Deoxyshikonin from Arnebiae Radix promotes hair growth by targeting the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway

The study investigates the hair growth-promoting effects of Deoxyshikonin (DS) from Arnebiae Radix (AR) by targeting the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Using C57BL/6 mice, the research demonstrates that AR extracts, particularly the alcoholic extract (ARE), stimulate hair follicles to enter the anagen phase earlier and extend its duration, promoting hair growth. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) identified DS as the primary active compound. DS modulates key cytokines like IGF-Ⅰ, VEGF, and TGF-β1, activating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, which enhances cell proliferation and regulates hair growth. This suggests that DS could be a potential green, safe, and effective treatment for alopecia.