Effect of Polygoni Multiflorum Radix Water Extracts on Enzyme Activities and Gene Expression Related to Hair Growth in Mice

This study investigated the effect of Polygoni multiflori Radix water extracts (PMWE) on enzyme activities and gene expression related to hair growth in C57BL/6 mice. Six-week-old female mice were divided into four groups: normal (N), vehicle control (VC), positive control (PC with 3% minoxidil), and experimental (E with PMWE). The compounds were applied topically for 4 weeks. Hair regrowth was assessed, and enzyme activities (ALP and γ-GT) and IGF-1 mRNA expression in the skin were measured. Both PMWE and minoxidil accelerated hair regrowth more than N and VC groups. ALP and γ-GT activities were significantly higher in PC and E groups, and IGF-1 mRNA expression was significantly higher in the E group compared to N, VC, and PC groups. The results indicated that PMWE effectively promoted hair growth by increasing enzyme activities and gene expression relevant to hair growth.