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.

Highlights

  • Alopecia is a disease characterized by progressive hair loss from the scalp and other areas of the body

  • Our findings confirmed that Nelumbinis Semen (NS) extract promotes hair growth by enhancing human dermal papilla cells (hDPCs) proliferation and migration in vitro

  • The hair growth index and hair growth area of C57BL/6 mice topically treated with NS extract for 3 weeks increased much more than in minoxidil-treated mice

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Summary

Introduction

Alopecia is a disease characterized by progressive hair loss from the scalp and other areas of the body. Minoxidil is a vasodilator that enhances hair growth by inhibiting hDPC apoptosis [5, 6]. These FDA-approved drugs have been linked to several side effects including erectile dysfunction, infertility, and allergic dermatitis. Erefore, research and development of novel therapeutic agents capable of preventing alopecia and enhancing hair growth are necessary. These efforts should focus on natural products, which may result in fewer or less severe side effects

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