Effects of the Complex of Panicum miliaceum Extract and Triticum aestivum Extract on Hair Condition

Abstract

Proso millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) and common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) have been used as major crops in multiple regions since ancient times, and they contain various nutrients that can affect human hair health. This study investigated the various biological effects of a complex of millet extract and wheat extract (MWC) on hair health. Human immortalized dermal papilla cells (iDPCs) for an in vitro study and an anagen-synchronized mouse model for an in vivo study were employed. These findings revealed that the application of the MWC in vitro led to an increase in the mRNA levels of antioxidant enzymes (catalase and SOD1), growth factors (IGF-1, VEGF, and FGF7), and factors related to hair growth (wnt10b, β-catenin) while decreasing inflammatory cytokine mRNA levels (IL-6 and TNFα). The mRNA levels of hair follicles (HFs) in the dorsal skin of the mouse model in the early and late telogen phases were also measured. The mRNA levels in the in vivo study showed a similar alteration tendency as in the in vitro study in the early and late telogen phases. In this model, MWC treatment elongated the anagen phase of the hair cycle. These findings indicate that the MWC can suppress oxidative stress and inflammation and may elongate the anagen phase by enhancing the growth factors involved in the wnt10b/β-catenin signaling pathway. This study suggests that the MWC might have significant potential as a functional food for maintaining hair health.

Keywords: anagen elongation; antioxidant; complex of millet extract and wheat extract; functional food ingredient; growth factor; hair health.

Figure 1

Proliferative effect of MWC on human iDPCs. Cells were treated with 60, 120, or 240 μg/mL of MWC and 240 μg/mL of SFO for (A) 24 h, (B) 48 h, and (C) 72 h. Cell viability was analyzed using a WST assay kit. Each experiment was performed in triplicate. Results were analyzed to assess cell proliferation in the groups treated with MWC or SFO in comparison to control group (ctrl) using a one-way ANOVA.

Figure 2

Effect of MWC on the mRNA of antioxidant enzymes and inflammatory cytokines in human iDPCs. Cells were treated with 240 ug/mL of MWC and SFO for 24 h, and the total RNA was extracted. Quantitative RT-PCR was performed to measure the mRNA levels of (A) catalase and SOD1 and (B) IL-1β, IL-6, and TNFα. Each experiment was performed in triplicate. Results were analyzed using a student’s t-test (* p < 0.05, ** p < 0.01, *** p < 0.001 vs. control).

Figure 3

Modulating effect of MWC on the mRNA levels of growth and hair-growth-related factors in iDPCs. Quantitative RT-PCR was performed to measure the mRNA levels of (A) IGF1, VEGF, and FGF7 and (B) SOX2, β-catenin, wnt10b, and TGFβ2. Each experiment was performed in triplicate. Results were analyzed using a student’s t-test (* p < 0.05, ** p < 0.01, *** p < 0.001 vs. control).

Figure 4

Modulating effect of MWC on the mRNA levels of antioxidant enzymes and inflammatory cytokines in dorsal skin tissues of the anagen-synchronized mouse model. The anagen-synchronized mice were orally administered 30, 60, and 120 mg/kg of MWC (MWC 30, MWC 60, and MWC 120, respectively), 120 mg/kg of SFO, and 400 mg/kg of pansidil following the experimental design. Dorsal skin tissues were harvested in the early and late telogen phases. Total RNA was collected from the dorsal skin tissues, and quantitative RT-PCR was performed to measure the mRNA levels of (A) catalase, (B) SOD1, (C) IL-1β, (D) IL-6, and (E) TNFα. Each experiment was performed in triplicate. Results were analyzed using a one-way ANOVA (* p < 0.05, ** p < 0.01, *** p < 0.001 vs. control).

Figure 5

Modulating effect of MWC on the mRNA levels of growth factors and hair-growth-related genes in dorsal skin tissues of the anagen-synchronized mouse model. Dorsal skin tissues were harvested on Day 23 and Day 29. Total RNA was collected from skin tissues, and quantitative RT-PCR was performed to measure the mRNA levels of (A) IGF1, (B) VEGF, (C) FGF7, (D) SOX2, (E) β-catenin, (F) wnt10b, and (G) TGFβ2. Each experiment was performed in triplicate. Results were analyzed using a one-way ANOVA (* p < 0.05, ** p < 0.01, *** p < 0.001 vs. control).

Figure 5

Modulating effect of MWC on the mRNA levels of growth factors and hair-growth-related genes in dorsal skin tissues of the anagen-synchronized mouse model. Dorsal skin tissues were harvested on Day 23 and Day 29. Total RNA was collected from skin tissues, and quantitative RT-PCR was performed to measure the mRNA levels of (A) IGF1, (B) VEGF, (C) FGF7, (D) SOX2, (E) β-catenin, (F) wnt10b, and (G) TGFβ2. Each experiment was performed in triplicate. Results were analyzed using a one-way ANOVA (* p < 0.05, ** p < 0.01, *** p < 0.001 vs. control).

Figure 6

Elongating effect of MWC on hair during the anagen phase in dorsal skin tissues of the anagen-synchronized mouse model. Dorsal skin tissues were stained by the H&E staining method. (A) In the early telogen phase, dorsal skin sections were analyzed, and the number of HFs was counted (scale bar = 500 μm). (B) The ratios of anagen HFs to total HFs and (C) telogen HFs to total HFs were analyzed in the early telogen phase. (D) In the late telogen phase, dorsal skin sections were analyzed, and the number of HFs was counted (scale bar = 500 μm). (E) The ratios of anagen HFs to total HFs and (F) telogen HFs to total HFs were analyzed in the late telogen phase. Results were analyzed using a one-way ANOVA (** p < 0.01 vs. control).