Hair growth promoting effects of andrographolide from Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Wall. ex Nees : In vitro, in vivo, and molecular docking studies

Ethnopharmacological Relevance Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Wall. ex Nees has been used in Thai traditional medicine for topical hair growth promotion. This study investigates andrographolide(AP), a major bioactive compound from Andrographis paniculata, and its underlying mechanism. Aim of the Study To evaluate the effect of AP on hair follicle growth and its regulation via the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Materials and Methods Mouse vibrissae and human hair follicles were cultured with AP (0–10μM) or minoxidil (10 μM). Hair shaft elongation and anagen duration were recorded. In vivo, depilated C57BL/6 mice received topical AP (1 or 5 mg/mL), with minoxidil as control. Follicular morphology was assessed by H&E staining; Ki67 expression was used to evaluate proliferation. Wnt/β-catenin signaling was analyzed by qRT-PCR and Western blot. Molecular docking was performed to assess potential interactions between AP and key pathway proteins. Results AP significantly promoted hair shaft elongation and prolonged the anagen phase. At 5 μM, its efficacy was comparable to 10 μM minoxidil. In vivo, AP increased follicular density and Ki67-positive cells. Mechanistically, it upregulated Wnt family member 10b (Wnt10b), β-catenin, and lymphoid enhancer-binding factor 1 (LEF1), indicating activation of the canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Molecular docking analysis indicated that AP may bind to Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 Beta(GSK3β) with a favorable energy of -8.4 kcal/mol. Conclusions AP, derived from Thai traditional hair care, promotes hair growth via follicular proliferation and Wnt/β-catenin activation. In silico data hint at GSK3β as a putative target, offering a mechanistic lead. This supports its development as a natural alopecia therapeutic, pending further validation.