Prevention and treatment of alopecia areata with quercetin in the C3H/HeJ mouse model

Abstract

Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune nonscarring hair loss disorder. AA can be acute, recurrent, or chronic. Current therapeutic options for AA are limited, and there is no effective prevention for recurrent AA. We have previously shown a correlation between the expression of HSP70 (HSPA1A/B), a heat shock protein involved in the inflammatory response, and the onset of AA in the C3H/ HeJ mouse model. In this study, we tested the effects of quercetin, a bioflavonoid with anti-inflammatory properties, on AA development and HSP70 expression in the C3H/HeJ model. Mice with spontaneous AA were treated with subcutaneous quercetin or sham injections. Hair regrowth was observed in lesional areas in all the quercetin-treated mice, but in none of the sham-treated mice. In addition, non-alopecic C3H/HeJ mice were heat-treated to induce alopecia, along with quercetin or sham injections. Whereas 24% of the heat-treated mice with sham injections developed alopecia, none of the mice receiving quercetin injections did. As expected, the level of HSP70 expression in quercetin-treated areas was comparable to control. Furthermore, we showed that systemic delivery of quercetin by intraperitoneal injections prevented/reduced spontaneous onset of AA. Our results demonstrated that quercetin provided effective treatment for AA as well as prevention of onset of AA in the C3H/HeJ model, and warrant further clinical studies to determine whether quercetin may provide both treatment for preexisting AA and prevention of recurrent AA. The ready availability of quercetin as a dietary supplement may lead to increased patient compliance and positive outcomes for AA.

Cytotoxic evaluation of Melia azedarach in comparison with, Azadirachta indica and its phytochemical investigation

“…As a remedy for vitiligo, quercetin has potential to enhance melanogenesis on human epidermis by affecting on maturation of melanosomes [39] and increase the activity and biosynthesis of tyrosinase in melanoma cells and in human melanocytes [40]. Regarding to hair growth, this compound was reported to treat and prevent of alopecia areata [41] and inhibit of 5 α-reductase [42]. …”

A bibliometric study of scientific literature in Scopus on botanicals for treatment of androgenetic alopecia

“…Another plant with similar effects is Ginko biloba (GBE). This plant is rich in Quercetin, a bioflavonoid with anti‐inflammatory properties . Mice with spontaneous AA were treated with subcutaneous quercetin or sham injections.…”

“…Mice with spontaneous AA were treated with subcutaneous quercetin or sham injections. Hair regrowth was observed in lesional areas in all the quercetin‐treated mice . Effects of 70% ethanolic extract from leaves of GBE on the hair regrowth in normal and high butter diet‐pretreated C3H strain mice which posterior hair we shaved were investigated .…”

Hair Growth Activity and Safety Test of Ethosomal Gel Ethyl Acetate Fraction of Nothopanax Leaves (Nothopanax Scutellarium Merr.)

“…According to Perez-Vizcanio et al [7], quercetine, a flavonoid-type compound, can act as a vasodilator. Furthermore, in correlation to alopecia aerate, there was a study found that the administration of 10 µM quercetin subcutaneously may help the condition [8].…”