<i>Cinnamomum burmannii</i> Leaves-Derived Carbon Dots Promote Angiogenesis and Stimulate Hair Follicle Regeneration by Reshaping the Microenvironment of Hair Follicles

The study explores the use of carbon dots derived from Cinnamomum burmannii leaves (Cb-CDs) as a novel treatment for androgenic alopecia (AGA). These Cb-CDs remodel the hair follicle microenvironment by scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS), reducing inflammation, inhibiting apoptosis, and promoting cell proliferation. In vitro experiments showed that Cb-CDs inhibited DPPH free radicals by 93.91% and had high transdermal permeability. In vivo zebrafish experiments confirmed their anti-inflammatory activity, with a 90.91% inhibition rate of neutrophil migration. In an AGA mouse model, 0.05% Cb-CDs increased hair regeneration coverage to 87.11% and significantly thickened hair diameter. The study suggests that Cb-CDs may inhibit the TGF-β1 and NF-κB p65 signaling pathways while activating the β-catenin and Cycline D1 pathways, promoting cell proliferation and angiogenesis, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, and prolonging the anagen phase. This research proposes a new "multifunctional activated biomass carbon dot" strategy for AGA treatment.