Hair Growth-Promoting Effect of Aconiti Ciliare Tuber Extract Mediated by the Activation of Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling

The study from 2012 explored the potential of Aconiti Ciliare Tuber (ACT) extract in promoting hair growth by activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. ACT extract was chosen from 800 natural extracts for its ability to differentiate neural progenitor cells and activate Wnt/β-catenin signaling. In vitro, the extract increased alkaline phosphatase activity and cell proliferation in human dermal papilla cells, particularly at a concentration of 10 µg/mL. In vivo, the extract induced an earlier transition to the anagen phase of hair follicles in C57BL/6 mice, showing more effectiveness than minoxidil, a known hair growth agent. The study concluded that ACT extract could be a novel agent for hair growth promotion, with no observed side effects in mice. However, the number of mice used in the study was not specified.