Norgalanthamine Stimulates Proliferation of Dermal Papilla Cells via Anagen-Activating Signaling Pathways

In the 2019 study, norgalanthamine, a compound from Crinum asiaticum var. japonicum, was shown to promote the proliferation of dermal papilla cells (DPCs) by activating key signaling pathways associated with hair growth. The substance increased the phosphorylation of ERK 1/2 and AKT, which are important for cell proliferation, and this effect was inhibited by specific pathway inhibitors, indicating the involvement of the ERK 1/2 and PI3K/AKT pathways. Additionally, norgalanthamine led to the inactivation of GSK3ß and increased nuclear translocation of ß-catenin, suggesting its role in transitioning hair follicles from the resting to the growth phase. The study did not trigger the p38 or JNK pathways, which are not associated with this process. These findings suggest that norgalanthamine could be a potential treatment for hair loss, although the exact number of DPCs or study participants was not provided in the summary. The research was funded by the National Research Foundation of Korea.