The effect of Gyungokgo-gamibang extract on hair growth and protein expression in mice

Abstract

Objective : Present study was carried out to investigate the effect of Gyungohkgo-gamibang extract on hair growth and protein expression in an alopecia model of C57BL/6 mice. Methods : Mice were divided into 3 experimental groups including normal (vehicle), Gyungohkgo-gamibang extract (YNS-10) and 5% minoxidil-treated group. The test materials were daily applied with 0.1 ml per mouse on shaved dorsal skin for 3 weeks. The hair growth was monitored by photograph at 5, 10, 15, 21 days after topical application. Then the changes of hair density and hair thickness in the hair-removed area were evaluated by phototrichogram using folliscope. Also the expression level of growth factors related to hair growth was measured by western blotting. Results : Application of minoxidil or YNS-10 stimulated the hair growth compared to vehicle treatment. Therefore hair density of minoxidil or YNS-10 application was increased about 200% and 210% more than in vehicle application on 14 day, respectively. And hair thickness of both minoxidil group and YNS-10 group was increased about 220% and 210 % more than in vehicle spreading on 14 day, respectively. Futhermore the protein expression of IGF-1 and VEGF were significantly up-regulated on 7 day in YNS-10 and minoxidil-spreaded group compared to vehicle-applied group. Conclusion : These data suggest that YNS-10 has potent stimulating activity on hair growth in C57BL/6 mice and potential usefulness as ingredients of hair tonic and hairrestore.