Annurca Apple Nutraceutical Formulation Enhances Keratin Expression in a Human Model of Skin and Promotes Hair Growth and Tropism in a Randomized Clinical Trial

RNA-seq and metabolomic analyses of beneficial plant phenol biochemical pathways in red alder

Red alder (Alnus rubra) has highly desirable wood, dye pigment, and (traditional) medicinal properties which have been capitalized on for thousands of years, including by Pacific West Coast Native Americans. A rapidly growing tree species native to North American western coastal and riparian regions, it undergoes symbiosis with actinobacterium Frankia via their nitrogen-fixing root nodules. Red alder's desirable properties are, however, largely attributed to its bioactive plant phenol metabolites, including for plant defense, for its attractive wood and bark coloration, and various beneficial medicinal properties. Integrated transcriptome and metabolome data analyses were carried out using buds, leaves, stems, roots, and root nodules from greenhouse grown red alder saplings with samples collected during different time-points (Spring, Summer, and Fall) of the growing season. Pollen and catkins were collected from field grown mature trees. Overall plant phenol biochemical pathways operative in red alder were determined, with a particular emphasis on potentially identifying candidates for the long unknown gateway entry points to the proanthocyanidin (PA) and ellagitannin metabolic classes, as well as in gaining better understanding of the biochemical basis of diarylheptanoid formation, i.e. that help define red alder's varied medicinal uses, and its extensive wood and dye usage.

A First-in-Class Pyrazole-isoxazole Enhanced Antifungal Activity of Voriconazole: Synergy Studies in an Azole-Resistant Candida albicans Strain, Computational Investigation and in Vivo Validation in a Galleria mellonella Fungal Infection Model

The widespread and irrational use of azole antifungal agents has led to an increase of azole-resistant Candida albicans strains with an urgent need for combination drug therapy, enhancing the treatment efficacy. Here, we report the discovery of a first-in-class pyrazole-isoxazole, namely, 5b, that showed remarkable growth inhibition against the C. albicans ATCC 10231 strain in combination with voriconazole, acting as a downregulator of ERG 11 (Cyp51) gene expression with a significant reduction of the yeast-to-hypha morphological transition. Furthermore, C. albicans CYP51 enzyme assay and in-depth molecular docking studies unveiled the unique ability of the combination of 5b and voriconazole to completely fill the CYP51 binding sites. In vivo studies using a Galleria mellonella model confirmed the previously in vitro observed synergistic effect of 5b with voriconazole. Also considering its biocompatibility in a cellular model of human keratinocytes, these results indicate that 5b represents a promising compound for a further optimization campaign.

Does an apple a day keep away diseases? Evidence and mechanism of action

Apples and their products exemplify the recently reemphasized link between dietary fruit intake and the alleviation of human disease. Their consumption does indeed improve human health due to their high phytochemical content. To identify potentially relevant articles from clinical trials, some epidemiological studies and meta-analyses, and in vitro and in vivo studies (cell cultures and animal models), PubMed was searched from January 1, 2012, to May 15, 2022. This review summarized the potential effects of apple and apple products (juices, puree, pomace, dried apples, extracts rich in apple bioactives and single apple bioactives) on health. Apples and apple products have protective effects against cardiovascular diseases, cancer, as well as mild cognitive impairment and promote hair growth, healing of burn wounds, improve the oral environment, prevent niacin-induced skin flushing, promote the relief of UV-induced skin pigmentation, and improve the symptoms of atopic dermatitis as well as cedar hay fever among others. These effects are associated with various mechanisms, such as vascular endothelial protection, blood lipids lowering, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiapoptotic, anti-invasion, and antimetastatic effects. Meanwhile, it has provided an important reference for the application and development of medicine, nutrition, and other fields.

