Molecular Pathways Involved in Promoting Activity of Timosaponin BII on Hair Growth in C57BL/6 Mice

The study from September 19, 2020, demonstrated that timosaponin BII, derived from Anemarrhena asphodeloides, promoted hair growth in C57BL/6 male mice, with effects comparable to 2% minoxidil. Over a 15-day period, timosaponin BII treatment resulted in a significant increase in hair follicle numbers and transitioned hair from the telogen to the anagen phase, similar to minoxidil. The treatment also led to increased expression of ß-catenin and Wnt10b, indicating activation of the ß-catenin/Wnt signaling pathway, which is crucial for hair growth. No significant changes were observed in Wnt3a expression. The study, which included n = 5 mice per treatment group, concluded that timosaponin BII could be a potential hair growth-promoting agent, suggesting the need for further clinical trials to assess its effectiveness in treating alopecia.