In Vitro Anti-Melanoma Activity and In Vivo Hair Growth Stimulation by Lophocereus Marginatus Methanol Extracts

The study explored the effects of Lophocereus marginatus methanol extracts on melanoma cells and hair growth. In vitro, the extracts inhibited 66% to 74% of B16F10 melanoma cell growth, with a selectivity index of 3.7 compared to normal cells. In vivo, using a murine model, the extracts combined with minoxidil or bergamot oil significantly promoted hair growth, achieving 43.3% and 47.5% growth by day 14, respectively. The study suggests that L. marginatus extracts could be a potential treatment for alopecia, offering an alternative to minoxidil, which has known side effects. The extracts may work by inhibiting 5α-reductase and blocking androgen receptors, though further studies are needed to confirm these mechanisms.