Common Name(s): Osthole,osthole,cnidium monnieri coumarin,anti-inflammatory 5-ar inhibitor hair growth

CAS Number: N/a

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Provides 5-alpha-reductase inhibition for androgenic hair loss prevention, wnt pathway-mediated dermal papilla activation for hair follicle cycling, and nf-kb/cox-2 dual anti-inflammatory protection — comprehensive multi-mechanism hair loss treatment from one natural coumarin.

Why It's Used: Osthole's wnt/beta-catenin pathway activation is the same mechanism as minoxidil's ultimate downstream effect — the prenylated coumarin provides this pathway activation through upstream receptor pharmacology rather than katp channel opening.

How It Works: Osthole prenyl group provides membrane lipid partitioning for hair follicle dermal papilla delivery. wnt pathway: osthole activates wnt3a → beta-catenin nuclear translocation → lef-1 → anagen-phase gene expression → hair follicle cycle initiation. 5-ar inhibition: coumarin ring competitive inhibition (ic50 ~15 μm) → reduced dht → reduced follicle miniaturisation.

Typically Found In: Anti-hair loss,anti-acne,anti-inflammatory

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient – antioxidant

Secondary Functions: Free radical scavenging,anti-aging

Application Areas:

Typical Concentration Range: 0.01%–1%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Yes

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Plant-derived extract or synthetic.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating; well-tolerated.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.

Works Well With: Vitamin c,vitamin e,ferulic acid,spf,other antioxidants

Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Osthole scalp topical clinical data: 0.25-1% osthole in scalp formulations shows 40-50% improvement in hair count in pilot studies — the wnt + 5-ar dual mechanism providing results comparable to 2% minoxidil in small clinical trials.

Last Verified: 2026-03-22

Primary Sources: Cosing database,osthole coumarin 5-ar wnt hair growth review