Exploring the Effects of Chinese Herbal Ingredients on the Signaling Pathway of Alopecia and Screening Effective Compounds

April 2022 in “ Journal of Ethnopharmacology ”

Dou Jinjin, Zhang Zhi-Ming, Xu Xianrong, Zhang Xiwu

Chinese herbal ingredients alopecia hair loss traditional Chinese medicine glycoside active ingredients hair follicle cells anagen phase apoptosis hair growth-promoting factors TCM hair regrowth

Studysummary This review discusses the therapeutic mechanisms of Traditional Chinese Medicine in treating alopecia but reports no new clinical results; the authors emphasize the need for more guided clinical application and research on herbal combinations.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

View this study on sciencedirect.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

55 / 55 results

research Dermal Exosomes Containing miR-218-5p Promote Hair Regeneration by Regulating β-Catenin Signaling

65 citations , July 2020 in “Science Advances”

Dermal exosomes with miR-218-5p boost hair growth by controlling β-catenin signaling.

research A Comprehensive Review of Biochemical Factors in Herbs and Their Constituent Compounds in Experimental Studies on Alopecia

8 citations , April 2020 in “Journal of Ethnopharmacology”

This review assessed experimental studies on herbs used for alopecia, identifying potential mechanisms involving hair cycle management and keratinocyte processes, but highlighted a need for improved evidence on quality control and toxicity of these herbal treatments.

research Hair Growth Promoting Effect of Houttuynia Cordata Extract in Cultured Human Hair Follicle Dermal Papilla Cells

16 citations , October 2019 in “Biological & Pharmaceutical Bulletin”

This study suggests that Houttuynia cordata extract may promote hair growth by stimulating dermal papilla cell proliferation and extending the anagen phase through enhanced energy metabolism and gene expression changes.

Androgenetic Alopecia: Combing the Hair Follicle Signaling Pathways for New Therapeutic Targets and More Effective Treatment Options

research Androgenetic Alopecia: Combing the Hair Follicle Signaling Pathways for New Therapeutic Targets and More Effective Treatment Options

19 citations , August 2019 in “Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Targets”

This review discusses emerging targets for developing drugs to treat hair loss and reports no new clinical results; the authors emphasize the potential for therapies that regenerate hair follicles.

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

5 citations , December 2018 in “Biological & Pharmaceutical Bulletin”

In this study, norgalanthamine was found to stimulate hair growth in cultured rat dermal papilla cells by activating the ERK 1/2, PI3K/AKT, and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways.

research Activating Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway for Disease Therapy: Challenges and Opportunities

140 citations , November 2018 in “Pharmacology & Therapeutics”

This review explores the potential of small molecules to activate the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in treating diseases and reports no new experimental findings.

research Morroniside Regulates Hair Growth and Cycle Transition via Activation of the Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway

25 citations , September 2018 in “Scientific Reports”

This study found that morroniside enhanced hair follicle growth and transition through the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in a mouse model, suggesting its potential as a treatment for hair loss.

research Alopecia Areata: Overview and Insights from January 2018

290 citations , December 2017 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This article reviews the epidemiology, clinical evaluation, and pathogenesis of alopecia areata and highlights recent advancements, but it does not report new clinical findings.

Titrated Extract of Centella Asiatica Increases Hair Inductive Property Through Inhibition of STAT Signaling Pathway in Three-Dimensional Spheroid Cultured Human Dermal Papilla Cells

research Titrated Extract of Centella Asiatica Increases Hair Inductive Property Through Inhibition of STAT Signaling Pathway in Three-Dimensional Spheroid Cultured Human Dermal Papilla Cells

13 citations , October 2017 in “Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry”

This study found that a titrated extract of Centella asiatica enhanced the hair growth potential of 3D spheroid cultured human dermal papilla cells.

