Polygonum Multiflorum in Androgenetic Alopecia: Network to Dynamics

    November 2025
    Qiyuan Zheng, Yanmin Jian, Jiwei Wang
    TLDR Polygonum multiflorum, especially emodin, may help treat hair loss by targeting specific proteins, offering a new approach beyond traditional therapies.
    The study investigates the use of Polygonum multiflorum, focusing on its component emodin, for treating androgenetic alopecia (AGA) by targeting the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. Emodin effectively binds to PIK3CA and PIK3CB, which helps reduce follicular apoptosis and oxidative stress while promoting melanogenesis. The research also identifies the involvement of SOS1, HRAS, and KRAS in connecting PI3K/Akt to other pathways such as MAPK and Wnt. Although there are potential hepatotoxicity risks with emodin and rhein, these can be managed with careful dosing and monitoring. The study concludes that Polygonum multiflorum could be a viable multi-target treatment for AGA, with PIK3CA/PIK3CB as promising drug targets.
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