Ferulic Acid Promotes Hair Growth Via Estrogen Receptor Alpha Activation In Cultured Human Dermal Papilla Cells

March 2026 in “ Scientific Reports ”

Heena Rim, Jaeyoon Kim, Jang Ho Joo, Sung Hyun Kim, Yun-Ho Choi, Jae Young Shin, Mi Hee Kwack, So Young Lee, Seung-Hyun Jun, Young Kwan Sung, Eui Taek Jeong, Nae Gyu Kang

ferulic acid Cnidium officinale extract estrogen receptor alpha human dermal papilla cells anagen phase MAPK pathway growth factors NMN alopecia FA COE ERα DPCs

TLDR Ferulic acid may help hair grow by activating certain receptors in cells.

This study explores the potential of Cnidium officinale extract (COE) and its active compound, ferulic acid (FA), in promoting hair growth by activating estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) in human dermal papilla cells (DPCs). Both COE and FA were found to significantly enhance DPC proliferation, mitochondrial activity, and hair follicle length during the anagen phase. FA's effects were linked to upregulation of genes related to energy metabolism and increased expression of MAPK pathway proteins and growth factors. Additionally, FA combined with NMN further boosted mitochondrial activity. These results suggest that FA's ERα-activating properties could serve as a promising therapeutic option for alopecia.

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