Topical Application of Polygonum Multiflorum Extract Induces Hair Growth of Resting Hair Follicles Through Upregulating Shh and β-Catenin Expression in C57BL/6 Mice

April 2011 in “ Journal of Ethnopharmacology ”

Hye-Jin Park, Nannan Zhang, Dong Ki Park

Polygonum multiflorum topical application hair growth anagen phase hair follicles β-catenin Sonic hedgehog Shh hair follicle development hair loss treatment Fo-Ti

Studysummary This study found that Polygonum multiflorum extract may promote hair growth by inducing the anagen phase in the resting hair follicles of mice.

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The study from 12 years ago demonstrated that the topical application of Polygonum multiflorum extract on C57BL/6 mice induced hair growth by triggering the anagen phase in resting hair follicles. This was evidenced by an increase in hair length, number, and size of hair follicles, and the upregulation of β-catenin and Sonic hedgehog (Shh) expression, which are critical for hair follicle development. The findings support the traditional use of Polygonum multiflorum for hair loss treatment and suggest it could be a beneficial alternative to conventional hair growth medications due to fewer side effects. Further research was recommended to identify the active compounds and understand their specific mechanisms.

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