argania spinosa (L.) Skeels] is one of the most important floristic resource in Morocco, it is the only representative of the Sapotaceae family and Argania genus found in Morocco. This tree is fully exploited by the native populations for nutrition, medication and cosmetics. The argan oil extracted from seed is the main tree product for his large use.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

This review describes the traditional uses, chemical composition and biological activities of different the argan tree parts.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This review covers the literature available from 1972 to 2021. The informations were collected from electronic databases Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, SciFinder and Google Scholar.

RESULTS

Argan oil have been used for nutrition, and to treat several diseases, namely rheumatisms, hypercholesterolemia, atherosclerosis, lung infections, newborn gastrointestinal disorders, diabetes, skin and hair hydration. The other parts of Argan tree have been used to treat intestinal disorders, dermatosis, and hair caring, with additional uses such as livestock nutrition, carpentry and heating. The argan oil is primarily composed of unsaturated fatty acids mainly oleic and linoleic acids furthermore the chemical composition, of the others part, are very diversified (flavonoids, terpenoids, triacylglycerols, saponins. …). Diverse biological activities have been reported for argan oil, such as antioxidant, skin water retention, hair protection, cholesterol stabilization, antidiabetic, anticancer and antibacterial. Antimicrobial activities have been reported for argan leaves essential oils, when the fruit pulp organic extract presented very interesting antioxidant activity due to the presence of polyphenols. The argan cake is the seed waste produced during the extraction process, it is traditionally used for skin care and for livestock nutrition. Different biological activities of argan cake have been cited essentially antioxidant, haemoprotective, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial.