Anti-Alopecia Activity of Alkaloids from Noni Fruit Against Dihydrotestosterone-Induced Male Rabbits and Its Molecular Mechanism: In Vivo and In Silico Studies

The study investigated the anti-alopecia activity of alkaloids from Noni fruit in male rabbits induced with Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that causes hair loss. The Noni fruit extract, particularly the FEA-3 sub-fraction, was applied topically for 21 days, resulting in increased hair follicular density and reduced baldness area. The FEA-3 sub-fraction contained alkaloid compounds that showed a binding affinity similar to Minoxidil, a common hair loss treatment, suggesting they could serve as inhibitors of androgen receptors that cause alopecia. In silico studies further supported the anti-alopecia activity of these compounds. The compounds showed good absorption in the human intestine and better skin permeability, with no carcinogenic effects, although some were found to be mutagenic. This marks the first time a group of alkaloids from Noni fruit has been identified as potential anti-alopecia agents.