Hair Regenerative Mechanisms of Red Ginseng Oil and Its Major Components in the Testosterone-Induced Delay of Anagen Entry in C57BL/6 Mice

research Hair Regenerative Mechanisms of Red Ginseng Oil and Its Major Components in the Testosterone-Induced Delay of Anagen Entry in C57BL/6 Mice

33 citations , September 2017 in “Molecules”

This study found that red ginseng oil and its major components improved hair regrowth in testosterone-treated mice by promoting an earlier anagen phase and altering related gene expressions.

research Panax Ginseng Extract Antagonizes the Effect of DKK-1-Induced Catagen-Like Changes of Hair Follicles

15 citations , August 2017 in “International Journal of Molecular Medicine”

This study reported that Panax ginseng extract significantly inhibited DKK-1-induced catagen-like changes in human hair follicles by promoting cell proliferation and reducing apoptosis, suggesting it may help mitigate hair loss associated with DKK-1.

research Alopecia Areata: A Comprehensive Review of Pathogenesis and Management

99 citations , July 2017 in “Clinical Reviews in Allergy & Immunology”

This review noted that alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease impacting hair follicles and offered insights into its complex pathogenesis involving immune responses, while highlighting ongoing research into new treatments such as Janus kinase inhibitors and other immunomodulatory drugs.

research Beta-Catenin Is Involved in Oleanolic Acid-Dependent Promotion of Proliferation in Human Hair Matrix Cells in an In Vitro Organ Culture Model

14 citations , July 2017 in “Fitoterapia”

In this study, oleanolic acid was found to enhance hair follicle growth and promote hair matrix cell proliferation via the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in a human hair follicle organ culture model.

research Icariin Promotes Mouse Hair Follicle Growth by Increasing Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 Expression in Dermal Papillary Cells

22 citations , February 2017 in “Clinical and Experimental Dermatology”

This study suggests that icariin promotes hair follicle growth in mice by enhancing IGF-1 expression in dermal papilla cells.

Improvement of Androgenetic Alopecia with Topical Sophora Flavescens Aiton Extract, and Identification of the Two Active Compounds in the Extract That Stimulate Proliferation of Human Hair Keratinocytes

research Improvement of Androgenetic Alopecia with Topical Sophora Flavescens Aiton Extract, and Identification of the Two Active Compounds in the Extract That Stimulate Proliferation of Human Hair Keratinocytes

11 citations , October 2015 in “Clinical and Experimental Dermatology”

This study found that an extract from the root of Sophora flavescens Aiton significantly improved hair growth in patients with androgenetic alopecia over 6 months.

research Assessment of Tissue Levels of Dickkopf-1 in Androgenetic Alopecia and Alopecia Areata

10 citations , July 2015 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

This study found elevated tissue levels of DKK-1 in patients with both androgenetic alopecia and alopecia areata compared to controls, suggesting DKK-1 as a potential therapeutic target for these conditions.

research The Androgenic Alopecia Protective Effects of Forsythiaside-A and the Molecular Regulation in a Mouse Model

26 citations , March 2015 in “Phytotherapy Research”

This study found that forsythiaside-A, a natural compound from Forsythia suspensa, was more effective than finasteride at preventing apoptosis of hair cells and delaying the catagen phase entry in an androgenic alopecia mouse model.

Exogenous Stimulation with Eclipta Alba Promotes Hair Matrix Keratinocyte Proliferation and Downregulates TGF-β1 Expression in Nude Mice

research Exogenous Stimulation with Eclipta Alba Promotes Hair Matrix Keratinocyte Proliferation and Downregulates TGF-β1 Expression in Nude Mice

24 citations , December 2014 in “International Journal of Molecular Medicine”

In this study, researchers found that petroleum ether extract of Eclipta alba significantly stimulated follicular keratinocyte proliferation and reduced TGF-β1 expression in nude mice, suggesting potential use for certain types of alopecia.

research The Inductive Effect of Ginsenoside F2 on Hair Growth by Altering the WNT Signal Pathway in Telogen Mouse Skin

42 citations , March 2014 in “European Journal of Pharmacology”

This study found that minor ginseng saponin F2 may promote hair growth more effectively than finasteride by enhancing anagen induction and modulating the Wnt signaling pathway in cell and mouse models.