Comparing Current Therapeutic Modalities of Androgenic Alopecia: A Literature Review of Clinical Trials

Androgenic alopecia (AGA), commonly known as male pattern baldness (MPB), is a hereditary condition characterized by hair follicles that are sensitive to androgens. This article focuses on examining the recent advancements in the comprehension and management of AGA. The genetic factors and pathophysiology of AGA, including the role of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and the androgen receptor gene, are discussed. The consequences of hair loss on self-esteem and identity, as well as on mental health, are examined. Diagnostic methods, such as the hair-pull test and trichoscopy, are discussed. The article also presents the Hamilton-Norwood classification, which is the most commonly employed system for classifying MPB. The article then delves into the various treatment options available, including topical minoxidil, oral finasteride, platelet-rich plasma therapy, low-level light therapy, hair transplant, and other alternative treatments. The efficacy and combination therapies for these treatments are examined. Additionally, emerging treatments such as caffeine-based solutions and prostaglandin inhibitors are discussed. By examining the recent advancements in AGA treatment, this article provides a comprehensive overview for healthcare professionals to make informed decisions when selecting the best treatment options for their patients.

Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins: An Updated Review of Their Natural Sources, Synthesis, and Potentials

Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins (OPCs), as a class of compounds widely found in plants, are particularly abundant in grapes and blueberries. It is a polymer comprising many different monomers, such as catechins and epicatechins. The monomers are usually linked to each other by two types of links, A-linkages (C-O-C) and B-linkages (C-C), to form the polymers. Numerous studies have shown that compared to high polymeric procyanidins, OPCs exhibit antioxidant properties due to the presence of multiple hydroxyl groups. This review describes the molecular structure and natural source of OPCs, their general synthesis pathway in plants, their antioxidant capacity, and potential applications, especially the anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, cardiovascular disease prevention, and antineoplastic functions. Currently, OPCs have attracted much attention, being non-toxic and natural antioxidants of plant origin that scavenge free radicals from the human body. This review would provide some references for further research on the biological functions of OPCs and their application in various fields.

Biomolecules of Fermented Tropical Fruits and Fermenting Microbes as Regulators of Human Hair Loss, Hair Quality, and Scalp Microbiota

Plant-derived secondary metabolites (polyphenols/terpenes/alkaloids) and microbial exometabolites/membrane components of fermented tropical fruits are known as highly bioavailable biomolecules causing skin and hair improvement effects (wound healing, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, antiacne, skin/hair microbiota balancing, hair growth-promoting, and hair loss-inhibiting). Caffein is considered as a hair growth promoter. A randomized placebo- and caffein-controlled clinical trial on the efficacy of fermented papaya (FP) plus fermented mangosteen (FM) towards human hair quality and loss was conducted. Shampoo and lotion hair care products containing FP, FM, and caffein as active agents were developed and applied to 154 subjects of both sexes with clinically confirmed androgenic or diffuse alopecia for 3 months. Their clinical efficacy was assessed subjectively by questionnaires filled in by dermatologists/trichologists, and by the objective trichomicroscopical calculations. Hair and scalp skin quality was determined by microbiota pattern and ATP, SH-groups, protein, and malonyl dialdehyde quantification. Comparative clinical data showed that the experimental hair care cosmetics significantly inhibited hair loss, increased hair density/thickness, and improved hair follicle structure versus placebo and caffein controls. The cosmetics with FP and FM substantially normalized the microbiota pattern and increased ATP content in hair follicle, while inhibiting lipid peroxidation in the scalp skin, and SH-group formation in the hair shaft.

Evaluation of the Safety and Effectiveness of Nutritional Supplements for Treating Hair Loss: A Systematic Review

Importance

Despite the widespread use of nutritional supplements and dietary interventions for treating hair loss, the safety and effectiveness of available products remain unclear.

Objective

To evaluate and compile the findings of all dietary and nutritional interventions for treatment of hair loss among individuals without a known baseline nutritional deficiency.

