Search Results (74)

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a common progressive hair loss disorder driven by elevated dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels, leading to follicular miniaturization. This study investigated sulforaphane-rich broccoli sprout extract (BSE) as a potential oral therapy for AGA. BSE exhibited dose-dependent proliferative and migratory effects on keratinocytes, dermal fibroblasts, and dermal papilla cells, showing greater in vitro activity than sulforaphane (SFN) and minoxidil under the tested conditions, while maintaining low cytotoxicity. In a testosterone-induced AGA mouse model, oral BSE significantly accelerated hair regrowth, with 20 mg/kg achieving 99% recovery by day 15, alongside increased follicle length, density, and hair weight. Mechanistically, BSE upregulated hepatic and dermal DHT-metabolizing enzymes (Akr1c21, Dhrs9) and activated Wnt/β-catenin signaling in the skin, suggesting dual actions via androgen metabolism modulation and follicular regeneration. Pharmacokinetic analysis revealed prolonged SFN plasma exposure following BSE administration, and in silico docking showed strong binding affinities of key BSE constituents to Akr1c2 and β-catenin. No systemic toxicity was observed in liver histology. These findings indicate that BSE may serve as a safe, effective, and multitargeted natural therapy for AGA. Further clinical studies are needed to validate its efficacy in human populations. Full article

Perilla seed has long been recognized in traditional diets for its health-promoting properties, but its potential role in hair loss prevention remains underexplored. This study compared three extraction methods—maceration (MAC), screw pressing (SC), and supercritical fluid extraction (SFE)—to determine their efficiency in recovering bioactive compounds and their effects on androgenetic alopecia (AGA)-related pathways. The SFE extract contained the highest levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids and tocopherols, while MAC uniquely recovered a broader range of polyphenols. Among all extracts, SFE-derived perilla seed extract showed the most consistent biological effects, promoting proliferation of human hair follicle dermal papilla cells (HFDPCs) by 139.4 ± 1.1% at 72 h (p < 0.05). It also reduced TBARS and nitrite levels in HFDPCs to 66.75 ± 0.62% of control and 0.87 ± 0.01 μM, respectively, indicating strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Importantly, the SFE extract significantly downregulated SRD5A1-3 and TGF-β1 expression—key genes involved in androgen-mediated hair follicle regression—outperforming finasteride, dutasteride, and minoxidil in vitro by approximately 1.10-fold, 1.25-fold, and 1.50-fold, respectively (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that perilla seed extract obtained via supercritical fluid extraction may offer potential as a natural candidate to prevent hair loss through multiple biological mechanisms. These in vitro results support its further investigation for potential application in functional food or nutraceutical development targeting scalp and hair health. Full article

(1) Background: As society progresses, increasing numbers of individuals are experiencing hair loss, which can be attributed to factors such as unhealthy diets, insufficient sleep, stress, and hormonal imbalances. Currently available pharmacological treatments for hair loss often cause undesirable side effects, highlighting the urgent need to explore safer and more effective agents to promote hair restoration. This study investigated the role of recombinant human type XVII collagen derived from the α1 chain (rhCOL17A1) in facilitating hair growth and restoration. (2) Methods: We analyzed the impact of rhCOL17A1 on the mRNA expression of several growth factors, as well as Bcl-2 and Bax, at the cellular level. Moreover, the effects of rhCOL17A1 on the expression of key proteins in the Wnt/β-catenin and Sonic Hedgehog (SHH)/GLI signaling pathways were examined by Western blotting (WB). At the organismal level, we established a model in C57BL/6 mice through chronic subcutaneous administration of 5% testosterone propionate. We subsequently assessed the effect of rhCOL17A1 on hair regrowth via histological analysis using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and immunofluorescence staining. (3) Results: rhCOL17A1 contributes to the resistance of hair follicle dermal papilla cells (HFDPCs) to apoptosis. rhCOL17A1 activates the Wnt/β-catenin and SHH/GLI signaling pathways, and increases the expression of type XVII collagen (COLXVII), thereby creating a favorable environment for hair growth. Furthermore, rhCOL17A1 exerts a significant growth-promoting effect at the animal level. (4) Conclusions: rhCOL17 promotes hair growth by activating the Wnt/β-catenin and SHH/GLI signaling pathways and upregulating COLXVII expression. Full article

