• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
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• v.48 no.2
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• pp.148-154
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• 2017

Crinum asiaticum var. japonicum and its active component, norgalanthamine have been reported to have hair growth-promoting effect via the proliferation of dermal papilla cells. In this study, we investigated the other mechanisms of C. asiaticum extract var. japonicum and norgalanthamine on the hair growth. The C. asiaticum var. japonicum extract inhibited $5{\alpha}$-reductase activity by 16%, which converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a main cause of androgenetic alopecia, whereas the C. asiaticum var. japonicum extract didn't function as an opener of the $K_{ATP}$ channel. On the other hand, we examined whether norgalanthamine can inhibit transforming growth factor-${\beta}$ (TGF-${\beta}$) signal pathway, which is essential in the regression induction of hair growth. Norgalanthamine inhibited the phosphorylation of Smad2/3 on TGF-${\beta}1$-induced canonical pathway in human keratinocyte HaCaT cells. These results suggested that the C. asiaticum var. japonicum extract and norgalanthamine had the potential to influence hair growth through the inhibition of $5{\alpha}$-reductase activity and TGF-${\beta}1$-induced canonical pathway.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.31 no.6
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• pp.374-379
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• 2017

Hair loss affects interpersonal relationships and causes psychological stress. In this study, we investigated the antioxidant activity of Cynanchi Wilfordii Radix (CWR) and its effects on dermal papilla (DP) cells. Antioxidant efficacy was examined by ABTS assay. To confirm the effect on cell activity, MTS assay was performed and cell count was directly measured by hemocytometer. The mRNA expression of genes involved in hair formation and hair loss formation was confirmed by quantitative RT-PCR. CWR has a strong antioxidant activity. Cell viability of DP cells was increased to 118.5% by treatment of 0.5 mg/ml CWR for 24 hours, but the effect on the cell number was insignificant. These results suggest that CWR increases mitochondrial activity without promoting cell proliferation. Treatment of DP cells with 0.5 mg/ml CWR resulted in 48.5% reduction of mRNA expression of type 2 $5{\alpha}$-reductase, a major cause of male hair loss. In addition, mRNA expression of bone morphogenetic pretein (BMP), fibroblast growth factor (FGF)7, and FGF10, which are closely related to hair growth, was also decreased. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) acts as a cause of hair loss. The excellent antioxidant efficacy of CWR is thought to be able to effectively remove ROS. The dihydrotestosterone produced by type 2 $5{\alpha}$-reductase in DP cells is a potent inducer of male pattern hair loss. The inhibitory effect of type 2 $5{\alpha}$-reductase mRNA on DP cells induced by CWR may induce a positive therapeutic effect of male pattern hair loss.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.53 no.1
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• pp.88-95
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• 2021

Aucklandia lappa Decne., a traditional herbal medicine, has been used to treat various diseases, including asthma, coughs, rheumatism, and diarrhea. In the present study, the effects of the oral administration of Aucklandia lappa Decne. extract on hair growth was investigated in hair-removed mice. A 70% ethanol extract of Aucklandia lappa Decne. (ALD) was prepared, and the extraction yield and total polyphenol content of ALD were measured as 27.30±0.01 and 28.39 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g, respectively. The oral administration of ALD to hair-removed CL57BL/6 mice for six weeks had no significant effects on food intake and body weight changes. Biochemical and histological examinations also showed that the oral administration of ALD for six weeks had no significant effect on the liver and kidney functions. On the other hand, hair growth was significantly higher in the ALD group than the control group and the Pancidil group (positive control). In addition, the number of hair follicles and the degree of collagen production in the dermis were significantly higher in the ALD group than in the control and pancidil groups. These results suggest that ALD is a potential source of nutricosmetics with hair growth-promoting effects.

• Applied Chemistry for Engineering
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• v.32 no.6
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• pp.647-652
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• 2021

In this study, Saussurea Lappa roots were extracted using ethanol and n-hexane, and also the effects on proliferation of human hair dermal papilla cells and fibroblast and related signaling pathway were evaluated. 3-[4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2, 5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was conducted for cell proliferation effect of Saussurea Lappa root extract, and extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK), serine/threonine protein kinase (Akt), wingless-related integration site (Wnt)/𝛽-catenin signaling pathway, and 5𝛼-reductase expression through western blot analysis were measured. Saussurea Lappa root extract significantly increased human hair dermal papilla cells and propagation of fibroblast, promoted phosphorylation of ERK and Akt that get involved in cell proliferation. Additionally, Saussurea Lappa root extract significantly decreased promotion of Akt phosphorylation and cell proliferation by MEK/ERK inhibitor PD98059 and PI3K/Akt inhibitor LY294002. Also, Saussurea Lappa root extract induced intranuclear 𝛽-catenin accumulation by promoting phosphorylation of 𝛽-catenin (Ser552, 675) through phosphorylation of GSK-3𝛽 (Ser9), and suppressed activation of 5𝛼-reductase type I and II. Overall, Saussurea Lappa root induces cell proliferation through vitalization of ERK and Akt route of human hair dermal papilla cells and fibroblast and apoptosis defense mechanism, and can be helpful in hair loss prevention and hair growth by vitalizing the 𝛽-catenin signaling pathway and inhibiting activation of 5𝛼-reductase, which can be used as a potential hair care products.

