Phenyl Propanoid 1'S-1'-Acetoxychavicol Acetate Protects Against Testosterone-Induced Alopecia by Inhibiting NADPH Oxidase

The study investigates the protective effects of 1'S-1'-acetoxychavicol acetate (ACA) against testosterone-induced alopecia by targeting Nox isozymes, which are involved in keratinocyte apoptosis. ACA, a compound from Alpinia galanga, was identified among 38 screened compounds for its ability to inhibit reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. The research demonstrated that ACA suppresses testosterone-dependent hydrogen peroxide generation and cell death in keratinocytes, and mitigates hair growth suppression in human hair follicle cultures. In a C57BL/6 mouse model of androgenetic alopecia, local application of ACA on the skin effectively reduced testosterone-induced hair loss in a dose-dependent manner, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent for androgenic alopecia.