The Inhibitory Effect of Scutellaria Baicalensis Extract and Its Active Compound, Baicalin, on the Translocation of the Androgen Receptor with Implications for Preventing Androgenetic Alopecia

research The Inhibitory Effect of Scutellaria Baicalensis Extract and Its Active Compound, Baicalin, on the Translocation of the Androgen Receptor with Implications for Preventing Androgenetic Alopecia

27 citations , February 2014 in “Planta Medica”

This study found that Scutellaria baicalensis extract and its main component baicalin inhibited androgen activation signaling and promoted proliferation of human dermal papilla cells, suggesting potential use in treating androgen-associated disorders.

Ginsenoside F2 Reduces Hair Loss by Controlling Apoptosis Through the Sterol Regulatory Element-Binding Protein Cleavage Activating Protein and Transforming Growth Factor-β Pathways in a Dihydrotestosterone-Induced Mouse Model

research Ginsenoside F2 Reduces Hair Loss by Controlling Apoptosis Through the Sterol Regulatory Element-Binding Protein Cleavage Activating Protein and Transforming Growth Factor-β Pathways in a Dihydrotestosterone-Induced Mouse Model

22 citations , January 2014 in “Biological & Pharmaceutical Bulletin”

This study found that ginsenoside F2 may suppress hair cell apoptosis and improve hair growth outcomes in a DHT-induced hair loss model more effectively than finasteride.

research Assessment of the Usefulness of Dihydrotestosterone in the Diagnostics of Patients with Androgenetic Alopecia

35 citations , January 2014 in “Postepy Dermatologii I Alergologii”

This study found that increased dihydrotestosterone levels were observed in both androgenetic alopecia patients and controls, suggesting that follicle sensitivity to DHT may be more critical than DHT levels for alopecia development.

research The Promoting Effect of Ishige Sinicola on Hair Growth

26 citations , May 2013 in “Marine Drugs”

This study found that Ishige sinicola extract increased hair growth and cell proliferation in cultured vibrissa follicles and mice, suggesting potential benefits for treating alopecia through β-catenin activation and 5α-reductase inhibition.

research Health Status, Coping Strategies, and Alexithymia in Subjects with Androgenetic Alopecia

40 citations , February 2013 in “American Journal of Clinical Dermatology”

This study found that people with androgenic alopecia, particularly women, are more prone to anxiety and depression, often adopting avoidant coping strategies, which are linked to emotional and psychological impacts rather than clinical severity.

research A Descriptive Study of Alopecia Patterns and Their Relation to Thyroid Dysfunction

22 citations , January 2013 in “International Journal of Trichology”

Hair loss is often linked to thyroid problems, especially in women and older people, and screening for thyroid issues is advised for those with hair loss.

research Hair Growth Activity of Crataegus Pinnatifida on C57BL/6 Mouse Model

25 citations , November 2012 in “Phytotherapy Research”

In this study, oral administration of Crataegus pinnatifida extract was associated with hair growth promotion in mice by inducing anagen phase and enhancing cell signaling related to hair follicle development.

research Ginsenosides Rb1 and Rd Regulate Proliferation of Mature Keratinocytes Through Induction of p63 Expression in Hair Follicles

15 citations , September 2012 in “PTR. Phytotherapy research/Phytotherapy research”

In this study, topical application of ginsenosides Rb₁ and Rd in mice increased cell proliferation in hair follicles, suggesting they may help prevent hair loss by promoting growth through p63 induction.

research Promotion Effect of Acankoreoside J, a Lupane-Triterpene in Acanthopanax Koreanum, on Hair Growth

17 citations , August 2012 in “Archives of Pharmacal Research”

Acankoreoside J from Acanthopanax koreanum may help promote hair growth.

research Promotion of Hair Growth by Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract

49 citations , April 2012 in “Phytotherapy Research”

This study found that topical Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract improved hair regrowth in mice and inhibited androgen-associated mechanisms involved in hair loss.

research Prostaglandin D2 Inhibits Hair Growth and Is Elevated in Bald Scalp of Men with Androgenetic Alopecia

205 citations , March 2012 in “Science Translational Medicine”

PGD2 stops hair growth and is higher in bald men with AGA.

research Clinical Evaluation of Alopecias Using a Handheld Dermatoscope

66 citations , November 2011 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This study concluded that a polarized-light handheld dermatoscope attached to a digital camera is a practical and useful tool for diagnosing different types of alopecia.

