Exploration of Aloe vera, Centella asiatica, Green Tea, and Pueraria mirifica Extracts in Modulating Stem Cell-Like Properties for Hair Rejuvenation Through β-Catenin Stabilization and Activation of the Akt Signaling Cascade in Human Dermal Papilla Cells

Objective: Recent advancements in stem cell biology have revealed the potential of natural active compounds to boost hair growth and prevent hair loss by enhancing the stemness of dermal papilla (DP) cells. Methods: The level of upstream stabilized β-catenin was assessed using western blot analysis and immunofluorescence. The stemness was determined by real-time RT-qPCR to examine the mRNA level of stem cell factors and confirm the protein level by immunofluorescence. Results: Our cytotoxicity assay on DP cells treated with various extracts, including AV, CA, GT, PM, and a combination of these extracts (ACGP), indicated no impact on cell viability even at high concentrations (4000 μg/ml). Moreover, the DP cells treated with ACGP showed 1.5-fold high cells proliferation rate compared to single treatment DP cells. Western blot analysis revealed a 1.5-fold increase in the protein expression levels of both pAkt and β-catenin in ACGP-treated DP cells. The results demonstrated that cells treated with the combined extracts (ACGP) exhibited significantly increased mRNA levels of OCT4, NANOG, and SOX2 by 40-, 110-, and 30-fold, respectively, in the downstream stabilize β-catenin pathway for stem cell expression. Corresponding protein levels also increased by 2-, 3-, and 2-fold, respectively, compared to cells treated with each extract individually. Conclusion: These findings revealed the synergistic effect of natural products in stimulating DP stem cells via stabilize β-catenin and enhancing their cellular functions.