• Toxicological Research
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.221-228
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• 2006

Bonogen shampoo is composed of several plant extracts which are known to be used in oriental medicine. This study was carried out to investigate the effects of Bonogen shampoo on hair growth in an alopecia model of C57BL/6 mice. There were eight male and female experimental groups including distilled water(DW: negative control), a commercial shampoo[M], 3% minoxidil (MXD) and Bonogen shampoo(BNG). Dorsal skin hair of six-week-old mice was trimmed with an electric clipper carefully not to damage the skin. The next day, mice without skin scratch were selected, randomized and separated in 10 mice per group. The test compounds were topically treated with 0.15 ml per mouse or dorsal skin for 21 days daily and then washed thoroughly with DW. The hair regrowth was determined photographically at 0, 4, 7, 10, 15, 18, and 21 days and histologically at day 21. No clinical signs were observed in all mice. Although body weight was slightly increased in 3% MXD group than other groups, it was not significant. Hair regrowth began to be promoted after 14 days and appeared a distinct regrowth pattern in all animals by topical treatment of test compounds at 18 days. In particular, the topical treatment of bonogen shampoo or 3% MXD for 21 days to dorsal skin accelerated hair regrowth faster than DW or M shampoo. At 21 days, the hair regrowth promotion speed was in order of 3% MXD>BNG>M>DW. The bonogen shampoo or 3% MXD also promoted hair follicle elongation compared to the negative control. These results suggest that bonogen shampoo has hair growth promoting activities and may be useful for treatment of bald or alopecia.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.39 no.4
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• pp.345-349
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• 2011

The bacterial growth and pH of Pleuropterus cilinervis extracts and animal milk, fermented with Lactobacillus rhamnosus during the fermentation process, were evaluated. The results indicated that the bacterial count after fermentation always remained higher than 6 log CFU/mL, with a constant pH of approximately 4. In order to evaluate the effects of Pleuropterus cilinervis extracts and animal milk, fermented with Lactobacillus rhamnosus, on hair growth promotion, C57BL/6 mice were chosen as experimental subjects. Six week old males with similar body weights were divided into four groups; a normal group (saline), a negative control group (essence base), a positive control group and an experimental group (Pleuropterus cilinervis extracts and animal milk, fermented with Lactobacillus rhamnosus, mixed with negative control). The substances and test materials were applied topically on the back skin of the mice for 8 days. Other external conditions and variables such as food intake were kept at the same as the four groups. At the end of the experiment it was noted that hair re-growth in the experimental group, using gross and histological examinations, was higher than that in the positive control group. This study therefore provides an empirical evidence that Pleuropterus cilinervis extracts and animal milk fermented with Lactobacillus rhamnosus promotes hair growth, and suggests that applications could be found in hair loss treatments.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.322-329
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• 2018

A diarylheptanoid, (5S)-1,7-bis-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-5-hydroxyheptane-3-one-5-O-${\beta}$-D-xylopyranoside, named oregonin (1), was isolated from the of Alnus japonica (A. japonica), which is a species of the genus Betulaceae, growing throughout Korea, Japan and China. The structure was elucidated by various spectroscopic methods including negative and positive LC/MS, 1H-NMR, and 13C-NMR techniques or by comparison with authentic samples. In order to evaluate the anti-oxidative activities of oregonin (1) isolated from A. japonica, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity and 2,2'-azino-bis[3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid] (ABTS) radical scavenging activity were measured in vitro. Oregonin from A. japonica exhibited potent DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities. A. japonica shows not only 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity and ABTS radical scavenging activity, but also apoptosis modulative effects. The present results indicate that A. japonica could be a hair-growth-promoting agent for cosmetic products.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.21 no.7
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• pp.686-696
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• 2011

