Hair Growth Promotion Effect of Nelumbinis Semen Extract with High Antioxidant Activity

Abstract

This study investigated the hair regeneration promotion and hair loss prevention properties of Nelumbinis Semen (NS) extract in vitro and in vivo. The effect of NS on the proliferation and migration of human dermal papilla cells (hDPCs) was measured in vitro via CCK-8 and scratch migration assays, after which the antioxidant activity of NS was also quantified. NS extracts were then applied to the back of 7-week-old C57BL/6 mice for 3 weeks to monitor hair growth patterns and hair follicle (HF) histology. The mice were divided into three groups: negative control group (NC; DMSO), positive control group (PC; 3% minoxidil), and experimental group (NS extract 1,000 ppm). Moreover, to study the molecular mechanisms by which NS extract regenerates hair growth, real-time PCR was used to analyze factors related to the hair growth cycle. The NS extracts were found to possess high antioxidant properties due to their high flavonoid contents and electron-donating ability. Moreover, NS extracts enhanced hDPC proliferation and migration in a concentration-dependent manner (15.63–125 ppm). The hair growth index and growth area of the NS group (2.81 score, 81%) on day 14 were higher than those of the PC group (2.65 score, 68%) ( p < 0.05 ). Additionally, the HFs of the NS group were located deep in the subcutis, similar to the PC group with developed hair roots. Moreover, the mRNA expression of VEGF and IGF-1 was higher in the NS group compared to the PC group, whereas TGF-β1 expression was lower ( p < 0.05 ). Our findings indicate that NS modulates hair growth by increasing IGF-1 and VEGF expression while inhibiting that of TGF-β1. Therefore, our findings suggest that NS extract is a promising new hair loss treatment derived from a natural substance that helps promote hair growth and prevent hair loss.

Hair-Growth-Promoting Effects of the Fish Collagen Peptide in Human Dermal Papilla Cells and C57BL/6 Mice Modulating Wnt/β-Catenin and BMP Signaling Pathways

“…Our findings confirmed that the mRNA expressions of IGF-1 and VEGF of the CP-treated groups were upregulated compared to the PC group, whereas TGF-β1 was downregulated. In previous studies, increased mRNA levels of IGF-1 and VEGF, and decreased levels of TGF-β1 were associated with hair-growth-promoting effects [ 11 , 53 ]. Many studies have evaluated the effects of several compounds in a variety of presentations (e.g., ampoules, sprays, and ointments) on hair growth.…”

<i>Phyllanthus emblica</i> Extract-loaded Transfersomes for Hair Follicle Targeting: Phytoconstituents, Characterization, and Hair Growth Promotion

“…Preventing and reducing oxidative stress could be a strategy for anti-hair loss. There is evidence suggesting that antioxidants from plants can reduce oxidative stress 33,34) . Thus, three antioxidant assays were conducted.…”

Modulation of Hair Growth Promoting Effect by Natural Products

“…NS improved oxidative stress on the scalp of hair loss patients due to its high content of total polyphenols and flavonoids [103]. Park et al also showed that NS extract possessed a strong antioxidant capacity and may reduce the oxidative damage that causes hair loss [28]. NS-extract-treated mice showed increased VEGF and IGF-1 mRNA expression [28].…”

“…Park et al also showed that NS extract possessed a strong antioxidant capacity and may reduce the oxidative damage that causes hair loss [28]. NS-extract-treated mice showed increased VEGF and IGF-1 mRNA expression [28]. However, TGF-β1 mRNA expression was decreased after NS extract treatment compared to that after dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) treatment [28].…”

“…NS-extract-treated mice showed increased VEGF and IGF-1 mRNA expression [28]. However, TGF-β1 mRNA expression was decreased after NS extract treatment compared to that after dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) treatment [28]. Chamaecyparis obtusa (CO), belonging to the family Cupressaceae, has alpha-terpinyl acetate, sabinene, isobornyl acetate, and limonene as major constituents [104].…”