Mechanism Exploration of the Combined Use of Minoxidil with Natural Compounds Ginsenoside Rg3 and Glycyrrhizic Acid for Enhancing Androgenic Alopecia Therapy

The study explores the combined use of minoxidil (MXD) with natural compounds ginsenoside Rg3 and glycyrrhizic acid (GA) to enhance therapy for androgenic alopecia (AGA). The research highlights that activating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway is crucial for treating AGA. While minoxidil is more effective in up-regulating this pathway, Rg3 and GA are effective in inhibiting 5-α reductase and antagonizing androgen receptors, addressing the root causes of AGA. However, Rg3 and GA alone have limited effects on repairing damaged hair follicles. The combination of these compounds with MXD targets both symptoms and causes of AGA, offering a more comprehensive treatment approach. The study involved molecular docking and tests on C57BL/6 mice, providing a theoretical basis for clinical application.