Evidence Review

The MEDLINE, Embase, and CINAHL databases were searched from inception through October 20, 2021, to identify articles written in English with original findings from investigations of dietary and nutritional interventions in individuals with alopecia or hair loss without a known baseline nutritional deficiency. Quality was assessed with Oxford Centre for Evidence Based Medicine criteria. Outcomes of interest were disease course, both objectively and subjectively measured. Data were evaluated from January 3 to 11, 2022.

Findings

The database searches yielded 6347 citations to which 11 articles from reference lists were added. Of this total, 30 articles were included: 17 randomized clinical trials (RCTs), 11 clinical studies (non-RCT), and 2 case series studies. No diet-based interventional studies met inclusion criteria. Studies of nutritional interventions with the highest-quality evidence showed the potential benefit of Viviscal, Nourkrin, Nutrafol, Lamdapil, Pantogar, capsaicin and isoflavone, omegas 3 and 6 with antioxidants, apple nutraceutical, total glucosides of paeony and compound glycyrrhizin tablets, zinc, tocotrienol, and pumpkin seed oil. Kimchi and cheonggukjang, vitamin D3, and Forti5 had low-quality evidence for disease course improvement. Adverse effects were rare and mild for all the therapies evaluated.

Conclusions and Relevance

The findings of this systematic review should be interpreted in the context of each study's design; however, this work suggests a potential role for nutritional supplements in the treatment of hair loss. Physicians should engage in shared decision-making by covering the potential risks and benefits of these treatments with patients experiencing hair loss. Future research should focus on larger RCTs with active comparators.

An Exploratory In Vivo Study on the Effect of Annurca Apple Extract on Hair Growth in Mice

Hair loss is an important problem affecting the quality of life in modern society. Recent studies show that Annurca apple extract (AAE), enriched in procyanidin B2 and nutraceuticals, promotes hair growth and induces keratin production. In this study, we investigated the effects of AAE by orally administering AAE in six-week-old C57BL/6 mice once a day for 21 d. We observed improvement in hair length, thickness, weight, and density. The gene expression of two growth factors related to hair growth, vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) and fibroblast growth factor 7 (FGF-7), were measured using the quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The gene expression of both VEGFA and FGF-7 increased significantly in the AAE-treated group. Additionally, treatment with AAE suppressed the gene expression of type 1 5α-reductase. Histological analysis showed that protein levels of cytokeratin 5 and 10 were increased in the skin tissues of the AAE-treated group. These results suggest that AAE might be a potential therapeutic natural product that prevents hair loss by promoting the expression of hair growth-related factors.

An overview of the genetic aspects of hair loss and its connection with nutrition

Hair loss is a widespread concern in dermatology clinics, affecting both men's and women's quality of life. Hair loss can have many different causes, which are critical to identify in order to provide appropriate treatment. Hair loss can happen due to many variables, such as genetic factors or predisposition, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, skin problems, hair growth disorders, poor diet, hormonal problems, certain internal diseases, drug use, stress and depression, cosmetic factors, childbirth, and the chemotherapy process. Treatment for hair loss varies depending on the type of alopecia, deficiency, or excess of structures such as vitamins and minerals, and also on hair and skin structure. The Mediterranean diet is characterized by low amounts of saturated fat, animal protein, and high amounts of unsaturated fat, fiber, polyphenols, and antioxidants. The main nutrients found in the Mediterranean Diet are rich in antioxidant, anti-inflammatory components. It also has an important place in hair loss treatment, since recently treatment strategies have included polyphenols and unsaturated oils more and more frequently. The goal of this work was to review published articles examining alopecia and its types, the many micronutrients that affect alopecia, and the role of the Mediterranean diet in alopecia. The literature shows that little is known about hair loss, nutritional factors, and diet, and that the data collected are conflicting. Given these differences, research into the function of diet and nutrition in the treatment of baldness is a dynamic and growing topic.

