Triterpenes in the Ethanol Extract of Poria cocos Induce Dermal Papilla Cell Proliferation

Background and Objective: Many people are affected by hair loss, although certain drugs can contribute to hair growth. Developing a new medical therapy for hair loss will be helpful for improving people's lives. This study was aimed to investigate the effects of Poria cocos extract on human follicle dermal papilla cells ( HFDPCs) to identify potential compounds for hair growth. Materials and Methods: The WST-1 assay and bromodeoxyuridine tests were used to evaluate cell proliferation. The cell cycle was examined by flow cytometry. The expression levels of cell cycle-associated proteins and major mitogen-activated protein kinases were determined by western blot. Results: Poria cocos extract was found to increase the cell viability and induce cell proliferation of HFDPCs at concentrations ranging from 25-100 mu g mL(-1). The expression levels of cell cycle-associated proteins were increased in P. cocos extract-treated HFDPCs. Moreover, increased expression levels of p-AKT and p-ERK were found in P. cocos extract-treated HFDPCs. Each triterpene in P. cocos extract also exhibited a similar effect on HFDPCs proliferation. In addition, blockade of AKT kinase but not ERK abolished P. cocos extract-induced HFDPC proliferation. Conclusion: The present results suggested that the AKT signaling pathway is involved in P. cocos extract-induced cell proliferation of HFDPCs.