Observation of the Expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and the Potential Effect of Promoting Hair Growth Treated with Chinese Herbal BeauTop

Hair growth-promoting effects of Enz_MoriL on human dermal papilla cells through modulation of the Wnt/β-Catenin and JAK-STAT signaling pathways

Enz_MoriL is a naturally occurring substance extracted from the leaves of Morus alba L. through enzymatic conversion. Historically, M. alba L. has been recognized for its potential to promote hair regrowth. However, the precise mechanism by which Enz_MoriL affects human hair follicle dermal papilla cells (hDPCs) remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the molecular basis of Enz_MoriL's effect on hair growth in hDPCs. Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) was used to examine the effects of Enz_MoriL on hDPCs during the anagen and catagen phases, as well as under conditions mimicking alopecia areata (AA). Enz_MoriL demonstrated the ability to promote cell proliferation in both anagen and catagen stages. It increased the levels of active β-catenin in the catagen stage induced by IFN-γ, leading to its nuclear translocation. This effect was achieved by increasing the phosphorylation of GSK3β and decreasing the expression of DKK-1. This stimulation induced proliferation in hDPCs and upregulated the expression of the Wnt family members 3a, 5a, and 7a at the transcript level. Additionally, Enz_MoriL suppressed JAK1 and STAT3 phosphorylation, contrasting with IFN-γ, which induced them in the catagen stage. In conclusion, Enz_MoriL directly induced signals for anagen re-entry into hDPCs by affecting the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and enhancing the production of growth factors. Furthermore, Enz_MoriL attenuated and reversed the interferon-induced AA-like environment by blocking the JAK-STAT pathway in hDPCs.

Justicia procumbens prevents hair loss in androgenic alopecia mice

The plant Justicia procumbens is traditionally used in Asia to treat fever, cough, and pain. Previous studies have reported its anticancer and anti-asthmatic properties. However, its potential for preventing androgenic alopecia (AGA) has not yet been reported. AGA is a widespread hair loss condition primarily caused by male hormones. In this study, we examined the hair loss-preventing effects of an aqueous extract of J. procumbens (JPAE) using human hair follicle dermal papilla cell (HFDPC) and a mouse model of testosterone-induced AGA. JPAE treatment increased HFDPC proliferation by activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Additionally, JPAE increased the expression of Wnt targets, such as cyclin D1 and VEGF, by promoting the translocation of β-catenin to the nucleus. Administration of JPAE reduced hair loss, increased hair thickness, and enhanced hair shine in an AGA mouse model. Furthermore, it increased the expression of p-GSK-3β and β-catenin in the dorsal skin of the mice. These findings imply that JPAE promotes the proliferation of HFDPC and prevents hair loss in an AGA mouse model. JPAE can therefore be used as a functional food and natural treatment option for AGA to prevent hair loss.

BFNB Enhances Hair Growth in C57BL/6 Mice through the Induction of EGF and FGF7 Factors and the PI3K-AKT-β-Catenin Pathway

The objective of this study was to investigate the potential effects of a formulation derived from the bioactive fraction of nanostructured Bacopa procumbens (BFNB) on the promotion of hair growth in C57BL/6 mice. The characterization of the follicular phases and histomorphological analysis showed that the topical application of the formulation for 15 days significantly increased pigmentation and hair growth on the dorsum and head of the mice. Additionally, an acceleration of the follicular cycle phases was observed, along with an increase in the number of follicles, hair length, and diameter, compared to mice treated with minoxidil. In silico analysis and molecular characterization demonstrated that BFNB enhances the expression of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and fibroblast growth factor 7 (FGF7), activating the PI3K-AKT-β-catenin signaling pathway, as well as the expression of PCNA, KI-67, Cyclin D1, and Cyclin E, regulating the cell cycle and cell proliferation, crucial events for hair regeneration. Our results strongly suggest the utility of BFNB as a therapeutic alternative to stimulate hair growth and promote hair health.

The Hair Growth-Promoting Effect of Gardenia florida Fruit Extract and Its Molecular Regulation

As a herbal medicine, the extract from the fruits of Gardenia florida has been widely used for its antioxidative, hypoglycemic, and anti-inflammatory properties. However, whether G. florida fruit extract (GFFE) regulates hair growth has been rarely studied. This study was the first application of GFFE on hair growth both in vitro (human dermal papilla cells, hDPCs) and in vivo (C57BL/6 mice). The effects of GFFE on cell proliferation and hair growth-associated gene expression in hDPCs were examined. Moreover, GFFE was applied topically on the hair-shaved skin of male C57BL/6 mice, the hair length was measured, and the skin histological profile was investigated. GFFE promoted the proliferation of hDPCs and significantly stimulated hair growth-promoting genes, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and Wnt/β-catenin signals, but suppressed the expression of the hair loss-related gene transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β). Furthermore, GFFE treatment resulted in a significant increase in the number, size, and depth of cultured hair follicles and stimulated the growth of hair with local effects in mice. In summary, the results provided the preclinical data to support the much potential use of the natural product GFFE as a promising agent for hair growth.

Phytochemical Constitution, Anti-Inflammation, Anti-Androgen, and Hair Growth-Promoting Potential of Shallot (Allium ascalonicum L.) Extract

In Thai folklore wisdom, shallot (Allium ascalonicum L.) was applied as a traditional herbal medicine for hair growth promotion with no scientific evidence. Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a progressive hair loss caused by multiple factors, including androgen hormones, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Conventional medicines (finasteride, dutasteride, corticosteroids, and minoxidil) have been used with limited therapeutic efficacy and unpleasant side effects. In this study, we aimed to give the first estimation of bioactive compounds in shallot extract and evaluate the hair growth-promoting activities regarding anti-inflammatory and gene expression modulation involving androgen, Wnt/β-catenin, sonic hedgehog, and angiogenesis pathways. The results reveal that phenolic compounds (quercetin, rosmarinic, and p-coumaric acids) are the major constituents of the methanolic shallot extract. Compared with the lipopolysaccharide-stimulated control group (2.68 ± 0.13 µM), nitric oxide production was remarkably diminished by shallot extract (0.55 ± 0.06 µM). Shallot extract improves hair growth promotion activity, as reflected by the downregulation of the androgen gene expression (SRD5A1 and SRD5A2) and the upregulation of the genes associated with Wnt/β-catenin (CTNNB1), sonic hedgehog (SHH, SMO, and GIL1), and angiogenesis (VEGF) pathways. These findings disclose the new insights of shallot extract on hair growth promotions. Shallot extract could be further developed as nutraceutical, nutricosmetic, and cosmeceutical preparations for AGA treatment.