To deal with pathogens, plants have evolved sophisticated mechanisms including constitutive and induced defense mechanisms. Phytohormones play important roles in plant growth and development, as well as in the systemic response induced by beneficial and pathogen microorganisms. In this work, we identified an Aspergillus ustus isolate that promotes growth and induces developmental changes in Solanum tuberosum and Arabidopsis thaliana. A. ustus inoculation on A. thaliana and S. tuberosum roots induced an increase in shoot and root growth, and lateral root and root hair numbers. Assays performed on Arabidopsis lines to measure reporter gene expression of auxin-induced/ repressed or cell cycle controlled genes (DR5 and CycB1, respectively) showed enhanced GUS activity, when compared with mock-inoculated seedlings. To determine the contribution of phytohormone signaling pathways in the effect elicited by A. ustus, we evaluated the response of a collection of hormone mutants of Arabidopsis defective in auxin, ethylene, cytokinin, or abscisic acid signaling to the inoculation with this fungus. All mutant lines inoculated with A. ustus showed increased biomass production, suggesting that these genes are not required to respond to this fungus. Moreover, we demonstrated that A. ustus synthesizes auxins and gibberellins in liquid cultures. In addition, A. ustus induced systemic resistance against the necrotrophic fungus Botrytis cinerea and the hemibiotrophic bacterium Pseudomonas syringae DC3000, probably through the induction of the expression of salicylic acid, jasmonic acid/ethylene, and camalexin defense-related genes in Arabidopsis.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.43 no.8
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• pp.1174-1180
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• 2014

This study investigated the antioxidative and hair growth-promoting activities of Zizyphus jujuba (Zj) and fermented Zj with Aspergillus oryzae, Bacillus subtilis, Bifidobacterium breve, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Sac. cerevisiae). Among Zj and fermented Zjs, Sac. cerevisiae-fermented Zj (Zj-Y) exerted stronger scavenging activity against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl and hydroxyl radicals than others. In addition, total polyphenol content of Zj-Y was higher than that of non-fermented Zj and other fermented Zj. This result indicates that fermentation of Zj by Sac. cerevisiae elevated antioxidative activity. Furthermore, using an alopecia model in C57B/6N mice, the hair growth activities of Zj and Zj-Y were investigated. The test samples, EtOH, minoxidil (MXD), Zj, and Zj-Y, were topically treated with 0.2 mL/day for 4 weeks. The experiments involved macroscopic observation and measurement of hair length methods. The results show that regrowth speed of hair was in decreasing order of MXD> Zj-Y> Zj> EtOH. The topical application of MXD and Zj-Y in mice promoted hair regrowth and prevented hair loss compared to the control group. The present study indicates that Zj-Y is a promising treatment for alopecia.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.138-152
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• 2010

Objective: Yikgeebohyul-tang (Yiqib$\check{u}$xu$\grave{e}$-t$\bar{a}$ng) is one of the representative prescriptions for invigoration of vitality and nourishing of the blood. This study was carried out to investigate the effects of Yikgeebohyul-tang (Yiqib$\check{u}$xu$\grave{e}$-t$\bar{a}$ng) on hair regrowth and cytokine changes in a shaving model of C57BL6 mice. Method: Five-week-old mice were acclimated for 1 week at a temperature between $21-23^{\circ}C{\acute{E}}$, 40-60% relative humidity, and 12h of a light/dark cycle before beginning of the experiment. There were two groups including normal saline (control) and a positive control of oral intake of Yikgeebohyul-tang (Yiqib$\check{u}$xu$\grave{e}$-t$\bar{a}$ng) extract (sample) in 18 female mice. The test compounds were topically treated once a day over 14 days. The hair regrowth was photographically and histologically determined during the experimental period of 14 days. Revelation of TGF-${\beta}1$ and EGF were also determined using immunohistochemistry. In addition to that, IFN-$\gamma$, IL-4 and IL-10 were determined in serum. Results: Hair regrowth in the sample group was promoted earlier and faster than the control group, as shown by concentrations of hairs and thick-hair ratio in the sample group. TGF-${\beta}1$ was not revealed in either control or sample group. EGF was strongly positive in out root sheath of some thick hair of the sample group. Serum IFN-$\gamma$ was significantly decreased in the sample group compared with the control group at 7 experimental days. However, it was not significantly decreased at 14 experimental days. Serum IL-4 was significantly increased in the sample group compared with the control group at 7 experimental days. However, it was not significantly decreased at 14 experimental days. Serum IL-10 was decreased in the sample group compared with the control group, but with no real statistical significance. Conclusion: These results suggest that Yikgeebohyul-tang (Yiqib$\check{u}$xu$\grave{e}$-t$\bar{a}$ng) has hair growth promoting activity and it can be used for treatment of alopecia. Also, these effects relate to EGF revelation of hair roots, a decrease in serum IFN-$\gamma$, and an increase of serum IL-4.