Tanshinone Capsule Enhances Hair Follicle Regeneration in a Mouse Model of Androgenetic Alopecia via IGF1 and Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway
July 2026
in “
Journal of Investigative Dermatology
”
Tanshinone Capsule androgenetic alopecia IGF1 Wnt/β-catenin pathway testosterone Salvia miltiorrhiza anagen follicles hair bulb matrix cell proliferation single-cell RNA sequencing epithelial cells mesenchymal cells mesenchymal–epithelial signaling insulin-like growth factor 1 β-catenin pathway androgen receptor IGF1 receptor MAPK family AGA Wnt pathway Danshen hair growth hair follicle cell proliferation RNA sequencing cell signaling β-catenin MAPK
TLDR Tanshinone Capsule may help regrow hair by boosting specific cell signals.
The study investigates the effects of Tanshinone Capsule (TC) on hair follicle regeneration in a testosterone-induced mouse model of androgenetic alopecia (AGA). TC, derived from Salvia miltiorrhiza, significantly promoted hair regrowth, increased anagen follicles, enlarged hair bulb diameter, and enhanced matrix cell proliferation. Single-cell RNA sequencing revealed partial restoration of epithelial and mesenchymal cell populations and enhanced mesenchymal–epithelial signaling. TC treatment was linked to increased insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) signaling and activation of the β-catenin pathway. Chemical profiling and network pharmacology identified androgen receptor, IGF1 receptor, and MAPK family members as key mechanistic targets. These findings suggest TC's potential as a complementary therapeutic candidate for hair loss by enhancing IGF1 and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways.
