An Exploratory In Vivo Study on the Effect of Annurca Apple Extract on Hair Growth in Mice

Abstract

Hair loss is an important problem affecting the quality of life in modern society. Recent studies show that Annurca apple extract (AAE), enriched in procyanidin B2 and nutraceuticals, promotes hair growth and induces keratin production. In this study, we investigated the effects of AAE by orally administering AAE in six-week-old C57BL/6 mice once a day for 21 d. We observed improvement in hair length, thickness, weight, and density. The gene expression of two growth factors related to hair growth, vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) and fibroblast growth factor 7 (FGF-7), were measured using the quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The gene expression of both VEGFA and FGF-7 increased significantly in the AAE-treated group. Additionally, treatment with AAE suppressed the gene expression of type 1 5α-reductase. Histological analysis showed that protein levels of cytokeratin 5 and 10 were increased in the skin tissues of the AAE-treated group. These results suggest that AAE might be a potential therapeutic natural product that prevents hair loss by promoting the expression of hair growth-related factors.

Malus pumila Mill. cv Annurca apple extract might be therapeutically useful against oxidative stress and patterned hair loss

“…Previous in vivo administration of Annurca apple extract to mice resulted in an improvement of hair length, weight, thickness and density by increasing the expression of the FGF and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) [ 45 ]. These two factors are known to be induced by the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway, indicating a possible involvement of Annurca extract in enhancing canonical Wnt signalling activation via increased β‐catenin expression [ 45 ]. This assumption was corroborated by an observed increase in FGF‐2 expression in HFDPCs following treatment with AT HAIR‐FUL AA ® .…”