Synergistic Phytochemical and Pharmacological Actions of Hair RiseTM Microemulsion: A Novel Herbal Formulation for Androgenetic Alopecia and Hair Growth Stimulation

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a genetic condition characterized by an excessive response to androgens, leading to hairline regression in men and hair thinning at the vertex in women, which can negatively impact self-esteem. Conventional synthetic treatments for AGA are often limited by their side effects. In contrast, Thai medicinal plants offer a promising alternative with fewer adverse effects. This study investigates the synergistic phytochemical and pharmacological effects of a novel Hair Rise^TM microemulsion, formulated with bioactive extracts from rice bran (<i>Oryza sativa</i>), shallot bulb (<i>Allium ascalonicum</i>), licorice root (<i>Glycyrrhiza glabra</i>), and corn kernels (<i>Zea mays</i>), for the treatment of hair loss. The microemulsion, in concentrations of 50%, 75%, and 100% (<i>v</i>/<i>v</i>), significantly enhanced the proliferation of human hair follicle dermal papilla cells (HFDPCs) compared to minoxidil. Additionally, it upregulated critical hair growth signaling pathways, including Wnt/β-catenin (<i>CTNNB1</i>), Sonic Hedgehog (<i>SHH</i>, <i>SMO</i>, <i>GLI1</i>), and vascular endothelial growth factor (<i>VEGF</i>), surpassing standard controls such as minoxidil and purmorphamine. The microemulsion also demonstrated potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties by reducing nitric oxide production and oxidative stress, factors that contribute to inflammation and follicular damage in AGA. Furthermore, Hair Rise^TM inhibited 5<i>α</i>-reductase (types 1-3), a key enzyme involved in androgen metabolism, in both human prostate cancer cells (DU-145) and HFDPCs. These findings suggest that Hair Rise^TM microemulsion presents a promising natural therapy for promoting hair growth and reducing hair loss via multiple synergistic mechanisms, offering a potent, plant-based alternative to synthetic treatments.