Overcoming the Low Bioavailability of Apigenin: Therapeutic Efficacy for Androgenetic Alopecia Through Topical Administration

November 2025 in “ Food Science & Nutrition ”

Yanxi PENG, Huan Zhou, Yiqing Sun, Dane Huang, Chao Zhao

apigenin androgenetic alopecia topical administration minoxidil Wnt signaling pathway CDK5 testosterone-induced AGA AGA

Studysummary In this study, researchers found that topical apigenin promoted hair growth in a testosterone-induced alopecia mouse model, with effects comparable to minoxidil, suggesting a potential treatment approach for androgenetic alopecia through the Wnt signaling pathway.

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

The study examines the use of topical apigenin, a flavonoid with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, to treat androgenetic alopecia (AGA) by enhancing its bioavailability. Conducted on 32 C57BL/6 mice, the research found that apigenin significantly increased hair growth, particularly between days 24 and 29, and outperformed minoxidil in certain areas. Apigenin upregulated key hair growth genes and interacted with targets like NADPH oxidase 4 and cyclin-dependent kinase 5, suggesting its role in activating the Wnt signaling pathway. These results indicate that apigenin could be a promising natural treatment for AGA, offering an alternative with fewer side effects compared to current therapies.

View this study on onlinelibrary.wiley.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

12 / 12 results

research MitoQ Enhances CYP19A1 Expression to Stimulate WNT/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway for Promoting Hair Growth in Androgenetic Alopecia

November 2024 in “European Journal of Pharmacology”

In this study, MitoQ was found to enhance hair growth and reverse DHT-induced hair loss in a mouse model of androgenetic alopecia by mediating the WNT/β-catenin pathway and increasing CYP19A1 expression, suggesting potential as a therapeutic intervention.

research Small Molecule Agents Against Alopecia: Potential Targets And Related Pathways

July 2024 in “European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry”

This review discusses the increasing prevalence of alopecia in younger populations and outlines the need for better understanding its pathogenesis to develop effective treatments. It also examines current FDA-approved drugs and emerging small molecule compounds with potential anti-alopecia effects.

Hydrogel Forming Microneedles Loaded With VEGF and Ritlecitinib/Polyhydroxyalkanoates Nanoparticles for Mini-Invasive Androgenetic Alopecia Treatment

research Hydrogel Forming Microneedles Loaded With VEGF and Ritlecitinib/Polyhydroxyalkanoates Nanoparticles for Mini-Invasive Androgenetic Alopecia Treatment

April 2024 in “Bioactive materials”

This study found that a microneedle system delivering VEGF and Ritlecitinib improved hair regeneration in mice with androgenetic alopecia, showing faster anagen onset and better hair quality compared to minoxidil.

research Progress on the Mechanism of Natural Products Alleviating Androgenetic Alopecia

December 2023 in “European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry”

This review highlights potential therapeutic mechanisms of natural products for androgenetic alopecia, suggesting they may modulate signaling pathways and have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

research Exosomes for Hair Growth and Regeneration

November 2023 in “Journal of Bioscience and Bioengineering”

This review highlights the potential of exosomes, particularly their microRNA components, as promising candidates for developing effective hair loss treatments by exploring their roles in hair follicle development and regeneration.

research Hypoxia Enhances the Hair Growth-Promoting Effects of Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Via NADPH Oxidase 4

January 2023 in “Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy”

This study found that human embryonic stem cell-derived mesenchymal stem cells promote hair growth and enhance the transition from the telogen phase to the anagen phase in mice, especially under hypoxic conditions.

research The Role of CYP19A1 and ESR2 Gene Polymorphisms in Female Androgenetic Alopecia in the Polish Population

October 2021 in “Postepy Dermatologii I Alergologii”

In this study, researchers found no significant association between selected CYP19A1 and ESR2 gene SNPs and female androgenetic alopecia in the Polish population studied.

research A Treatment Combination of IGF and EGF Promotes Hair Growth in the Angora Rabbit

26 citations , December 2020 in “Genes”

This study found that a combination of insulin-like growth factor-1 and epidermal growth factor significantly promoted hair follicle growth and development in both cultured hair follicles and rabbits.

research Androgens Downregulate BMP2, Impairing the Inductive Role of Dermal Papilla Cells on Hair Follicle Stem Cells Differentiation

6 citations , November 2020 in “Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology”

This study found that androgens downregulate BMP2 in dermal papilla cells, inhibiting hair follicle stem cell differentiation, while BMP2 addition may restore hair lineage differentiation through the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

Extremely Low-Frequency Electromagnetic Fields Increase the Expression of Anagen-Related Molecules in Human Dermal Papilla Cells via GSK-3β/ERK/Akt Signaling Pathway

research Extremely Low-Frequency Electromagnetic Fields Increase the Expression of Anagen-Related Molecules in Human Dermal Papilla Cells via GSK-3β/ERK/Akt Signaling Pathway

7 citations , January 2020 in “International Journal of Molecular Sciences”

This study found that exposure to extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields at specific intensities significantly enhanced human hair follicle cell activation and proliferation, suggesting a potential new treatment approach for alopecia.

research Hypoxia Improves Hair Inductivity of Dermal Papilla Cells via Nuclear NADPH Oxidase 4-Mediated Reactive Oxygen Species Generation

25 citations , January 2019 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Low oxygen levels can make hair-growing cells better at growing hair through a process involving reactive oxygen species.

research Promotive Effect of Topical Ketoconazole, Minoxidil, and Minoxidil with Tretinoin on Hair Growth in Male Mice

12 citations , March 2014 in “ISRN Pharmacology (Print)”

This study demonstrated that Ketoconazole, Minoxidil, and Minoxidil with Tretinoin all significantly stimulated hair growth in mice, with Minoxidil alone showing the most effectiveness.