Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1) in Hair Regeneration: Mechanistic Pathways and Therapeutic Potential

September 2025 in “ Current Issues in Molecular Biology ”

Wen‐Ping Hsieh, Wuqi Qiu, Ivona Percec, Tsong‐Min Chang

Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 IGF-1 androgenetic alopecia AGA dermal papilla cells hair follicle proliferation vascularization PI3K/Akt pathway MAPK/ERK pathway apoptosis VEGF expression topical IGF-1 treatments follicular degeneration growth factors combination therapies

TLDR IGF-1 can help regrow hair and may be a promising treatment for hair loss.

The review highlights the significant role of Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1) in hair regeneration, emphasizing its potential as a therapeutic target for hair loss disorders like androgenetic alopecia (AGA). IGF-1, produced by dermal papilla cells, promotes hair follicle proliferation and vascularization through pathways such as PI3K/Akt and MAPK/ERK, while inhibiting apoptosis and enhancing VEGF expression. Clinical evidence links reduced IGF-1 levels to follicular degeneration in AGA. Topical IGF-1 treatments have shown promise in improving hair density and thickness without systemic toxicity, although further research is needed to optimize delivery methods and assess long-term effects. The document also discusses IGF-1's interactions with other growth factors and its potential in combination therapies for personalized hair loss treatment.

View this study on mdpi.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

35 / 35 results

research Hair Growth Effect and the Mechanisms of Rosa Rugosa Extract in DHT-Induced Alopecia Mice Model

October 2024 in “International Journal of Molecular Sciences”

Rosa rugosa extract promotes hair growth and could be a natural treatment for hair loss.

research Ginger-Derived Extracellular Vesicles: A Natural Solution for Alopecia

September 2024 in “Current Drug Delivery”

Ginger extracts may help treat hair loss by reducing inflammation and promoting hair growth.

research Irisin Promotes Hair Growth And Hair Cycle Transition By Activating The GSK-3β/β-Catenin Pathway

6 citations , August 2024 in “Experimental Dermatology”

Irisin can promote hair growth by activating a specific signaling pathway.

Promotion of Hair Growth by a Conditioned Medium from Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells Cultivated in a 3D Scaffold of Gelatin Sponge

research Promotion of Hair Growth by a Conditioned Medium from Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells Cultivated in a 3D Scaffold of Gelatin Sponge

2 citations , May 2024 in “European journal of medical research”

A special medium from stem cells significantly boosts hair growth and could help treat hair loss.

research Dihydrotestosterone Inhibits Hair Growth in Mice by Inhibiting Insulin-Like Growth Factor-I Production in Dermal Papillae

32 citations , February 2024 in “Growth Hormone & IGF Research”

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) stops hair growth in mice by lowering a growth factor important for hair.

research Minoxidil Delivered Via a Stem Cell Membrane Delivery Controlled Release System Promotes Hair Growth in C57BL/6J Mice

January 2024 in “Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology”

A new method using stem cell membranes to deliver Minoxidil improved hair growth in mice better than Minoxidil alone.

research Effects of the Complex of Panicum Miliaceum Extract and Triticum Aestivum Extract on Hair Condition

October 2023 in “Nutrients”

Millet and wheat extracts may improve hair health and promote growth.

Utilization of Response Surface Design for Development and Optimization of Rosuvastatin Calcium-Loaded Nano-Squarticles for Hair Growth Stimulating VEGF and IGF Production: In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation

research Utilization of Response Surface Design for Development and Optimization of Rosuvastatin Calcium-Loaded Nano-Squarticles for Hair Growth Stimulating VEGF and IGF Production: In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation

1 citations , September 2023 in “Drug development and industrial pharmacy”

The optimized formula promotes significant hair growth and could be a viable hair loss treatment.

research Collagen Hydrolysate from Mozambique Tilapia Scales Improves Hair and Skin Health

2 citations , August 2023 in “Marine drugs”

Collagen from tilapia scales may improve hair and skin health by reducing stress and inflammation and encouraging hair growth.

research The AR/miR-221/IGF-1 Pathway Mediates the Pathogenesis of Androgenetic Alopecia

2 citations , January 2023 in “International Journal of Biological Sciences”

A specific pathway involving AR, miR-221, and IGF-1 plays a key role in causing common hair loss.

