Hemp Seed-Derived Exosomes Protect Against Dihydrotestosterone-Induced Hair Growth Inhibition

The study investigates the protective effects of hemp seed callus-derived exosomes (E40) against dihydrotestosterone (DHT)-induced hair growth inhibition using a chicken embryo model. DHT exposure significantly reduced feather length and density, but E40 treatment restored these to normal levels. E40 also reinstated the expression of key markers in the sonic hedgehog signaling pathway and reduced bone morphogenetic protein 4 expression by about 30%, promoting hair follicle growth. These findings suggest E40 as a promising therapeutic candidate for alopecia treatment, warranting further research in mammalian models and clinical settings.