Alopecia, characterized by progressive hair thinning and loss, represents a significant medical and aesthetic concern affecting millions worldwide (Paus and Cotsarelis, 1999). Androgenetic alopecia (AGA), the most prevalent form of hair loss, affects both men and women, leading to psychological distress and diminished quality of life (Randall, 1994). Despite numerous therapeutic options, current treatments for hair regeneration, such as 5 % minoxidil and finasteride, often have limitations in terms of efficacy (Price, 1999), side effects, and patient compliance (Wang et al., 2010). As a result, there is a pressing need for novel, effective, and safe therapeutic agents to address hair loss (Hardy, 1992; Sehgal et al., 2006).

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has long utilized plant-based remedies to treat various conditions, including alopecia (Schneider et al., 2009; Stenn and Paus, 2001). Among these, Citrus species and their bioactive compounds have gained attention for their potential hair growth-promoting properties (Andl et al., 2002; Huelsken et al., 2001). Naringin, a flavonoid found abundantly in citrus fruits, is one such compound that has been implicated in various pharmacological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects (Courtois et al., 1994). Notably, recent studies have suggested that naringin may influence key molecular pathways involved in hair follicle growth (Paus and Foitzik, 2004; Trüeb, 2002), offering a promising avenue for alopecia treatment (Geyfman et al., 2015).

The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, a critical regulator of hair follicle development and regeneration, has emerged as a key player in the molecular mechanisms of hair growth (Adil and Godwin, 2017). Activation of this pathway is associated with enhanced hair follicle regeneration, while its dysregulation (either excessive activation or inhibition) can lead to hair loss. In this context (Olsen et al., 2002), naringin's potential to modulate the Wnt/β-catenin pathway raises the prospect of a novel therapeutic approach to hair loss (Shanshanwal and Dhurat, 2017). Furthermore, naringin has been shown to exhibit dual effects: promoting hair follicle cell proliferation and inhibiting apoptosis (Irwig and Kolukula, 2011), suggesting a multifaceted mechanism of action that may contribute to its efficacy in hair regeneration (Kanaze et al., 2007).

This study aims to provide a comprehensive investigation into the hair growth-promoting effects of naringin, focusing on its molecular mechanisms and dose-dependent efficacy (Raza et al., 2013). By examining its impact on the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, as well as its effects on key regulatory proteins and cell proliferation, this research seeks to validate naringin as a potential therapeutic agent for alopecia. Additionally, (Kang et al., 2019; Yang et al., 2024; Zhou et al., 2022), through molecular docking analysis, we aim to elucidate the binding interactions between naringin and key components of the Wnt pathway, thereby contributing to a deeper understanding of its molecular action (Kwack et al., 2009).

Ultimately, this work not only contributes to the development of more effective hair loss treatments but also supports the scientific validation of traditional TCM ingredients, paving the way for their modern clinical applications (Choi, 2018).