Effects of a Botanical Extract Versus Minoxidil on Hair Loss-Associated Biomarkers: An In Vitro Study

June 2026 in “ Current Issues in Molecular Biology ”

Gülistan Öncü, Murat Türkoğlu, Ali Türkan, Hakan Sevinç

minoxidil botanical extract VEGF KGF 5α-reductase type II SRD5A2 inflammatory cytokines IL-6 TNF-α IL-1β TGF-β hair follicle cycling Rogaine vascular endothelial growth factor keratinocyte growth factor 5-alpha-reductase type II transforming growth factor-beta

TLDR Minoxidil is more effective than the botanical extract for hair loss, but the extract shows potential as an alternative.

This in vitro study evaluated the effects of a botanical extract compared to minoxidil on hair loss-associated biomarkers in human keratinocyte cells. Both treatments increased growth factors VEGF and KGF and reduced the expression of 5α-reductase type II (SRD5A2), with minoxidil showing a stronger effect. Minoxidil also significantly decreased inflammatory cytokines IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β, while the botanical extract only reduced IL-6 and TNF-α. Additionally, minoxidil reduced TGF-β, a negative regulator of hair follicle cycling, whereas the botanical extract increased it. Overall, minoxidil demonstrated more pronounced effects, but the botanical extract showed a similar response pattern, indicating its potential as an alternative treatment for hair loss and warranting further in vivo studies.

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