A Possible Solution for Hair Loss by Inhibiting Corticotropin-Releasing Factor Receptor from Traditional Chinese Medicine

This study explored the potential of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) compounds as inhibitors of corticotropin-releasing factor receptor (CRFR) to treat stress-related hair loss. Using the TCM database and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, researchers identified vitamin B2, 3 beta-isodihydrocadambine, and caribine as compounds with high binding affinity to maltose binding protein (MBP). Notably, caribine facilitated a closer approach of CRFR to MBP, forming a compact structure and significantly reducing the distance between the two proteins. Ligand channel analysis showed increased residence time of caribine in the binding pocket, suggesting that caribine could be a promising lead compound for developing treatments for hair loss.