Xiaozhi Yufa Decoction Ameliorates Androgenetic Alopecia Through Inhibition of MAPK Signaling and Regulation of Lipid Metabolism

The study explores the effects of Xiaozhi Yufa decoction (XZYFD) on androgenetic alopecia using a testosterone propionate-induced mouse model with 30 male C57BL/6 mice. XZYFD was found to promote hair regrowth and improve hair follicle morphology, potentially through the inhibition of MAPK signaling and regulation of lipid metabolism. The high-dose XZYFD group showed significant improvements comparable to finasteride, a standard treatment. Network pharmacology and molecular docking identified active compounds like quercetin and caulophyllogenin, which target proteins such as SRD5A2 and MAPK. XZYFD also reduced elevated testosterone and dihydrotestosterone levels, improved lipid metabolism markers, and suppressed inflammatory cytokines. These findings suggest XZYFD as a potential multi-target treatment for androgenetic alopecia, with further clinical trials needed to confirm its efficacy in humans.