DOI: 10.4103/mjbl.mjbl_813_24 ISSN: 1812-156X

Clove Oil Modulates Transforming Growth Factor Beta 1 and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Pathways in Androgenetic Alopecia

Banan Abdul Ghany Mohammed, Huda Ibraheem Qasim

Abstract

Background:

Clove oil ( Syzygium aromaticum ) has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) involves key factors such as transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1), free testosterone (FT), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). These biomarkers contribute to inflammation, hormonal imbalance, and reduced scalp vascularization.

Objectives:

This study aimed to determine the efficacy of clove oil in AGA in comparison with that of traditional Food and Drug Administration-approved treatment (minoxidil [MXD]).

Materials and Methods:

This study utilized adult male BALB/c albino mice to assess the impact of clove oil on AGA. A daily application of 100 µL of 5% testosterone solution was administered topically to the shaved dorsal region of the mice to produce AGA. One hour postinduction, subjects received either 0.1 mL of 5% MXD solution or 0.8 mL of 10% clove oil, administered topically until the 60th day of the study. For 60 days, mice were administered testosterone to develop AGA, except for the control group, which was separated into four groups: control, induction, MXD treatment, and clove oil treatment. After killing the animals for 61 days, we obtained dorsal skin and blood samples for FT, DHT, VEGF, and TGF-β1.

Results:

The clove oil therapy markedly lowered serum testosterone and DHT levels in comparison with the testosterone-induced group. Furthermore, clove oil improved levels of VEGF and TGF-β1, as demonstrated by statistical analysis.

Conclusion:

Clove oil exhibited considerable efficacy in alleviating AGA by regulating hormonal levels and inflammatory indicators, including decreasing testosterone, DHT, and TGF-β1, while augmenting VEGF.

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