title: Topical application of Polygonum multiflorum extract induces hair growth of resting hair follicles through upregulating Shh and β-catenin expression in C57BL/6 mice.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Polygonum multiflorum has traditionally been used for treating patients suffering from baldness and hair loss in East Asia.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The present study sought to investigate the hair growth promoting activities of Polygonum multiflorum and its mechanism of action.
  
  
  METHODS
  The Polygonum multiflorum extract was topically applied to the shaved dorsal skin of telogenic C57BL6/N mice. To determine the effect of Polygonum multiflorum extract in telogen to anagen transition, the expression of β-catenin and Sonic hedgehog (Shh) was determined by immunohistochemistry analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Polygonum multiflorum extract promoted hair growth by inducing anagen phase in telogenic C57BL6/N mice. In Polygonum multiflorum extract treated group, we observed increase in the number and the size of hair follicles that are considered as evidence for anagen phase induction. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that earlier induction of β-catenin and Shh were observed in Polygonum multiflorum extract treated group compared to that in control group.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These results suggest that Polygonum multiflorum extract promotes hair growth by inducing anagen phase in resting hair follicles.
authors.affiliation: Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Konkuk University, 1 Hwayang-dong, Kwangjin-gu, Seoul 143-701, Republic of Korea. hyejinpak@gmail.com
authors.forename: Hye-Jin
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Park
authors.forename: Nannan
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: Dong Ki
authors.initials: DK
authors.lastname: Park
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D000818:Animals; D006197:Hair / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000254:growth & development; D053823:Hedgehog Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D028502:Polygonum / Q000737:chemistry*; D015854:Up-Regulation / Q000187:drug effects*; D051176:beta Catenin / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D053823:Hedgehog Proteins; D010936:Plant Extracts; C465570:Shh protein, mouse; D051176:beta Catenin