Effect of Puerariae Radix Ethanol Extract on the Proliferation of Human Dermal Papilla Cells

The study investigated the effects of Puerariae Radix ethanol extract (EPR) on the proliferation of human hair dermal papilla cells (HHDPCs). Using an MTT assay and western blot analysis, it was found that EPR increased the proliferation of HHDPCs by up-regulating the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and Akt. The increase in ERK and Akt phosphorylation was inhibited by specific inhibitors, PD98059 and LY294002, which also inhibited cell proliferation. These findings suggested that EPR promoted HHDPC proliferation through the phosphorylation of ERK and Akt, indicating its potential beneficial effects for alopecia treatment.