Elucidation of the Potential Hair Growth-Promoting Effect of Botryococcus terribilis, Its Novel Compound Methylated-Meijicoccene, and C32 Botryococcene on Cultured Hair Follicle Dermal Papilla Cells Using DNA Microarray Gene Expression Analysis

Abstract

A person’s quality of life can be adversely affected by hair loss. Microalgae are widely recognized for their abundance and rich functional components. Here, we evaluated the hair growth effect of a green alga, Botryococcus terribilis (B. terribilis), in vitro using hair follicle dermal papilla cells (HFDPCs). We isolated two types of cells from B. terribilis—green and orange cells, obtained from two different culture conditions. Microarray and real time-PCR results revealed that both cell types stimulated the expression of several pathways and genes associated with different aspect of the hair follicle cycle. Additionally, we demonstrated B. terribilis’ effect on collagen and keratin synthesis and inflammation reduction. We successfully isolated a novel compound, methylated-meijicoccene (me-meijicoccene), and C32 botryococcene from B. terribilis to validate their promising effects. Our study revealed that treatment with the two compounds had no cytotoxic effect on HFDPCs and significantly enhanced the gene expression levels of hair growth markers at low concentrations. Our study provides the first evidence of the underlying hair growth promoting effect of B. terribilis and its novel compound, me-meijicoccene, and C32 botryococcene.

Botryococcus terribilis Ethanol Extract Exerts Anti-inflammatory Effects on Murine RAW264 Cells

“…Based on the above, BTEE is anticipated to be employed as a raw ingredient in nutraceuticals and functional foods to prevent or treat chronic inflammation as well as in cosmetics. According to our previous studies, the key components of BTEE include hydrocarbons, botryococcene, and methylated-meijicoccene, which have potential hair growth-promoting and anti-stress benefits [ 17 , 18 ]. We also examined the anti-inflammatory effects of botryococcene and methylated-meijicoccene on the LPS-mediated inflammatory responses in RAW264 cells; however, no significant effects were observed in the range of treatment concentrations of these compounds.…”

“…Lyophilized powder of BT TEPMO-26 (100 mg) was extracted with 1 mL of 70% Ethanol at room temperature and in the dark for two weeks [ 17 ]. After the extraction, the sample was centrifuged at 1000× g for 10 min, and the supernatant was collected.…”

“…Botryococcus terribilis (BT), a recently identified Botryococcus strain, is one of the most common species in Cuba and southern Spain, with a tropical distribution [ 16 ]. HPLC analysis of the BT extract identified two major compounds: methylated-meijicoccene, a new molecule, and C32 botryococcene, a triterpene [ 17 ]. In BT extract, methylated-meijicoccene is present abundantly at 42.7%.…”

“…In BT extract, methylated-meijicoccene is present abundantly at 42.7%. Our earlier studies have shown that BT and its components may promote hair growth [ 17 ] and exhibit antidepressant-like properties [ 18 ]. However, its comprehensive bioactive potential remains to be explored.…”

Reclassification of Botryococcus braunii chemical races into separate species based on a comparative genomics analysis

“…braunii (i.e. the B race) based on subsequent studies analyzing hydrocarbon content and phylogenetic placement [ 103 , 104 ]. Additionally, phylogenetic studies [ 9 , 20 ] have shown that B .…”