Fucoidan treatment reverses hair loss and inhibits inflammatory responses in a mouse model of androgenetic alopecia.

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA), a prevalent form of hair loss, is typically treated with minoxidil and finasteride, but their efficacy and safety are somewhat constrained. Previous studies have shown that fucoidan can regulate VEGF and Wnt signaling pathways, which are critical for hair growth. Based on bioactivity screening protocols for natural product, we hypothesized that fucoidan may exert beneficial effects on AGA, potentially through modulation of the Wnt pathway and other molecular mechanisms. This study aimed to investigate the effect of fucoidan on testosterone propionate-induced AGA in mice and explore the underlying mechanisms, providing new insights into its therapeutic potential. The results demonstrated that 2 % fucoidan significantly alleviated AGA symptoms, promoted hair growth, and increased hair density. Mechanistically, fucoidan ameliorated testosterone propionate-induced hair follicle (HF) atrophy and developmental arrest, while restoring HF pigmentation. Further analysis revealed that fucoidan regulated the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, reduced cellular apoptosis, and promoted the release of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Additionally, fucoidan effectively reduced microinflammation in AGA-afflicted mice. Collectively, these findings suggest that fucoidan has potential therapeutic effects against AGA.