In vitro Hair Growth Promoting Effects of Naringenin and Hesperetin on Human Dermal Papilla Cells and Keratinocytes

Abstract

Alopecia (hair loss) is a common and distressing condition. Therefore, it is important to develop new therapeutic agents to prevent the hair loss and maintain hair growth. Natural compounds, such as flavonoids are known to possess hair-growth promoting properties. The hair growth promoting effects of Naringenin and Hesperetin and their in vitro biological effects on human Dermal Papilla cells (DPCs) and keratinocytes (HaCaT cells) have not been reported yet to the best of our knowledge. In the present study, we have investigated the in vitro effects of Naringenin and Hesperetin on key constituent cells of hair; DPCs and keratinocytes. Cellular proliferation in DPCs and HaCaT cells was determined by MTT assay. Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) levels were estimated by ELISA. Naringenin and Hesperetin significantly increased the proliferation of DPCs and HaCaT cells. Restoration of cell viability against Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) induced cytotoxicity suggested protection against oxidative stress associated with hair. Stimulation of VEGF secretion was also observed. The preliminary results obtained here suggest the hair growth promoting properties of Naringenin and Hesperetin, presenting them as potential candidates for natural hair-growth promoting compositions. Further, the effect of compounds in ex vivo and in vivo models will substantiate their hair growth promoting properties.