Molecular Pathways Involved in Promoting Activity of Timosaponin BII on Hair Growth in C57BL/6 Mice

Abstract

Hair loss is a common disease in dermatology, while the approved drugs may have unpredictable side effects. In this study, the effect of timosaponin BII extracted from Anemarrhena asphodeloides on hair growth of C57BL/6 mice was investigated by measuring the hair follicle morphology, hair growth length and area in C57BL/6 male mice, and the immunohistochemical analysis of β-catenin, Wnt3a, and Wnt10b in the dorsal skins of mice after topical application with minoxidil and timosaponin BII for 15 days. The decrease in skin brightness, the increase in the regrowing area of hair and hair follicles numbers, and the improvement of hair follicle morphology in the group applied with 0.5% timosaponin BII indicated an induction of the anagen phase in telogenic mice skin, which were comparative to the 2% minoxidil treatment. The immunohistochemical analysis detected an increase in the expression of β-catenin and Wnt10b, supporting the theory of the activation of the β-catenin/Wnt pathway was one of the pathways that are related to anagen phase induction. Anemarrhena asphodeloides is a herb commonly used for metabolic disorders in China. The present study is the first to show that the timosaponin BII, which is present at a high concentration in A. asphodeloides, promotes hair growth in C57BL/6 male mice. The results indicate that timosaponin BII may be a potential promoting agent for hair growth.

Evaluation of Herbal Hair Lotion Loaded with Rosemary for Possible Hair Growth in C57BL/6 mice

“…[ 24 25 ] Conversion of telogen phase to anagen phase can be determined or identified by the conversion of pink coloured skin to black pigmentation. [ 26 ] C57BL6/N mice of 7-week-old which were in the stable telogen phase were selected for this study.…”

Pinus thunbergii bark extract rich in flavonoids promotes hair growth in dorsal skin by regulating inflammatory cytokines and increasing growth factors in mice

“…In this regard, the current model does not completely reflect the pathophysiology of human alopecia. Of note, the hair growth-promoting effects of various treatments have been assessed and for this, the telogen phase was induced by shaving dorsal hair in mice ( 3 , 41 – 43 ). Based on these experimental data, shaving dorsal hair is regarded as acceptable to assess the hair growth-promoting effect.…”

Modulation of Hair Growth Promoting Effect by Natural Products

“…A recent study showed that timosaponin BII (0.5%) increased the hair regrowth area and HF number in mice [45]. Moreover, timosaponin BII treatment was shown to upregulate β-catenin and Wnt10B expression in the dorsal skin of mice [45]. The application of 20 mg/mL liposomal honokiol also increased Wnt3a and β-catenin expression [34].…”

“…A clinical study showed that application of timosaponin BII (0.5%) containing scalp care solution for 28 days resulted in improvement in hair and scalp conditions, particularly hair luster, scalp hydration, hair fall number, and scalp redness level [164]. A recent study showed that timosaponin BII (0.5%) increased the hair regrowth area and HF number in mice [45]. Moreover, timosaponin BII treatment was shown to upregulate β-catenin and Wnt10B expression in the dorsal skin of mice [45].…”