Abstract / Summary
Squid ink is a marine-derived bioresource containing diverse bioactive compounds; however, the biological functions of its low-molecular-weight constituents remain largely unexplored. In this study, a novel quinolin derivative, named AEBI, was isolated and identified from squid ink through enzymatic hydrolysis, chromatographic purification, and spectroscopic analysis. The hair growth–promoting activity of AEBI was subsequently evaluated using mouse hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs) and a depilation model established in male Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats. In vitro, AEBI significantly enhanced HFSC viability in a concentration-dependent manner and increased the expression of stem cell- and extracellular matrix-associated proteins, including p63, laminin, and fibronectin. In vivo, topical administration of AEBI markedly accelerated hair regrowth, increased hair follicle density, promoted follicular maturation, and improved hair shaft morphology in depilated rats. Histological analysis revealed that AEBI treatment increased the proportion of mature hair follicles and enhanced subcutaneous adipose tissue development. Furthermore, AEBI treatment upregulated the expression of hair growth–related molecules, including Wnt10b, β-catenin, LEF1, and Ki-67, suggesting that modulation of Wnt/β-catenin-associated signaling may contribute to its hair growth–promoting effects. Notably, high-dose AEBI exhibited comparable or superior effects to 5% minoxidil in several evaluated parameters. Collectively, these findings identify AEBI as a novel squid ink–derived bioactive molecule with potential applications in the development of natural hair growth–promoting agents and provide new insights into the utilization of marine-derived small molecules.