Exploring the potential effect and mechanisms of protocatechuic acid on human hair follicle melanocytes

Hair Regeneration Effects of Lespedeza bicolor Extract In Vivo and In Vitro

Alopecia is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with various causes. Lespedeza bicolor extract (LBE) has been reported to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects. In this study, the activity and mechanisms of LBE as a hair growth agent were investigated. Effects of cell proliferation, cytotoxicity, and cell cycle regulation of LBE and its active component protocatechuic acid (PCA) were evaluated in human dermal papilla cells (DPCs). Hair regeneration effects of LBE in 6-week-old C57BL/6 male mice were also determined using positive control 5% minoxidil. The dose-dependent proliferation of DPCs was estimated in response to LBE treatment (0.8–20 µg/mL). Additionally, significant extension of the anagen phase during the hair cell cycle upon LBE treatment was observed histologically and morphologically. Cell cycle arrest gene expression was determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Lespedezabicolor could be a potent treatment against alopecia through enhancing DPC proliferation and hair regrowth via anagen phase arrest.