Errors in the implementation, analysis, and reporting of randomization within obesity and nutrition research: a guide to their avoidance

Randomization is an important tool used to establish causal inferences in studies designed to further our understanding of questions related to obesity and nutrition. To take advantage of the inferences afforded by randomization, scientific standards must be upheld during the planning, execution, analysis, and reporting of such studies. We discuss ten errors in randomized experiments from real-world examples from the literature and outline best practices for their avoidance. These ten errors include: representing nonrandom allocation as random, failing to adequately conceal allocation, not accounting for changing allocation ratios, replacing subjects in nonrandom ways, failing to account for non-independence, drawing inferences by comparing statistical significance from within-group comparisons instead of between-groups, pooling data and breaking the randomized design, failing to account for missing data, failing to report sufficient information to understand study methods, and failing to frame the causal question as testing the randomized assignment per se. We hope that these examples will aid researchers, reviewers, journal editors, and other readers to endeavor to a high standard of scientific rigor in randomized experiments within obesity and nutrition research.

Clinical Patterns of Hair Loss in Men: Is Dihydrotestosterone the Only Culprit?

A number of pathways and factors including oxidative stress, inflammation, prostaglandins, vasculogenesis, Wnt/β-catenin, and transforming growth factor-β have been shown to be important in male androgenetic alopecia. There is limited but increasing evidence of the potential usefulness of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, prostaglandins, and growth factors for treating of androgenetic alopecia. Lifestyle factors and comorbidities including cardiovascular risk factors have been shown to be associated with male androgenetic alopecia. Further study of these pathways, factors, and comorbidities is needed to better understand the pathophysiology, find potentially useful therapeutic targets, and ensure a comprehensive approach to the management of androgenetic alopecia in men.

Promelanogenic Effects by an Annurca Apple-Based Natural Formulation in Human Primary Melanocytes

Introduction

Melanocytes are engaged in synthesis, transport, and release of pigments at the epidermal-melanin units in response to the finely regulated melanogenic pathway. A multifaceted combination of both intrinsic and extrinsic factors – from endocrine and paracrine dynamics to exogenous stimuli such as sunlight and xenobiotics – modulates expression and activity of proteins involved in pigmentation, including the rate-limiting enzyme tyrosinase. As well as playing critical physiological functions comprising skin photoprotection, melanins define hair and skin pigmentation which in turn have impacted considerably to human social communication since time immemorial. Additionally, numerous skin diseases based on pigmentation alterations can have serious public influence. While several melanogenesis inhibitors are already available, the number of melanin activators and tyrosinase stimulators as drug-like agents is still limited.

Methods

To explore the biological effects of an Annurca Apple-based nutraceutical preparation (AMS) on melanin production, experiments in cellular models of human skin were performed. Both primary cultures and co-cultures of epidermal melanocytes (HEMa) and follicular keratinocytes (HHFK) were used.

Results

We show that AMS, by now branded for its cutaneous beneficial effects, induces in total biocompatibility a significant promelanogenic effect in human primary melanocytes. In line, we found melanin cytosolic accumulation consistent with tyrosinase up-regulation.

Conclusion

Disposal of skin pigmenting agents would be attractive for the treatment of hypopigmentation disorders, to postpone skin photoaging or simply for fashion, so that discovery and development of melanogenesis stimulators, especially from natural sources, is nowadays a dynamic area of research.

The Potential Role of Nutraceuticals as an Adjuvant in Breast Cancer Patients to Prevent Hair Loss Induced by Endocrine Therapy

