Quercetin rescues dihydrotestosterone-treated human dermal papilla cells via SHP2/AKT signaling to suppress autophagy and apoptosis

The management of hair loss is vital in clinical dermatology due to its prevalence and impact on patients' quality of life. Quercetin is recognized for its diverse activities, including anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and immune regulation. However, its effects on human hair follicles and mechanisms remain unclear. This study explored quercetin's impact on countering DHT-induced cell damage, emphasizing apoptosis, cell cycle, mitochondria, and autophagy. Quercetin mitigated DHT's harm, restoring dermal papilla cell function and modulating cell cycle proteins. It restrained DHT-induced ROS and ATP loss, preserving mitochondrial integrity. Through network pharmacology analysis, it was discovered that quercetin targets SHP2, thereby regulating AKT signaling. Additionally, in mice, quercetin was found to promote hair growth. These significant insights highlight the potential of quercetin as a promising solution for hair loss and hair regeneration.