Excessive hair loss can negatively impact psychological well-being and personal appearance. Providing effective hair growth products containing natural ingredients to people with hair loss can solve this problem. This study investigates Biosea^® Revive serum (BRS), a novel hair care product containing biotinoyl tripeptide-1 and Phyllanthus emblica fruit extract as the main ingredients, as a natural intervention for hair growth. Results from the in vitro study demonstrates that BRS not only increased human hair dermal papilla cell (HHDPC) cell proliferation, but also reduced reactive oxygen species generation and 5α-reductase expression when compared to the control group, with BRS showing similar effect to the positive control, minoxidil. In addition, a 90-day clinical trial with 40 participants (KMUHIRB-F(I)-20230125; approval date: 18 August 2023) was conducted to assess the effectiveness and safety of BRS. The results revealed that BRS can improve hair density and quality in both men and women participants, with a significant reduction in transepidermal water loss (TEWL) in women (p < 0.05). Moreover, there were no adverse effects on blood parameters or scalp irritation reported after BRS treatment. In conclusion, we suggest that BRS offers a safe and effective solution for improving hair follicle health and is suitable for long-term use. Full article

Hair luster, a key component of visual hair quality, depends largely on the integrity of the cuticle. While cosmetic products offer temporarily enhanced luster, their effects are limited due to a poor understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms. In this study, we employed a UVB-induced mouse model of hair luster loss to identify differentially expressed genes via quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR. Key candidate genes were subsequently validated in vitro using human hair follicle dermal papilla cells and in ex vivo human scalp hair follicle tissue models. Subsequently, we evaluated the effects of minoxidil, caffeine, and biotin on gene expression and luster restoration. UVB exposure suppressed several luster-related genes, with COL7A1 consistently downregulated across all models. Treatment with minoxidil, caffeine, and biotin restored the expression of COL7A1 along with KRTAP5-5, KRTAP5-4, TGM3, and PTK7. These findings highlight COL7A1 as a novel molecular marker for hair luster and support its modulation as a potential therapeutic strategy. Full article

Hair loss is often associated with oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in human follicle dermal papilla cells (HFDPCs), resulting in impaired cellular function and follicle degeneration. Thus, many studies have been conducted on natural plants aimed at inhibiting hair loss. This study investigated the therapeutic potential of exosomes derived from the rhizomes of Iris germanica L. (Iris-exosomes) in HFDPCs damaged by dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Iris-exosomes significantly reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, restoring mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP production, thereby mitigating oxidative stress and improving mitochondrial function. These effects occurred alongside enhanced cellular processes critical for hair follicle regeneration, including increased cell migration, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and three-dimensional (3D) spheroid formation, which replicates the follicle-like microenvironment and promotes inductive potential. Furthermore, Iris-exosomes stimulated the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway by enhancing glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β), AKT, and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), leading to β-catenin stabilization and nuclear translocation, thereby supporting the expression of genes essential for hair growth. Taken together, these findings suggest that Iris-exosomes can be promising ingredients for alleviating hair loss. Full article

