Identification of Bioactive Compounds from Thai Plant Extracts with Hair Growth Promoting Activity on Human Hair Dermal Papilla Cells
January 2013
New to Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor? There is a guide in the encyclopedia. Read the guide → Studysummary This study found that the methanolic heartwood extract of Avicennia marina significantly inhibited the enzyme 5 alpha-reductase type 1 in a cell-based assay, suggesting potential anti-androgenic effects for treating androgenic alopecia.
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The study focused on identifying natural 5 alpha-reductase inhibitors from Thai plant extracts to treat androgenic alopecia (AGA). Using human hair dermal papilla cells (HHDPCs) and thin layer chromatography, 41 plant extracts were screened. The methanolic heartwood extract of Avicennia marina (AM) showed significant 5 alpha-reductase type 1 inhibitory activity with an IC50 value of 9.21 μg/ml. The extract also demonstrated anti-androgenic activity by up-regulating vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), promoting hair growth. The active compound, Avicequinone C, was identified, but its significant VEGF up-regulation required combination with Avicenol C and another unidentified compound. The study concluded that the anti-androgenic activity of AM was due to a synergistic effect of multiple compounds.