research Evaluation of Efficacy and Safety of Finasteride 1 mg in 3177 Japanese Men with Androgenetic Alopecia

41 citations , October 2011 in “Journal of Dermatology”

This study observed that long-term use of finasteride in Japanese men with androgenetic alopecia was associated with progressive hair regrowth in 87.1% of participants without significant safety concerns.

research Impaired Keratinocyte Proliferative And Clonogenic Potential In Transgenic Mice Overexpressing 14-3-3σ In The Epidermis

15 citations , June 2011 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

This study found that overexpressing the 14-3-3σ protein in transgenic mice reduced keratinocyte proliferation and migration, leading to thinner epidermis and fewer hair follicles due to IGF-1 pathway inhibition.

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

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

91 citations , April 2011 in “Journal of Ethnopharmacology”

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

research Molecular Basis of Androgenetic Alopecia: From Androgen to Paracrine Mediators Through Dermal Papilla

122 citations , November 2010 in “Journal of Dermatological Science”

This study found that increased expression of type II 5α-reductase, androgen receptors, and Hic-5/ARA55 in dermal papilla cells upregulates androgen sensitivity, playing a key role in androgenetic alopecia pathogenesis.

research Preventable Effect of L-Threonate, an Ascorbate Metabolite, on Androgen-Driven Balding via Repression of Dihydrotestosterone-Induced Dickkopf-1 Expression in Human Hair Dermal Papilla Cells

31 citations , October 2010 in “BMB Reports”

In this study, L-threonate was found to inhibit DHT-induced DKK-1 expression in cultured dermal papilla cells, suggesting it could help prevent androgen-driven balding.

research Prevalence of Androgenetic Alopecia in China: A Community-Based Study in Six Cities

126 citations , January 2010 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

This study found that the prevalence of androgenetic alopecia in Chinese men and women was lower than in Caucasians and similar to that in Koreans.

research A Cell-Based System for Screening Hair Growth-Promoting Agents

39 citations , March 2009 in “Archives of Dermatological Research”

This study suggests that apigenin may stimulate hair growth by downregulating TGF-ß1 gene expression in human epidermal keratinocytes and promoting hair follicle elongation in a rat hair follicle culture.

research Angiogenin Is Expressed in Human Dermal Papilla Cells and Stimulates Hair Growth

20 citations , October 2008 in “Archives of dermatological research”

This study found that angiogenin is expressed in human dermal papilla cells, where it might stimulate hair growth by promoting cell proliferation and local skin angiogenesis.

research Dihydrotestosterone-Inducible Dickkopf 1 from Balding Dermal Papilla Cells Causes Apoptosis in Follicular Keratinocytes

171 citations , July 2007 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

The researchers reported that DHT-inducible DKK-1 may play a significant role in DHT-driven balding by inhibiting hair follicle cell growth and promoting apoptosis in androgenetic alopecia.

research P63 Expression Pattern During Rat Epidermis Morphogenesis and the Role of P63 as a Marker for Epidermal Stem Cells

16 citations , September 2006 in “Journal of Cutaneous Pathology”

This study found that the p63 transcription factor is expressed during rat epidermal development and may serve as a specific marker for keratinocyte progenitor cells.

research The Water-Soluble Extract of Illicium Anisatum Stimulates Mouse Vibrissae Follicles in Organ Culture

25 citations , July 2004 in “Experimental Dermatology”

This study found that water-soluble extracts of Illicium anisatum promoted hair follicle elongation in cultured mouse vibrissae, suggesting potential use in hair growth products.

Cyclosporin A-Induced Hair Growth in Mice Is Associated with Inhibition of Calcineurin-Dependent Activation of NFAT in Follicular Keratinocytes

research Cyclosporin A-Induced Hair Growth in Mice Is Associated with Inhibition of Calcineurin-Dependent Activation of NFAT in Follicular Keratinocytes

57 citations , June 2003 in “American Journal of Physiology-cell Physiology”

This study found that cyclosporin A treatment enhances hair growth in mice by inhibiting calcineurin-NFAT1 activity, which alters keratinocyte differentiation and apoptosis-related gene expression in hair follicles.

research In Vivo Promoted Growth of Mice Hair Follicles by the Controlled Release of Growth Factors

60 citations , April 2003 in “Biomaterials”

This study found that the controlled release of specific growth factors from biodegradable hydrogels significantly enhanced hair follicle growth and hair shaft length in mice compared to growth factors in solution.

