Abstract
Androgenetic alopecia (AGA), a hair loss disorder, is a genetic predisposition to sensitive androgens, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Unfortunately, current treatments with synthetic medicines contain a restricted mechanism along with side effects, whereas the bioactive constituents of plant extracts are multifunctional, with fewer side effects. The massive amounts of rice husk and bran are agricultural wastes that may cause pollution and environmental problems. Owing to these rationales, the local rice variety, Bue Bang 3 CMU (BB3CMU), which is grown in northern Thailand, was evaluated for the valuable utilization of rice by-products, husk (BB3CMU-H) and bran (BB3CMU-RB) extracts, for AGA treatment regarding antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-androgenic activities, and the characterization of bioactive compounds. Our study verified that BB3CMU-H had the highest level of polyphenols, contributing to its greater antioxidant activity. Conversely, BB3CMU-RB was the predominant source of tocopherols, resulting in better anti-androgenic activities regarding the downregulation of steroid 5α-reductase genes (SRD5A). Notably, anti-inflammation via the attenuation of nitric oxide productions was observed in BB3CMU-H (0.06 ± 0.13 μM) and BB3CMU-RB (0.13 ± 0.01 μM), which were significantly comparable to diclofenac sodium salt (0.13 ± 0.19 μM). Therefore, the combination of BB3CMU-H and BB3CMU-RB could be utilized in cosmeceutical and pharmaceutical applications for AGA patients.