Effects of Allium hookeri Extracts on Hair-Inductive and Anti-Oxidative Properties in Human Dermal Papilla Cells

Oxidative stress and cellular senescence in dermal papilla cells (DPCs) are major etiological factors causing hair loss. In this study, the effect of the Allium hookeri extract (AHE) on hair-inductive and anti-oxidative properties was investigated in human DPCs. As a result, it was found that a non-cytotoxic concentration of the extracts increased the viability and size of the human DPC spheroid, which was associated with the increased expression of hair-growth-related genes in cells. To determine whether or not these effects could be attributed to intracellular anti-oxidative effects, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry alongside various biochemical analyses are conducted herein. An ingredient called alliin was identified as one of the main components. Furthermore, AHE treatment induced a significant decrease in H₂O₂-mediated cytotoxicities, cell death, and cellular senescence in human DPCs. Upon analyzing these results with a molecular mechanism approach, it was shown that AHE treatment increased β-Catenin and NRF2 translocation into the nucleus while inhibiting the translocation of NF-κB (p50) through p38 and PKA-mediated phosphorylations of GSK3β, an upstream regulator of those proteins. These results overall indicate the possibility that AHE can regulate GSK3β-mediated β-Catenin, NRF2, and NF-κB signaling to enhance hair-inductive properties and ultimately protect against oxidative stress-induced cellular damage in human DPCs.