Isoalantolactone Stimulates Hair Cell Growth Through Activation of the WNT/β-Catenin and Ras/MAPK Pathways

The study investigates the effects of isoalantolactone (ISA), a natural compound, on hair growth, highlighting its potential as a treatment for hair loss. ISA activates the WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway, crucial for hair follicle regeneration, and promotes the proliferation of hHDFP cells. It also enhances hair cell growth by upregulating Erk1/2 in the RAS/MAPK pathway and prevents β-catenin degradation, accelerating early hair growth. In a C57BL/6 mouse model, ISA significantly improved hair growth and increased hair thickness compared to controls, suggesting ISA as a promising novel treatment for hair loss.