Undariopsis peterseniana Promotes Hair Growth by the Activation of Wnt/β-Catenin and ERK Pathways

Abstract

In this study, we investigated the effect and mechanism of Undariopsis peterseniana, an edible brown alga, on hair growth. The treatment of vibrissa follicles with U. peterseniana extract ex vivo for 21 days significantly increased the hair-fiber lengths. The U. peterseniana extract also significantly accelerated anagen initiation in vivo. Moreover, we found that U. peterseniana extract was able to open the KATP channel, which may contribute to increased hair growth. The U. peterseniana extract decreased 5α-reductase activity and markedly increased the proliferation of dermal papilla cells, a central regulator of the hair cycle. The U. peterseniana extract increased the levels of cell cycle proteins, such as Cyclin D1, phospho(ser780)-pRB, Cyclin E, phospho-CDK2, and CDK2. The U. peterseniana extract also increased the phosphorylation of ERK and the levels of Wnt/β-catenin signaling proteins such as glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) and β-catenin. These results suggested that the U. peterseniana extract had the potential to influence hair growth by dermal papilla cells proliferation through the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin and ERK pathways. We isolated a principal of the U. peterseniana extract, which was subsequently identified as apo-9′-fucoxanthinone, a trichogenic compound. The results suggested that U. peterseniana extract may have a pivotal role in the treatment of alopecia.

Protective Role of Nutritional Plants Containing Flavonoids in Hair Follicle Disruption: A Review

“…In this context, a relevant role is played by Wnt-α-catenin-signaling pathway; specifically, the increment of Wnt signaling in FDPCs is one of the principal factors that enhanced HG [120,121]. Recent works reported the role of some natural compounds on the activation of Wnt-α-catenin signaling in the promotion of HG [122].…”

Hair Growth Activity of Three Plants of the Polynesian Cosmetopoeia and Their Regulatory Effect on Dermal Papilla Cells

“…A derivative of benzodiazepine named tianeptine was also found to have an effect on hair growth [ 45 ]. Other compounds extracted from both plant and marine species [ 47 , 71 ] were reported to have hair-stimulating activities. Further dereplication study of known compounds’ corresponding peaks in our LC-MS/MS analyses, as well as targeted isolation and identification of novel molecules in our extracts, will help to elucidate potential bioactive compounds and their molecular targets.…”

Review of Hair Follicle Dermal Papilla cells asin vitroscreening model for hair growth

“…The research on herbs and active constituents as hair growth promoters has been driven by their less toxicity, easy availability, low‐cost, patient compliance and more than one mode of biochemical action . Specific effects of herbal extracts, polyherbal formulations, flavonoids and natural compounds on DPCs have been examined . In vivo hair growth promoting effects as proof of concept are also mentioned.…”