Action Mechanism of Natural Plant Extracts for Hair Loss Prevention and Hair Growth Promotion in C57BL/6 Mice

Abstract

The Natural Plant Extracts (NPE), produced by mixing seven natural plant extracts including sweet flag, contains asacurin 100 as its main ingredient and shows improvement in skin, but no hair growth effect has been reported. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of NPE on mouse hair loss prevention and hair growth promotion and to determine the mechanism of action of NPE. Thirty male C57BL/6 mice were randomized into three treatment groups of 10 mice each: Control group (saline), NPE and minoxidil 5% application. For the NPE application group, the first hair growth was observed on day 9 and the density, length and thickness of their hair were significantly higher than those of the control group. Compared to the control group, the anagen hair growth in the C57BL/6 mice of the NPE application group was significantly stimulated. Compared to the control group, the expression of VEGF and KGF mRNA was up-regulated in the NPE and minoxidil 5% application groups, but the expression of TGF-β1 mRNA was down regulated on the contrary. This result suggests that NPE promotes hair growth while inducing anagen hair growth in animals through genetic regulation while, simultaneously preventing hair loss.

A combination therapy for androgenic alopecia based on quercetin and zinc/copper dual-doped mesoporous silica nanocomposite microneedle patch

“…In addition to inhibiting the DHT attack and inflammation, enhancement of hair regeneration capacity is critical for AGA therapy, and activating the transition of hair follicle stem cells from telogen phase to anagen phase is one of the key factors for restarting hair regeneration [ 44 ]. Previous studies have shown that some exogenous growth factors such as IGF, PDGF, KGF, HGF, bFGF and C-Myc can stimulate the transition of hair follicle stem cells from telogen phase to anagen phase [ [69] , [70] , [71] , [72] , [73] ]. However, without the inhibition of DHT, growth factors alone can only relieve symptoms of mild AGA, but have little effect on treating AGA [ 74 ].…”

Role and Mechanisms of Phytochemicals in Hair Growth and Health

“…NPE increased the expression of KEF (Keratinocyte growth factor) and VEGF while down-regulating the TGF-β1. The results suggested that NPE could prevent hair loss and promote growth [ 98 ].…”

Can Plant Extracts Help Prevent Hair Loss or Promote Hair Growth? A Review Comparing Their Therapeutic Efficacies, Phytochemical Components, and Modulatory Targets

“…The hair growth-promoting effect of decursin was confirmed in male C57/BL6 mice [98]. Decursin reduced the expression of inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin (IL)-1β, Hot water extract of a herbal mixture (Acorus calamus, Morus alba, Glycyrrhiza uralensis, Pinus densiflora, Sophora angustifolia, Ligusticum chuanxiong, and Angelica giga) contains phenylpropanoid compounds, such as asarone (from Acorus calamus) and p-coumaric acid (from Pinus densiflora), as the main components [91]. Extract of Cinnamomum osmophloeum contains cinnamic aldehyde and cinnamic acid, which are also phenylpropanoid compounds [48].…”