Nutraceuticals, natural dietary and botanical supplements offering health benefits, provide a basis for complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Use of CAM by healthy individuals and patients with medical conditions is rapidly increasing. For the majority of breast cancer patients, treatment plans involve 5–10 yrs of endocrine therapy, but hair loss/thinning is a common side effect. Many women consider this significant, severely impacting on quality of life, even leading to non-compliance of therapy. Therefore, nutraceuticals that stimulate/maintain hair growth can be proposed. Although nutraceuticals are often available without prescription and taken at the discretion of patients, physicians can be reluctant to recommend them, even as adjuvants, since potential interactions with endocrine therapy have not been fully elucidated. It is, therefore, important to understand the modus operandi of ingredients to be confident that their use will not interfere/interact with therapy. The aim is to improve clinical/healthcare outcomes by combining specific nutraceuticals with conventional care whilst avoiding detrimental interactions. This review presents the current understanding of nutraceuticals beneficial to hair wellness and outcomes concerning efficacy/safety in breast cancer patients. We will focus on describing endocrine therapy and the role of estrogens in cancer and hair growth before evaluating the effects of natural ingredients on breast cancer and hair growth.

Biological Activity of MelAnnurca Flesh Apple Biophenols

Background:

The apple is among the most consumed fruits in the world and several studies suggest that apple polyphenols could play a role in preventing degenerative diseases. Recent studies have shown that polyphenols possess a high antioxidant and/or anti-proliferative power, therefore their food intake could play a decisive role in the prevention of various pathologies, in particular those associated with the production of free radicals. The Annurca apple (MelAnnurca), a variety from southern Italy, is called the "queen of apples" due to its remarkable organoleptic qualities: taste, flavor and aroma. The Annurca apple is a constituent component of the Mediterranean diet and its potential health benefit could be attributed to a large amount of bioactive components; in fact, this apple is characterized by an extremely high content of polyphenols.

Objective:

The aim of this paper was to review the most recent literature regarding the health benefits of Annurca apples and their phytochemicals. In particular, this review highlighted the effects of the flesh of this fruit on different types of human cells.

Methods:

A literature research was performed using the keywords “Annurca”, “apple”, “flesh”, “fruit”, “polyphenols”, “nutrition”, “nutraceuticals”, individually or all together, in Scopus, Web of Science and PubMed.

Results:

The MelAnnurca apple has a higher content of bioactive compounds (polyphenols) than other apples, making it an ideal source of nutraceuticals. Both the cytotoxic activity and the antioxidant effect of the extracts of polyphenols obtained from its flesh have been highlighted.

Conclusion:

These results give new insights for future implementation of the production chain of the Annurca apple in the area of Campania, Southern Italy. However, although evidence to support the health benefits of MelAnnurca apple polyphenols is rapidly accumulating, further human studies may be needed before the public is convinced and willing to incorporate the apple Annurca into their diet, accepting the idea that the integration of polyphenols has a beneficial effect on the health of the human body.

Protective Role of Nutritional Plants Containing Flavonoids in Hair Follicle Disruption: A Review

Hair loss is a disorder in which the hair falls out from skin areas such as the scalp and the body. Several studies suggest the use of herbal medicine to treat related disorders, including alopecia. Dermal microcirculation is essential for hair maintenance, and an insufficient blood supply can lead to hair follicles (HF) diseases. This work aims to provide an insight into the ethnohistorical records of some nutritional compounds containing flavonoids for their potential beneficial features in repairing or recovering from hair follicle disruption. We started from a query for “alopecia” OR “hair loss” AND “Panaxginseng C.A. Mey.“ (or other six botanicals) terms included in Pubmed and Web of Sciences articles. The activities of seven common botanicals introduced with diet (Panaxginseng C.A. Mey., Malus pumila Mill cultivar Annurca, Coffea arabica, Allium sativum L., Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze, Rosmarinum officinalis L., Capsicum annum L.) are discussed, which are believed to reduce the rate of hair loss or stimulate new hair growth. In this review, we pay our attention on the molecular mechanisms underlying the bioactivity of the aforementioned nutritional compounds in vivo, ex vivo and in vitro studies. There is a need for systematic evaluation of the most commonly used plants to confirm their anti-hair loss power, identify possible mechanisms of action, and recommend their best adoption.

