A Natural Inhibitor, 1′S-1′-Acetoxychavicol Acetate, Against Testosterone-Induced Alopecia via NADPH Oxidase Regulation

The study explores the potential of 1′S-1′-acetoxychavicol acetate (ACA), a natural compound, as a treatment for androgenetic alopecia (AGA) by inhibiting NADPH oxidase (Nox) isozymes. ACA effectively suppresses testosterone-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and apoptosis in keratinocytes, which are associated with hair loss. In human hair follicle organ cultures and a mouse model, ACA mitigated testosterone-dependent hair growth suppression and hair loss. The research suggests that ACA could be a promising therapeutic agent for AGA by targeting oxidative stress pathways, offering a different mechanism of action compared to existing treatments like minoxidil or finasteride.