Abstract
This current study investigates the facilitative effects and mechanisms of decursin, a major component of Angelica gigas Nakai (AGN), and AGN root extract on hair growth in mice. We perform high-performance liquid chromatography on AGN extract to show it contains 7.3% decursin. Hairs in mouse dorsal skin are shaved distilled in water, 0.15% decursin, and 2% AGN root extract (0.15% decursin in the diluted extract) and topically applied twice a day for 17 days. Hematoxylin and eosin staining are done to examine the morphological changes in the hair follicles. To compare the effects of decursin and AGN extract on inflammatory cytokines in the dorsal skin, Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry for tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin (IL)-1β as pro-inflammatory cytokines, and IL-4 and IL-13 as anti-inflammatory cytokines are conducted. The results show that the application of decursin and AGN extract confer effects on hair growth. Hair growth is significantly facilitated from seven days after the treatments compared to that in the control group, and completely grown hair was found 17 days after the treatments. The protein levels and immunoreactivity of TNF-α and IL-1β in this case are significantly decreased, whereas the IL-4 and IL-13 levels and immunoreactivity are significantly increased compared to those in the control group. Additionally, high-mobility group box 1, an inflammatory mediator, is elevated by the topical application of decursin and AGN extract. Taken together, the treatment of mouse dorsal skin with AGE root extract containing decursin promotes hair growth by regulating pro- and/or anti-inflammatory cytokines. We, therefore, suggest that AGN root extract as well as decursin can be utilized as materials for developing hair growth-facilitating treatments.
Highlights
Hair provides protection, regulates body temperature, facilitates evaporation of perspiration, and functions as a sensory organ [1]
The quantity the decursin was calculated with each peak area, and the quantity of the decursin in the extract the decursin was calculated with each peak area, and the quantity of the decursin in the Angelica gigas Nakai (AGN) extract was approximately
Since a large number of herbal medicines and their secondary metabolites display anti-inflammatory effects [12,13,28,31], they have been traditionally used as remedies and currently utilized as complementary medicines [31,32]
Summary
Regulates body temperature, facilitates evaporation of perspiration, and functions as a sensory organ [1]. Hair loss affects the functions of hair and negatively affects psychological aspects, such as causing a decline in self-esteem [2,3]. It has been well acknowledged that hair loss is caused by diverse reasons including family history, hormonal imbalances, extreme stress, and specific medications, including retinoids, chemotherapy, and anti-thyroid agents. Some studies have demonstrated the relationship between inflammatory responses and hair loss [9,10]. The inflammatory response in hair follicles critically affects hair loss [11]
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