Induction of Hair Keratins Expression by an Annurca Apple-Based Nutraceutical Formulation in Human Follicular Cells

Hair disorders may considerably impact the social and psychological well-being of an individual. Recent advances in the understanding the biology of hair have encouraged the research and development of novel and safer natural hair growth agents. In this context, we have previously demonstrated—at both preclinical and clinical level—that an Annurca apple-based dietary supplement (AMS), acting as a nutraceutical, is endowed with an intense hair-inductive activity (trichogenicity), at once increasing hair tropism and keratin content. Herein, in the framework of preclinical investigations, new experiments in primary human models of follicular keratinocytes and dermal papilla cells have been performed to give an insight around AMS biological effects on specific hair keratins expression. As well as confirming the biocompatibility and the antioxidant proprieties of our nutraceutical formulation, we have proven an engagement of trichokeratins production underlying its biological effects on human follicular cells. Annurca apples are particularly rich in oligomeric procyanidins, natural polyphenols belonging to the broader class of bioflavonoids believed to exert many beneficial health effects. To our knowledge, none of the current available remedies for hair loss has hitherto shown to stimulate the production of hair keratins so clearly.

Triterpene Acid and Phenolics from Ancient Apples of Friuli Venezia Giulia as Nutraceutical Ingredients: LC-MS Study and In Vitro Activities

Triterpene acid and phenolic constituents from nine ancient varieties of apple (Malus domestica) fruits cultivated in Fanna, Friuli Venezia Giulia region, northeast Italy, were analyzed and compared with four commercial apples ('Golden Delicious', 'Red Delicious', 'Granny Smith' and 'Royal Gala'). Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were measured by spectrophotometric assays. The quali-quantitative fingerprint of secondary metabolites including triterpene acid was obtained by LC-DAD-(ESI)-MS and LC-(APCI)-MS, respectively. Based on the two LC-MS datasets, multivariate analysis was used to compare the composition of ancient fruit varieties with those of four commercial apples. Significant differences related mainly to the pattern of triterpene acids were found. Pomolic, euscaphyc, maslinic and ursolic acids are the most abundant triterpene in ancient varieties pulps and peels, while ursolic and oleanolic acids were prevalent in the commercial fruits. Also, the content of the phenolic compounds phloretin-2-O-xyloglucoside and quercetin-3-O-arabinoside was greater in ancient apple varieties. The antioxidant (radical scavenging, reducing power, metal chelating and phosphomolybdenum assays) and enzyme inhibitory effects (against cholinesterase, tyrosinase, amylase and glucosidase) of the samples were investigated in vitro. Antioxidant assays showed that the peels were more active than pulps. However, all the samples exhibited similar enzyme inhibitory effects. Ancient Friuli Venezia Giulia apple cultivars can be a source of chlorogenic acid and various triterpene acids, which are known for their potential anti-inflammatory activity and beneficial effects on lipid and glucose metabolism. Our results make these ancient varieties suitable for the development of new nutraceutical ingredients.

Complementary and Alternative Treatments for Alopecia: A Comprehensive Review

The treatment of alopecia is limited by a lack of therapies that induce and sustain disease remission. Given the negative psychosocial impact of hair loss, patients that do not see significant hair restoration with conventional therapies often turn to complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Although there are a variety of CAM treatment options on the market for alopecia, only a few are backed by multiple randomized controlled trials. Further, these modalities are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration and there is a lack of standardization of bioactive in gredients in over-the-counter vitamins, herbs, and supplements. In this article, we provide a comprehensive review of the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of CAM, including natural products and mind and body practices, in the treatment of hair loss. Overall, there is a need for additional studies investigating CAM for alopecia with more robust clinical design and standardized, quantitative outcomes.

