Hair Growth Promoting Effects Of Andrographolide From Andrographis Paniculata: In Vitro, In Vivo, And Molecular Docking Studies

October 2025 in “ Journal of Ethnopharmacology ”

ZiLiang Chen, Senlin Luo, Jun Hu, Zhan Xu, Yanlin Tan, Leng Jing, Bojie Lin

andrographolide Andrographis paniculata anagen phase β-catenin LEF1 alopecia hair follicle follicular regeneration

Studysummary Andrographolide from Andrographis paniculata promotes hair growth and could be a natural treatment for hair loss.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

This study investigates the hair growth-promoting effects of andrographolide (AP) from Andrographis paniculata, demonstrating its efficacy in both murine and human hair follicle models. AP significantly enhances hair growth by prolonging the anagen phase and increasing hair shaft elongation, with optimal results at 5 mg/mL in mice and 5 μM in ex vivo systems. The mechanism involves upregulation of β-catenin and LEF1, which are crucial for follicular regeneration. These findings suggest that AP could be a promising natural therapeutic candidate for alopecia, offering an alternative to conventional treatments like minoxidil and finasteride, which often have adverse effects.

View this study on sciencedirect.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

15 / 15 results

Iris Germanica L. Rhizome-Derived Exosomes Ameliorated Dihydrotestosterone-Damaged Human Follicle Dermal Papilla Cells Through the Activation of Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway

research Iris Germanica L. Rhizome-Derived Exosomes Ameliorated Dihydrotestosterone-Damaged Human Follicle Dermal Papilla Cells Through the Activation of Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway

April 2025 in “International Journal of Molecular Sciences”

In this study, exosomes derived from Iris germanica L. rhizomes (Iris-exosomes) were reported to alleviate oxidative stress and improve mitochondrial function in human follicle dermal papilla cells by activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, suggesting potential benefits for hair loss treatment.

research Can Plant Extracts Help Prevent Hair Loss or Promote Hair Growth? A Review Comparing Their Therapeutic Efficacies, Phytochemical Components, and Modulatory Targets

May 2024 in “Molecules/Molecules online/Molecules annual”

This narrative review reports that well-selected plant extracts and their active compounds may improve hair health by promoting hair growth and preventing hair loss, potentially aiding in developing targeted therapies for alopecia.

research The Effects of Glehnia Littoralis and Andrographis Paniculata Extract on Hair Growth in Human Follicle Dermal Papilla Cells

January 2024 in “Journal of applied biological chemistry”

This study found that Glehnia littoralis and Andrographis paniculata may support hair growth by protecting against oxidative stress and increasing VEGF and Wnt/β-catenin signaling in human hair follicle dermal papilla cells, with enhanced effects when combined.

research Androgenetic Alopecia: Therapy Update

May 2023 in “Drugs”

This comprehensive review analyzes androgenetic alopecia treatments, discussing the mechanisms, costs, efficacy, and safety of FDA-approved drugs like minoxidil and finasteride, as well as newer non-FDA-approved options that have shown effectiveness across various studies.

research Integrative and Mechanistic Approach to the Hair Growth Cycle and Hair Loss

104 citations , January 2023 in “Journal of Clinical Medicine”

This review evaluates the hair cycle's phases and the factors influencing the transition between anagen and telogen, advocating for a holistic approach to addressing hair loss, though no specific results are reported.

research Comorbidities in Androgenetic Alopecia: A Comprehensive Review

September 2022 in “Dermatology and therapy”

This review discusses the pathological factors and comorbidities associated with androgenetic alopecia and reports no new clinical results, emphasizing the need for improved understanding and treatment in clinical practice.

research Finasteride for Hair Loss: A Review

4 citations , July 2021 in “Journal of Dermatological Treatment”

This meta-analysis reported that finasteride 1 mg/day significantly increased hair count in male androgenetic alopecia compared to placebo, but highlighted persistent sexual side effects and associated depression risk.

research Myristoleic Acid Promotes Anagen Signaling by Autophagy Through Activating Wnt/β-Catenin and ERK Pathways in Dermal Papilla Cells

8 citations , February 2021 in “Biomolecules & therapeutics”

This study found that myristoleic acid promotes dermal papilla cell proliferation and anagen signaling through autophagy, cell cycle progression, and activation of the Wnt/β-catenin and ERK pathways.

research Red Ginseng Oil Promotes Hair Growth and Protects Skin Against UVC Radiation

10 citations , January 2021 in “Journal of Ginseng Research”

This study found that red ginseng oil promoted hair growth and protected against UVC-induced skin damage in mouse models.

research Targeting Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway for Developing Therapies for Hair Loss

86 citations , July 2020 in “International Journal of Molecular Sciences”

This review discusses the role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in hair follicle regeneration and highlights recent progress in developing hair loss treatments targeting this pathway, but reports no new clinical results.

research The Effectiveness of Combination Therapies for Androgenetic Alopecia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

11 citations , June 2020 in “Dermatologic Therapy”

This study suggests that combination therapies including minoxidil with either finasteride, low-level laser light therapy, or microneedling are more effective than minoxidil alone for treating androgenetic alopecia.

Advances in Regenerative Stem Cell Therapy in Androgenic Alopecia and Hair Loss: Wnt Pathway, Growth Factor, and Mesenchymal Stem Cell Signaling Impact Analysis on Cell Growth and Hair Follicle Development

research Advances in Regenerative Stem Cell Therapy in Androgenic Alopecia and Hair Loss: Wnt Pathway, Growth Factor, and Mesenchymal Stem Cell Signaling Impact Analysis on Cell Growth and Hair Follicle Development

136 citations , May 2019 in “Cells”

This review discusses the advancements in intraoperative stem cell therapies and highlights their potential to improve hair regrowth, but it reports no new clinical results.

research In Vivo Transcriptional Governance of Hair Follicle Stem Cells by Canonical Wnt Regulators

173 citations , January 2014 in “Nature Cell Biology”

This study found that Wnt signalling activates hair follicle fate in hair follicle stem cells by relieving TCF3/4–TLE-mediated repression, with β-catenin being crucial for this process.

research 5α-Reductase Inhibition and Hair Growth Promotion of Some Thai Plants Traditionally Used for Hair Treatment

69 citations , December 2011 in “Journal of Ethnopharmacology”

This study found that Carthamus tinctorius exhibited the strongest 5α-reductase inhibitory and hair growth promoting activities among evaluated Thai herbs, suggesting potential for developing alternative hair loss treatments.

research Multiple Roles for Activated LEF/TCF Transcription Complexes During Hair Follicle Development and Differentiation

990 citations , October 1999 in “Development”

This study found that LEF1/TCF3 is necessary but not sufficient for TOPGAL activation in hair follicle development, indicating complex regulation in the skin.