Shikimic Acid, a Mannose Bioisostere, Promotes Hair Growth with the Induction of Anagen Hair Cycle.

The study investigated the effects of shikimic acid (SA) on hair growth using an in vivo C57BL/6 mouse model and ex vivo human hair organ culture. SA was found to significantly prolong anagen hair growth in mice and enhance hair shaft elongation in human hair cultures. The study confirmed the expression of the mannose receptor in human hair follicles and demonstrated that SA increased the proliferation of human dermal papilla cells and outer root sheath cells. Additionally, SA treatment led to increased levels of growth factors and upregulation of signaling pathways associated with hair growth. These findings suggested that SA could be a potential therapeutic agent for treating alopecia.