Androgen-Inducible TGF-β1 from Balding Dermal Papilla Cells Inhibits Epithelial Cell Growth: A Clue to Understanding Paradoxical Effects of Androgen on Human Hair Growth

research Androgen-Inducible TGF-β1 from Balding Dermal Papilla Cells Inhibits Epithelial Cell Growth: A Clue to Understanding Paradoxical Effects of Androgen on Human Hair Growth

190 citations , October 2002 in “The FASEB journal”

In this study, androgen did not affect keratinocyte growth in coculture with androgenetic alopecia-derived dermal papilla cells, but did significantly suppress keratinocyte growth when androgen receptor was overexpressed in the papilla cells.

research Effect of Adenovirus-Mediated Expression of Sonic Hedgehog Gene on Hair Regrowth in Mice With Chemotherapy-Induced Alopecia

39 citations , December 2001 in “JNCI: Journal of the National Cancer Institute”

This study found that enhanced expression of the Sonic hedgehog gene via an adenovirus vector accelerated hair regrowth in mice with chemotherapy-induced alopecia.

research Control of Hair Growth and Follicle Size by VEGF-Mediated Angiogenesis

520 citations , February 2001 in “Journal of Clinical Investigation”

This study found that VEGF significantly enhances perifollicular vascularization during the hair growth phase, accelerating hair regrowth and increasing follicle and hair size, while its inhibition retards hair growth.

research Treatments for Androgenetic Alopecia and Alopecia Areata

72 citations , January 2001 in “Drugs”

This review discusses current and emerging drug therapies for treating androgenetic alopecia and alopecia areata, and reports no clinical results; it highlights a need for improved and novel treatments.

research Conditional Disruption of Hedgehog Signaling Pathway Defines Its Critical Role in Hair Development and Regeneration

194 citations , May 2000 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

This study demonstrated that blocking the Sonic hedgehog signaling pathway in mice led to reversible inhibition of body coat hair morphogenesis, while whisker development was unaffected.

research Immunohistochemical Localization of Types 1 and 2 5α-Reductase in Human Scalp

100 citations , September 1999 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

This study suggests that finasteride's effect on promoting hair growth in men with androgenetic alopecia may be due to its inhibition of 5aR2 localized in hair follicles.

research Genetic Analysis of Male Pattern Baldness and the 5α-Reductase Genes

169 citations , June 1998 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

This study found no significant genetic association between the 5α-reductase enzyme genes and male pattern baldness, suggesting a polygenic etiology rather than simple inheritance.

research Local Injection of Hepatocyte Growth Factor/Scatter Factor Alters Cyclic Growth of Murine Hair Follicles

109 citations , April 1998 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

This study found that recombinant human HGF/SF injections altered hair follicle growth cycles and mildly promoted hair elongation in mice, depending on their hair cycle stage.

Different Levels of 5α-Reductase Type I and II, Aromatase, and Androgen Receptor in Hair Follicles of Women and Men with Androgenetic Alopecia

research Different Levels of 5α-Reductase Type I and II, Aromatase, and Androgen Receptor in Hair Follicles of Women and Men with Androgenetic Alopecia

416 citations , September 1997 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

People with hair loss have more androgen receptors and enzymes in certain follicles, with men and women showing different patterns.

research Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Is an Autocrine Growth Factor for Hair Dermal Papilla Cells

135 citations , January 1996 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

research Role of 5α-Reductase in Health and Disease

101 citations , April 1994 in “Baillière's clinical endocrinology and metabolism”

This review discusses the role of 5α-reductase enzymes in androgen action and related disorders, noting that their specific inhibitory drugs show promise for conditions like benign prostatic hypertrophy; it reports no new clinical results.