Nature-Derived Lignan Compound VB-1 Exerts Hair Growth-Promoting Effects by Augmenting Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling in Human Dermal Papilla Cells

In 2018, a study was conducted on the effects of a nature-derived lignan compound, VB-1, on hair growth. The compound, extracted from Vitex negundo, a widely used herb in China, was found to promote hair growth by augmenting Wnt/β-catenin signaling in human dermal papilla cells (hDPCs). The researchers treated hDPCs with different doses of VB-1 and found that a 0.1uM concentration promoted cell proliferation. They also observed changes in the expression of some dermal papilla signature genes and Wnt signaling pathway genes after VB-1 treatment. Additionally, when human scalp hair follicles were treated with VB-1 in an in vitro organ culture system, significant hair follicle growth was observed. The study concluded that VB-1 has potential for future clinical applications in promoting hair growth. However, the reviewers suggested further studies and improvements in the manuscript.