Piperonylic Acid Promotes Hair Growth by Activation of EGFR and Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway

October 2024 in “ International Journal of Molecular Sciences ”

Seung Hyun Han, Kyung Won Jo, Younghyun Kim, Kyong‐Tai Kim

piperonylic acid EGFR Wnt/β-catenin pathway dermal papilla cells DKK1 β-catenin cyclin D alkaline phosphatase

Studysummary This study observed that piperonylic acid activated key signaling pathways in dermal papilla cells and increased hair growth markers, and a clinical trial showed users of a piperonylic acid formulation had more hair than those using a placebo, suggesting its potential for treating hair loss. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.

The study explores the effects of piperonylic acid on hair growth, revealing its potential as a treatment for hair loss by activating the EGFR and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways. In a clinical trial with 59 participants suffering from androgenic alopecia, a formulation containing piperonylic acid significantly increased hair count compared to a placebo, with a 3.01% increase at 16 weeks and 1.767% at 24 weeks. The compound enhances dermal papilla cell growth by increasing AKT and ERK activity and inhibiting DKK1 expression, with no adverse skin reactions reported. These findings suggest piperonylic acid as a promising candidate for promoting hair growth, though further research is needed to confirm long-term efficacy and effects across diverse populations.

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