Dendrobium Officinale Polysaccharide Improves Hair Regrowth in Androgenetic Alopecia Mice and Is Associated with Coordinated Changes in Local Steroid Metabolism, ESR1 Activation, and Keratin-Related Follicular Responses

The study investigates the effects of Dendrobium officinale polysaccharide (DOP) on hair regrowth in androgenetic alopecia (AGA) mice. Results indicate that DOP improves hair regrowth in a dose-dependent manner, with the high-dose group showing significant improvements in hair coverage, follicle density, dermal thickness, hair bulb diameter, and anagen phase proportion. The treatment was linked to decreased SRD5A1 expression, increased CYP19A1 expression, reduced local dihydrotestosterone and testosterone levels, and elevated p-ESR1 and KRT28/KRT71 expression. These changes suggest that DOP influences local steroid metabolism, ESR1 activation, and keratin-related follicular responses, enhancing follicular morphology and cycling. The findings propose a framework for further exploration of DOP in treating AGA.