Hair loss, a prevalent condition affecting individuals across various demographics, is associated with hormonal imbalances, oxidative stress, inflammation, and environmental factors. This study evaluated the anti-hair loss potential of the water-soluble fraction of Rhus semialata gall extract (WRGE) and its primary component, Penta-O-Galloyl-β-D-Glucose (PGG), through both in vitro and clinical studies. WRGE was obtained using a standardized extraction process, and PGG was identified via HPLC-DAD and HRESIMS/MS techniques. Human dermal papilla cells (HDPCs) are specialized fibroblasts that can regulate the hair growth cycle and hair follicle growth. HDPCs are widely used in research focused on anti-hair loss. In this study, the anti-hair loss effects of WRGE and PGG on HDPCs were confirmed. WRGE and PGG enhance cell proliferation in HDPCs. These results are associated with the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and the upregulation of hair growth factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and fibroblast growth factor (FGF). Furthermore, WRGE and PGG significantly inhibited dihydrotestosterone (DHT)-mediated DKK-1 secretion and H₂O₂-medicated cytotoxicity. Clinical trials further validated these results, demonstrating significant improvements in hair density and visual hair appearance scores in participants treated with WRGE compared to a placebo group. These results collectively suggest that WRGE and PGG may serve as promising natural agents for the prevention and treatment of hair loss by targeting multiple biological pathways, including the regulation of hair growth factors, oxidative stress, and hormonal imbalances. Full article

Androgenetic alopecia is the most common cause of hair loss for women and men. Current treatments for androgenetic alopecia, such as those based on drugs like Minoxidil, Finasteride, or Dutasteride, have been associated with a variety of side effects, such as irritation, contact dermatitis, scalp pruritus, burning, etc. In this regard, plant extracts have emerged as promising alternatives to available chemical-based treatments for androgenetic alopecia given their efficacy, customer acceptability, and potentially minimized side effects. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of Kyoh^®, an extract from rocket leaves, as a treatment to improve the signs of androgenetic alopecia. We found that Kyoh^® contained 2.1% total flavonoids, with kaempferol, quercetin, and isorhamnetin diglucosides being the most abundant. Additionally, Kyoh^® showed a stimulating effect on the growth of human dermal follicle papilla cells in laboratory conditions. Most importantly, Kyoh^® enhanced the gene expression of the hair growth-associated growth factors VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor) and FGF7 (Fibroblast Growth Factor 7). Specifically, VEGF expression increased by 60.7% after 4 h and 267.3% after 24 h, while FGF7 expression increased by 50.3% after 4 h and 244.3% after 24 h, indicating both a rapid induction of gene expression and a sustained effect lasting at least one day. Moreover, Kyoh^® increased the gene expression of NRF2 (Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2) by 71.2%, which encodes for a protein participating in the antioxidant response. Overall, our study shows that flavonol-rich rocket extract (Kyoh^®) is a promising treatment for promoting hair growth, demonstrated by its proliferation-promoting effect, potential antioxidant priming, and induction of the expression of growth factors associated with hair growth and health. Full article

Hair loss is influenced by various stresses and disruptions in the hair growth cycle within hair follicles. The activation of these follicles is primarily driven by dermal papilla cells, which play a central role in the progression of the hair growth cycle and formation. Many studies are being carried out on various natural plants to improve hair loss. In this study, we assessed the potential of Astragalus sinicus, known as a pharmacological herb, in mitigating damage to human follicle dermal papilla cells (HFDPCs) caused by dihydrotestosterone (DHT). We found that Astragalus sinicus extracts (ASEs) facilitated wound healing and elevated alkaline phosphatase expression in DHT-damaged HFDPCs. ASEs also significantly reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by DHT and increased ATP levels by restoring mitochondrial membrane potential in damaged cells. Furthermore, we demonstrated that ASEs substantially enhanced the phosphorylation levels of the AKT/ERK pathway and activated the Wnt signaling pathway in DHT-damaged HFDPCs. Taken together, we suggest that ASEs may be a potential ingredient for enhancing hair loss treatment. Full article

