Therapeutic Potential of Ishophloroglucin A from Ishige Okamurae in Androgenic Alopecia: Inhibition of 5α-Reductase Activity and Activation of the Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway in Human Dermal Papilla Cells

    January 2026 in “ Applied Biological Chemistry
    Wook-Chul Kim, Hyunsoo Kim, Nalae Kang, Soo-Jin Heo, Seung‐Hong Lee
    TLDR Ishophloroglucin A from Ishige okamurae may be a natural alternative for treating hair loss by inhibiting 5α-reductase and promoting hair growth.
    The study explores the potential of Ishophloroglucin A (IPA) from Ishige okamurae as a treatment for androgenic alopecia (AGA) by inhibiting 5α-reductase activity and activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in human dermal papilla cells (HDPCs). IPA showed a stronger inhibitory effect on 5α-reductase than finasteride, with an IC₅₀ value of 304.14 µM compared to 506.10 µM for finasteride, and reduced dihydrotestosterone (DHT) production in a dose-dependent manner. It also enhanced cell proliferation, migration, and expression of hair growth markers, suggesting its potential as a natural alternative to conventional AGA treatments. The study supports the use of marine-derived compounds in pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical applications for hair loss.
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