Induction of Hair Keratins Expression by an Annurca Apple-Based Nutraceutical Formulation in Human Follicular Cells

Abstract

Hair disorders may considerably impact the social and psychological well-being of an individual. Recent advances in the understanding the biology of hair have encouraged the research and development of novel and safer natural hair growth agents. In this context, we have previously demonstrated-at both preclinical and clinical level-that an Annurca apple-based dietary supplement (AMS), acting as a nutraceutical, is endowed with an intense hair-inductive activity (trichogenicity), at once increasing hair tropism and keratin content. Herein, in the framework of preclinical investigations, new experiments in primary human models of follicular keratinocytes and dermal papilla cells have been performed to give an insight around AMS biological effects on specific hair keratins expression. As well as confirming the biocompatibility and the antioxidant proprieties of our nutraceutical formulation, we have proven an engagement of trichokeratins production underlying its biological effects on human follicular cells. Annurca apples are particularly rich in oligomeric procyanidins, natural polyphenols belonging to the broader class of bioflavonoids believed to exert many beneficial health effects. To our knowledge, none of the current available remedies for hair loss has hitherto shown to stimulate the production of hair keratins so clearly.

Promelanogenic Effects by an Annurca Apple-Based Natural Formulation in Human Primary Melanocytes

“…These data are in line with our previous results in human preclinical models of skin, suggesting the preparation would be safe and free of side effects. 25 , 26 A moderate increase in cell proliferation occurs just in melanocytes-keratinocytes co-cultures, here used to set up in vitro melanin-epidermal functional units. This effect is probably linked to a mutual stimulation of the two cell types during culture and treatments.…”

“…After filtration and centrifugation, the total aqueous extract has been concentrated and finally spray-dried in mixture with maltodextrins, achieving a fine powder termed AnnurMetS (AMS) and branded as AnnurtriComplex ® . 25 The supplement, formulated by the Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples “Federico II” (Naples, Italy), is produced on large-scale by MB-Med Company (Turin, Italy).…”

“…Two-dimensional (2D) direct co-culture method in cell culture plates – helpful to investigate connections requiring direct contact (juxtacrine) and/or based on diffusion of soluble factors (paracrine) – has here been applied. 25 In particular, for co-culture, HHFK cells were trypsinized and mixed with HEMa cells (also previously trypsinized) at 1:1 cell density ratio. The mixed cells (1 × 10 6 cells) were immediately plated in 100 × 20 mm Petri culture dish (Corning Incorporated, Falcon ® , NY, USA) and allowed to growth for 48 h.…”

“…200 × total magnification microphotographs (20 × objective and 10 × eyepiece) were obtained by a standard VCR camera (Nikon Corporation, Tokyo, Japan). 25 …”

Genotoxicity Assessment of Three Nutraceuticals Containing Natural Antioxidants Extracted from Agri-Food Waste Biomasses

“…417/2006)). Annurca Apples are used to prepare ‘AnnurComplex ® ’, a nutraceutical able to reduce serum cholesterol levels, LDL and lipid uptake; reduce cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk; and promote hair growth in humans [ 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 ]. Malus domestica cv ‘Limoncella’ is a juicy and aromatic variety of apple, known since ancient Roman times.…”