Network pharmacology analysis and experimental evaluations of YH complex on androgenetic alopecia by regulating the androgenic-apoptotic axis

Cinnamomum cassia and Astragalus membranaceus have been used as traditional medicines as well as functional foods worldwide, but its hair growth properties have been verified yet. This study was designed that possible molecular mechanism of YH complex consisting of C. cassia and A. membranaceus on androgenetic alopecia (AGA) was predicted and investigated in mice. Target genes of C. cassia and A. membranaceus constructed the YH complex network. AGA mice were induced by injection of testosterone and 100 and 150 mg/kg of YH complex were orally administered. From result of network analysis, the possible underlying mechanism of YH complex was closely related with the “regulation of hair cycle” and “apoptosis signaling pathway.” In depilated AGA mice, YH complex markedly promoted hair regrowth. Histological recovery on size and shape of hair follicles was appeared by YH complex administration. The expressions of 5α-reductase and TGF-β were significantly decreased in dorsal skin tissues of YH complex-treated mice. Antiapoptotic Bcl-2/Bax ratio was upregulated, while caspase activation was downregulated by treatment with YH complex. In summary, YH complex regulated hair development cycle by inhibiting the androgenic-apoptotic axis in AGA. YH complex would be a potent therapeutic agent for alopecia.