Hair Growth-Promoting Activity of a Biorenovated Esculetin Complex Through Modulation of Dermal Papilla Cell Function and Hair Follicle Cycling

Objectives: Hair loss is a prevalent condition influenced by genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors, and effective therapies with minimal side effects are highly desired. In this study, the hair growth-promoting potential of a biorenovated esculetin complex (BEC) was evaluated in a C57BL/6N mouse model. Methods: BEC was topically applied to the depilated dorsal skin of mice once daily for 24 days. Hair growth was evaluated by measuring hair length, thickness, and weight, together with histological assessment of hair follicle number, follicle depth, and dermal thickness. Protein expression associated with Wnt/β-catenin and AKT signaling was evaluated by Western blot analysis. Results: BEC treatment accelerated hair regrowth and increased hair length, thickness, and weight compared with the vehicle control under the present experimental conditions. Histological analysis of hematoxylin-and-eosin-stained skin sections showed increased hair follicle number and greater follicle depth in the BEC-treated group, whereas dermal thickness was not significantly altered. Western blot analysis showed changes in β-catenin, phospho-GSK-3β (Ser9), and PCNA levels following BEC treatment. The p-AKT/AKT ratio also showed an increasing trend, although the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate the hair growth-promoting activity of the BEC preparation in this short-term murine model and suggest that these effects are associated with changes in Wnt/β-catenin- and AKT-related signaling. Further studies are warranted to characterize the active components, dose dependence, mechanism of action, and safety profile of BEC.