Hair growth promoting effects of andrographolide from Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Wall. ex Nees : In vitro, in vivo, and molecular docking studies

Abstract

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Wall. ex Nees has been used in Thai traditional medicine for topical hair growth promotion. This study investigates andrographolide(AP), a major bioactive compound from Andrographis paniculata, and its underlying mechanism.

Aim of the study: To evaluate the effect of AP on hair follicle growth and its regulation via the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

Materials and methods: Mouse vibrissae and human hair follicles were cultured with AP (0-10μM) or minoxidil (10 μM). Hair shaft elongation and anagen duration were recorded. In vivo, depilated C57BL/6 mice received topical AP (1 or 5 mg/mL), with minoxidil as control. Follicular morphology was assessed by H&E staining; Ki67 expression was used to evaluate proliferation. Wnt/β-catenin signaling was analyzed by qRT-PCR and Western blot. Molecular docking was performed to assess potential interactions between AP and key pathway proteins.

Results: AP significantly promoted hair shaft elongation and prolonged the anagen phase. At 5 μM, its efficacy was comparable to 10 μM minoxidil. In vivo, AP increased follicular density and Ki67-positive cells. Mechanistically, it upregulated Wnt family member 10b (Wnt10b), β-catenin, and lymphoid enhancer-binding factor 1 (LEF1), indicating activation of the canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Molecular docking analysis indicated that AP may bind to Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 Beta(GSK3β) with a favorable energy of -8.4 kcal/mol.

Conclusions: AP, derived from Thai traditional hair care, promotes hair growth via follicular proliferation and Wnt/β-catenin activation. In silico data hint at GSK3β as a putative target, offering a mechanistic lead. This supports its development as a natural alopecia therapeutic, pending further validation.

Keywords: Thai traditional herbs; Wnt/β-catenin pathway; andrographolide; hair growth; human hair follicles; mouse vibrissae.