Development of Health Products from Natural Sources

BioActive Compounds (BACs) recovered from food or food by-product matrices are useful in maintaining well being, enhancing human health, and modulating immune function to prevent or to treat chronic diseases. They are also generally seen by final consumers as safe, non-toxic and environment-friendly. Despite the complex process of production, chemical characterization, and assessment of health effects, BACs must also be manufactured in stable and bioactive ingredients to be used in pharmaceutical, food and nutraceutical industry. Generally, vegetable derivatives occur as sticky raw materials with pervasive smell and displeasing flavor. Also, they show critical water solubility and dramatic stability behavior over time, involving practical difficulties for industrial use. Therefore, the development of novel functional health products from natural sources requires the design of a suitable formulation to delivery BACs at the site of action, preserve stability during processing and storage, slow down the degradation processes, mask lousy tasting or smell, and increase the bioavailability, while maintaining the BACs functionality. The present review focuses on human health benefits, BACs composition, and innovative technologies or formulation approaches of natural ingredients from some selected foods and by-products from industrial food transformations.

Annurca Apple Polyphenols Protect Murine Hair Follicles from Taxane Induced Dystrophy and Hijacks Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Metabolism toward β-Oxidation

Chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA) is a common side effect of conventional chemotherapy and represents a major problem in clinical oncology. Even months after the end of chemotherapy, many cancer patients complain of hair loss, a condition that is psychologically difficult to manage. CIA disturbs social and sexual interactions and causes anxiety and depression. Synthetic drugs protecting from CIA and endowed with hair growth stimulatory properties are prescribed with caution by oncologists. Hormones, growth factors, morphogens could unwontedly protect tumour cells or induce cancer cell proliferation and are thus considered incompatible with many chemotherapy regimens. Nutraceuticals, on the contrary, have been shown to be safe and effective treatment options for hair loss. We here show that polyphenols from Malus Pumila Miller cv Annurca are endowed with hair growth promoting activity and can be considered a safe alternative to avoid CIA. In vitro, Annurca Apple Polyphenolic Extract (AAE) protects murine Hair Follicles (HF) from taxanes induced dystrophy. Moreover, in virtue of its mechanism of action, AAE is herein proven to be compatible with chemotherapy regimens. AAE forces HFs to produce ATP using mitochondrial β-oxidation, reducing Pentose Phosphate Pathway (PPP) rate and nucleotides production. As consequence, DNA replication and mitosis are not stimulated, while a pool of free amino acids usually involved in catabolic reactions are spared for keratin production. Moreover, measuring the effect exerted on Poly Unsaturated Fatty Acid (PUFA) metabolism, we prove that AAE promotes hair-growth by increasing the intracellular levels of Prostaglandins F2α (PGF2α) and by hijacking PUFA catabolites toward β-oxidation.

Annurca Apple Polyphenols Ignite Keratin Production in Hair Follicles by Inhibiting the Pentose Phosphate Pathway and Amino Acid Oxidation

Patterned hair loss (PHL) affects around 50% of the adult population worldwide. The negative impact that this condition exerts on people’s life quality has boosted the appearance of over-the-counter products endowed with hair-promoting activity. Nutraceuticals enriched in polyphenols have been recently shown to promote hair growth and counteract PHL. Malus pumila Miller cv. Annurca is an apple native to Southern Italy presenting one of the highest contents of Procyanidin B2. We have recently shown that oral consumption of Annurca polyphenolic extracts (AAE) stimulates hair growth, hair number, hair weight and keratin content in healthy human subjects. Despite its activity, the analysis of the molecular mechanism behind its hair promoting effect is still partially unclear. In this work we performed an unprecedented metabolite analysis of hair follicles (HFs) in mice topically treated with AAE. The metabolomic profile, based on a high-resolution mass spectrometry approach, revealed that AAE re-programs murine HF metabolism. AAE acts by inhibiting several NADPH dependent reactions. Glutaminolysis, pentose phosphate pathway, glutathione, citrulline and nucleotide synthesis are all halted in vivo by the treatment of HFs with AAE. On the contrary, mitochondrial respiration, β-oxidation and keratin production are stimulated by the treatment with AAE. The metabolic shift induced by AAE spares amino acids from being oxidized, ultimately keeping them available for keratin biosynthesis.