Action Mechanism of Extracts from Cerasus serrulata Flower for Hair-Blacking in C57BL/6 Mice

Abstract

Background Hair color retention and rejuvenation have recently emerged as a new research hot spot, with many studies focused on developing treatments to prevent premature greying. Aim This study is aimed to explore the hair-blacking effects and possible mechanisms of Cerasus serrulata flower extracts (CSE) using a C57BL/6 premature greying mouse model. Materials and Methods The variations in hair follicle number, hair follicle depth and cortical thickness were evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin staining. The quantity changes of melanocytes were also evaluated using Masson-Fontana Melanin staining. The relative abundance of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), β-catenin and tyrosinase transcripts following transformed growth were further quantified using RT-qPCR and immunofluorescence. The changes in protein level expression of β-catenin, VEGF and tyrosinase were also evaluated by western blot. Results The β-catenin and VEGF expression were significantly up-regulated in skin tissues treated with C. serrulata extracts, promoting hair growth and blackening. Conclusion CSE can promote the efficient hair-blacking likely via the VEGF pathway, making it a potential therapeutic candidate for treating premature greying.