Combination of Autophagy and Stem Cell Enhancing Properties of Natural Product Extracts in Human Dermal Papilla Stem Cells.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND/AIM: Dermal papilla (DP) stem cells are known for their remarkable regenerative capacity, making them a valuable model for assessing the effects of natural products on cellular processes, including stemness, and autophagy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Autophagy and stemness characteristics were assessed using real-time RT-PCR to analyze mRNA levels, along with immunofluorescence and western blot techniques for protein level evaluation. RESULTS: Butterfly Pea, Emblica Fruits, Kaffir Lime, and Thunbergia Laurifolia extracts induced autophagy in DP cells. Kaffir Lime-treated cells exhibited increase in the OCT4, NANOG, and SOX2 mRNA (6-, 5, and 5.5-fold, respectively), and protein levels (4-, 3-, and 1.5-fold, respectively). All extracts activated the survival protein kinase B (Akt) in DP cells. CONCLUSION: Natural products are a promising source for promoting hair growth by rejuvenating hair stem cells.