We previously demonstrated that C-X-C Motif Chemokine Ligand 12 (CXCL12) is primarily secreted by dermal fibroblasts in response to androgens and induces hair miniaturization in the mouse androgenic alopecia (AGA) model. However, the direct effects of androgen-induced CXCL12 on dermal papilla cells (DPCs) and dermal sheath cup cells (DSCs) have not been demonstrated. First, we compared single-cell RNA sequencing data between mouse and human skin, and the results show that CXCL12 is highly co-expressed with the androgen receptor (AR) in the DPCs and DSCs of only human hair. Immunohistochemistry also showed that CXCL12 is co-expressed with the AR in the DPCs and DSCs of human hair follicles. In human hair organ culture, androgens also increased CXCL12 expression in DPCs and DSCs and reduced hair length, while the CXCL12 antibody increased hair length via AR inactivation. CXCL12 mRNA was upregulated by androgen treatment in primary human DPCs and DSCs. On the contrary, AR inhibitors or siRNA treatment reduced CXCL12 expression. Collectively, these results suggest that CXCL12 is co-expressed with the AR in the DPCs and DSCs of human hair follicles; therefore, inhibition of CXCL12 using antibodies is a promising strategy for AGA treatment. Full article

The hair follicle is a complex of mesenchymal and epithelial cells acquiring different properties and characteristics responsible for fulfilling its inductive and regenerative role. The epidermal and dermal crosstalk induces morphogenesis and maintains hair follicle cycling properties. The hair follicle is enriched with pluripotent stem cells, where dermal papilla (DP) cells and dermal sheath (DS) cells constitute the dermal compartment and the epithelial stem cells existing in the bulge region exert their regenerative role by mediating the epithelial–mesenchymal interaction (EMI). Many studies have developed and focused on various methods to optimize the EMI through in vivo and in vitro approaches for hair regeneration. The culturing of human hair mesenchymal cells resulted in the loss of trichogenicity and inductive properties of DP cells, limiting their potential application in de novo hair follicle generation in vivo. Epithelial stem cells derived from human hair follicles are challenging to isolate and culture, making it difficult to obtain enough cells for hair regeneration purposes. Mesenchymal stem cells and epithelial stem cells derived from human hair follicles lose their ability to form hair follicles during culture, limiting the study of hair follicle formation in vivo. Therefore, many attempts and methods have been developed to overcome these limitations. Here, we review the possible and necessary cell methods and techniques used for human hair follicle regeneration and the restoration of hair follicle cell inductivity in culture. Full article

Background: Deer placenta extract (DPE), rich in bioactive macromolecules, promotes regenerative effects in both normal and damaged cells. However, effective delivery of these macromolecules through the skin remains a challenge. Objectives: To investigate the potential of DPE in regenerating hair cells and to develop a nanoniosome (NS) and microspicule (MS) formulation as a promising transfollicular delivery system. Methods: The bioactivity of DPE was assessed in human follicle dermal papilla (HFDP) cells, including cells damaged by chemotherapy. The NS-MS formulation was designed to deliver biomacromolecules from DPE into skin and hair follicles. Results: DPE at 2000 µg/mL exhibited no cytotoxicity and significantly enhanced proliferation in both normal and cisplatin-treated HFDP cells. The DPE-loaded NSs displayed nanovesicles with a uniform size distribution and a negative surface charge. When incorporated into the MS gel, NS-MS demonstrated a synergistic effect, significantly enhancing the transdermal and transfollicular delivery of macromolecular protein into the skin layers and hair follicles. Conclusions: DPE promoted hair cell proliferation and facilitated the recovery of hair cells damaged by chemotherapy, especially when formulated into the NS-MS system, which effectively delivered bioactive macromolecules to the target site. This suggests its potential role in promoting hair regrowth. Full article