research Stem Cell Secretome as a Mechanism for Restoring Hair Loss Due to Stress, Particularly Alopecia Areata: Narrative Review

2 citations , October 2022 in “Journal of Biomedical Science”

Stem cells and their secretions could potentially treat stress-induced hair loss, but more human trials are needed.

research Effects of a Combination of Arginine Silicate Inositol Complex and a Novel Form of Biotin on Hair and Nail Growth in a Rodent Model

1 citations , February 2022 in “Biological Trace Element Research”

The combination of Arginine Silicate Inositol Complex and a new form of Biotin improved hair and nail growth in rats.

research Advances in Hair Growth

1 citations , January 2022 in “Faculty reviews”

The best long-lasting results in treating hair loss may be achieved through combination therapy, including treatments like finasteride, minoxidil, and platelet-rich plasma injections.

Hair Growth Stimulation Effect of Centipeda Minima Extract: Identification of Active Compounds and Anagen-Activating Signaling Pathways

research Hair Growth Stimulation Effect of Centipeda Minima Extract: Identification of Active Compounds and Anagen-Activating Signaling Pathways

14 citations , July 2021 in “Biomolecules”

Centipeda minima extract helps hair grow by activating important growth signals and could be a promising hair loss treatment.

research Hair Growth Promotion Effect of Nelumbinis Semen Extract with High Antioxidant Activity

7 citations , March 2021 in “Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine”

Nelumbinis Semen extract helps hair grow and could prevent hair loss.

research A Treatment Combination of IGF and EGF Promotes Hair Growth in the Angora Rabbit

26 citations , December 2020 in “Genes”

A combination of IGF-1 and EGF promotes hair growth in Angora rabbits.

research Dermal Exosomes Containing miR-218-5p Promote Hair Regeneration by Regulating β-Catenin Signaling

65 citations , July 2020 in “Science Advances”

Dermal exosomes with miR-218-5p boost hair growth by controlling β-catenin signaling.

research The Medical and Psychosocial Associations of Alopecia: Recognizing Hair Loss as More Than a Cosmetic Concern

36 citations , November 2018 in “American Journal of Clinical Dermatology”

Alopecia is linked to various health and mental conditions, impacts life quality, and needs medical attention beyond its cosmetic effects.

research 6-Gingerol Inhibits Hair Cycle via Induction of MMP2 and MMP9 Expression

7 citations , December 2017 in “Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciências”

6-Gingerol from ginger may slow down hair growth by affecting certain enzymes and growth factors.

Titrated Extract of Centella Asiatica Increases Hair Inductive Property Through Inhibition of STAT Signaling Pathway in Three-Dimensional Spheroid Cultured Human Dermal Papilla Cells

research Titrated Extract of Centella Asiatica Increases Hair Inductive Property Through Inhibition of STAT Signaling Pathway in Three-Dimensional Spheroid Cultured Human Dermal Papilla Cells

13 citations , October 2017 in “Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry”

Centella asiatica extract may help promote hair growth by blocking a specific cell signaling pathway.

research Further Clinical Evidence for the Effect of IGF-1 on Hair Growth and Alopecia

29 citations , August 2017 in “Skin appendage disorders”

IGF-1 may affect hair growth and loss, but more research is needed to confirm effective and safe treatments.

research Platycarya Strobilacea S. Et Z. Extract Has a High Antioxidant Capacity and Exhibits Hair Growth-Promoting Effects in Male C57BL/6 Mice

12 citations , September 2014 in “Journal of Food Science and Nutrition”

Platycarya strobilacea extract is a strong antioxidant that can grow hair better than minoxidil.

Mycophenolate Antagonizes IFN-γ-Induced Catagen-Like Changes via β-Catenin Activation in Human Dermal Papilla Cells and Hair Follicles

research Mycophenolate Antagonizes IFN-γ-Induced Catagen-Like Changes via β-Catenin Activation in Human Dermal Papilla Cells and Hair Follicles

11 citations , September 2014 in “International Journal of Molecular Sciences”

Mycophenolate helps reverse hair loss effects caused by IFN-γ by activating a key hair growth pathway.

