Polygonum Multiflorum in Androgenetic Alopecia: Network to Dynamics

The study demonstrates that Polygonum multiflorum, particularly its component emodin, combats androgenetic alopecia (AGA) by targeting the PI3K-Akt pathway, specifically the catalytic subunits PIK3CA and PIK3CB. This mechanism is distinct from traditional antiandrogenic therapies. Emodin shows strong binding affinity to PIK3CA, with a binding energy of -9.2 kcal/mol, and maintains stable interactions over 50-ns molecular dynamics simulations. The study identifies a core interactome of 67 hub genes related to AGA, suggesting that emodin's interaction with PI3K leads to apoptosis suppression, reduced oxidative stress, and enhanced follicular melanogenesis. These findings highlight the potential of P. multiflorum as a multi-target treatment for AGA and suggest PI3K catalytic isoforms as new therapeutic targets.