This study investigated the multifaceted benefits of Desmodesmus pannonicus water extract across various cell lines, including murine B16F1 melanoma cells, human keratinocyte HaCaT cells, and human follicle dermal papilla cells (HFDPCs), to assess its potential in skin health improvement. Initially, the antioxidant capacity of the extract was evaluated using the ABTS assay, revealing significant radical scavenging activity, indicating strong antioxidative properties. Subsequently, D. pannonicus extract showed notable inhibition of α-MSH-enhanced melanin production in B16F1 cells without cell toxicity by suppressing tyrosinase expression. Furthermore, the extract significantly promoted cell migration and enhanced wound healing in HaCaT cells, accompanied by an upregulation of VEGF and MMP mRNA levels, which are crucial for the wound healing process. In addition, we investigated the effect of D. pannonicus extract on hair growth-related genes in HFDPCs. Despite a slight reduction in VEGF mRNA levels, an increase in CTGF and HGF1 mRNA levels was observed, alongside a significant down-regulation of TGFβ1, highlighting the extract’s potential to promote hair growth and exhibit antiandrogenic effects. Collectively, these findings demonstrated the therapeutic potential of D. pannonicus extract in treating hyperpigmentation, enhancing wound healing, and promoting hair growth, making it a promising candidate for future dermatological applications. Full article

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is caused by the impact of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) on hair follicles, leading to progressive hair loss in men and women. In this study, we developed caffeine-loaded hollow mesoporous silica nanoparticles coated with ultradeformable liposomes (ULp-Caf@HMSNs) to enhance caffeine delivery to hair follicles. Caffeine, known to inhibit DHT formation, faces challenges in skin penetration due to its hydrophilic nature. We investigated caffeine encapsulated in liposomes, hollow mesoporous silica nanoparticles (HMSNs), and ultradeformable liposome-coated HMSNs to optimize drug delivery and release. For ultradeformable liposomes (ULs), the amount of polysorbate 20 and polysorbate 80 was varied. TEM images confirmed the mesoporous shell and hollow core structure of HMSNs, with a shell thickness of 25–35 nm and a hollow space of 80–100 nm. SEM and TEM analysis showed particle sizes ranging from 140–160 nm. Thermal stability tests showed that HMSNs coated with ULs exhibited a Td₁₀ value of 325 °C and 70% residue ash, indicating good thermal stability. Caffeine release experiments indicated that the highest release occurred in caffeine-loaded HMSNs without a liposome coating. In contrast, systems incorporating ULp-Caf@HMSNs exhibited slower release rates, attributable to the dual encapsulation mechanism. Confocal laser scanning microscopy revealed that ULs-coated particles penetrated deeper into the skin than non-liposome particles. MTT assays confirmed the non-cytotoxicity of all HMSN concentrations to human follicle dermal papilla cells (HFDPCs). ULp-Caf@HMSNs promoted better cell viability than pure caffeine or caffeine-loaded HMSNs, highlighting enhanced biocompatibility without increased toxicity. Additionally, ULp-Caf@HMSNs effectively reduced ROS levels in DHT-damaged HFDPCs, suggesting they are promising alternatives to minoxidil for promoting hair follicle growth and reducing hair loss without increasing oxidative stress. This system shows promise for treating AGA. Full article

Hair growth is crucial for physiological functions and psychological well-being, leading to an increasing demand for research in this area. While low-molecular ginsenosides have been shown to promote hair growth in mice, studies on their effects are limited, and there is a lack of research examining the impact of ginsenoside fermentation products derived from lactic acid bacteria. This study investigated the hair-growth-promoting effect of fermented ginsenoside by fermentation of Levilactobacillus brevis THK-D437, which was isolated from the traditional Korean fermented food kimchi and features high β-glucosidase activity. In the cell-based MTT assay, the proliferation rate was increased by 25% in the fermented ginsenoside-treated group on human hair dermal papilla cells (HHDPCs). In the alopecia mouse model study (C57BL/6 mouse model), enhanced hair growth was observed in the fermented ginsenoside-treated mouse groups. Tissue histological analyses showed that the number of hair follicles and the thickness of the epidermis, respectively, were increased in the fermented ginsenoside-treated mouse groups. These results suggested that fermented ginsenoside has a promoting effect on hair growth and a retarding effect on the catagen stage. Therefore, fermented ginseng products might be a new potential therapeutic candidate for promoting hair growth. Full article