Stingless Bee Propolis Promotes Hair Follicle Regeneration and Melanocyte Function in Chemotherapy-Induced Alopecia Mouse Model

January 2025 in “ EXPERIMENTAL ANIMALS ”

Jonna Rose C Maniwang, Yulan Tang, Mark Joseph M. Desamero, Chen Wang, Wataru Fujii, Dunfu Eer, Shigeru Kyuwa, James Chambers, Kazuyuki Uchida, Yuri Kominami, Hideki Ushio, Cleofas R. Cervancia, Maria Amelita C. Estacio, Shigeru Kakuta

stingless bee propolis chemotherapy-induced alopecia hair follicle regeneration melanocyte function cyclophosphamide folliculogenesis epidermal thickness melanogenesis cell proliferation apoptosis gene upregulation propolis CIA

TLDR Stingless bee propolis may help regenerate hair follicles and improve pigment function in chemotherapy-induced hair loss.

This study explored the effects of Philippine stingless bee propolis on chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA) in female C57BL/6N mice. The mice underwent hair cycle synchronization and were treated with cyclophosphamide to induce hair loss. A 30-day topical application of propolis showed increased folliculogenesis, epidermal thickness, and improved melanogenesis, although hair length did not increase. Early treatment enhanced cell proliferation and reduced apoptosis, while long-term treatment upregulated genes related to hair and pigment production. These results suggest that propolis could be a natural therapeutic option for promoting hair follicle regeneration and melanocyte function in CIA.

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