Hypericin and Berberine Promote Elongation of Hair Peg-Like Sprouting in Hair Follicle Organoids via Oxytocin Signaling Activation

This study explores the potential of hypericin and berberine as small-molecule alternatives to oxytocin for promoting hair growth. Oxytocin, known for its role in childbirth and lactation, also influences hair follicles but has limitations due to its large molecular weight and poor skin permeability. Through in vitro and in silico methods, hypericin was identified to enhance oxytocin receptor expression, while berberine acts as an oxytocin receptor agonist. Their combined effects were confirmed in hair follicle organoid assays, suggesting their promise in developing new treatments for hair-loss conditions like alopecia.