Differential Effects of Caffeine on Hair Shaft Elongation, Matrix and Outer Root Sheath Keratinocyte Proliferation, and Transforming Growth Factor-β2/Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1-Mediated Regulation of the Hair Cycle in Male and Female Human Hair Follicles In Vitro

research Differential Effects of Caffeine on Hair Shaft Elongation, Matrix and Outer Root Sheath Keratinocyte Proliferation, and Transforming Growth Factor-β2/Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1-Mediated Regulation of the Hair Cycle in Male and Female Human Hair Follicles In Vitro

60 citations , May 2014 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Caffeine affects hair growth and health differently in men and women.

research Exogenous IGF-1 Promotes Hair Growth by Stimulating Cell Proliferation and Downregulating TGF-β1 in C57BL/6 Mice In Vivo

53 citations , March 2014 in “Growth Hormone & IGF Research”

IGF-1 injections help mice grow more hair by increasing cell growth and blocking a hair growth inhibitor.

research Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1: Roles in Androgenetic Alopecia

27 citations , March 2014 in “Experimental Dermatology”

IGF-1 affects hair loss and could be a potential treatment.

research In Vivo Hair Growth-Promoting Effect of Rice Bran Extract Prepared by Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Fluid

32 citations , December 2013 in “Biological & Pharmaceutical Bulletin”

Rice bran extract can potentially treat hair loss by promoting hair growth and increasing the number of hair follicles.

research Prostaglandin D2 Inhibits Hair Growth and Is Elevated in Bald Scalp of Men with Androgenetic Alopecia

205 citations , March 2012 in “Science Translational Medicine”

PGD2 stops hair growth and is higher in bald men with AGA.

research Effect of IGF-I on Hair Growth Is Related to the Anti-Apoptotic Effect of IGF-I and Up-Regulation of PDGF-A and PDGF-B

72 citations , January 2012 in “Annals of Dermatology”

IGF-I promotes hair growth by keeping hair follicles in the growth phase longer.

Adenosine Stimulates Growth of Dermal Papilla and Lengthens the Anagen Phase by Increasing the Cysteine Level via Fibroblast Growth Factors 2 and 7 in an Organ Culture of Mouse Vibrissae Hair Follicles

research Adenosine Stimulates Growth of Dermal Papilla and Lengthens the Anagen Phase by Increasing the Cysteine Level via Fibroblast Growth Factors 2 and 7 in an Organ Culture of Mouse Vibrissae Hair Follicles

28 citations , October 2011 in “International Journal of Molecular Medicine”

Adenosine helps hair grow longer and stronger by boosting certain growth factors and signaling pathways.

research Review of Hair Follicle Dermal Cells

321 citations , December 2009 in “Journal of Dermatological Science”

Dermal cells are key in controlling hair growth and could potentially be used in hair loss treatments, but more research is needed to improve hair regeneration methods.

research The Hair Follicle as a Dynamic Mini-Organ

759 citations , February 2009 in “Current Biology”

Hair follicles are complex, dynamic mini-organs that help us understand cell growth, death, migration, and differentiation, as well as tissue regeneration and tumor biology.

research The Hair Growth Promoting Effect of Sophora Flavescens Extract and Its Molecular Regulation

75 citations , October 2002 in “Journal of Dermatological Science”

Sophora flavescens extract may help hair grow by affecting growth factors and blocking a hair-related enzyme.

research The Biology of Hair Follicles

1113 citations , August 1999 in “The New England Journal of Medicine”

Hair follicle biology advancements may lead to better hair growth disorder treatments.

research Regulation of Human Dermal Papilla Cell Production of Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein-3 by Retinoic Acid, Glucocorticoids, and Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1

37 citations , June 1996 in “Journal of cellular physiology”

Retinoic acid, glucocorticoids, and IGF1 increase IGFBP-3 production in human dermal papilla cells, affecting hair growth.

Similar Research

6 / 1000+ results

Topically Used Herbal Products for the Treatment of Hair Loss: Preclinical and Clinical Studies

research Female Pattern Hair Loss: An Update

12 citations , January 2020 in “Indian Dermatology Online Journal”

Female pattern hair loss has multiple causes and treatments, with new therapies showing promise.

Hair Regenerative Mechanisms of Red Ginseng Oil and Its Major Components in the Testosterone-Induced Delay of Anagen Entry in C57BL/6 Mice

research Hair Regenerative Mechanisms of Red Ginseng Oil and Its Major Components in the Testosterone-Induced Delay of Anagen Entry in C57BL/6 Mice

33 citations , September 2017 in “Molecules”

Red ginseng oil and its components help promote hair regrowth and could treat hair loss.