An overview of herbal alternatives in androgenetic alopecia

Abstract

Summary The second most common alopecia—Androgenetic alopecia (AGA)—occurs due to hormonal imbalance. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) an androgenic hormone is a sex steroid, produced in the gonads. The target sites of DHT are similar to that of testosterone, and it attaches easily remaining bound for 53 minutes as compared to 35 minutes of testosterone. Excess of DHT causes miniaturization of hair reducing the anagen phase and increasing the telogen phase leading to hair loss. Normally up to ten percent of testosterone in the body irreversibly gets converted into DHT by the action of enzyme 5‐alpha‐reductase. Inadequate blood flow to the scalp can also be another reason for hair loss encountered due to lower oxygen and nutrients reaching it. AGA affects both sexes; however in males, it leads to major hair loss. Conventional drugs such as minoxidil and finasteride are widely used for the treatment. However, several drawbacks such as allergic contact dermatitis, burning, ejaculation disorder, and decreased libido are reported. Available literature suggests the role of herbal drugs to have the action against 5‐alpha‐reductase enzyme inhibiting it and reducing the hair loss. This can be further potentiated since they exhibit lesser side effects. Recent advancements observed in the medicinal, cosmetic, and engineering fields can prove to be an asset. This article focuses on herbs which can be used in AGA. A review of Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens), Green tea (Camellia sinensis), Pumpkin seed (Curcurbita pepo), Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), Grape seed (Vitis vinifera), and Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is attempted.

Anti-Inflammatory, Thrombolytic and Hair-Growth Promoting Activity of the n-Hexane Fraction of the Methanol Extract of Leea indica Leaves

“…This includes β-sitosterol, which is already known to inhibit 5α-reductase and lower dihydrotestosterone levels associated with balding scalp skin in AGA [36,48,49]. Although our study was not pursued beyond 21 days (topical treatments for alopecia are used for several months), our results contribute to advancing knowledge in the field of plants/herbal medicines as potential hair-growth promoters [50,51] and suggest that NFLI could be a natural alternative to current hair-loss treatments.…”

Rosmarinus officinalis L. (Rosemary): An Ancient Plant with Uses in Personal Healthcare and Cosmetics

“…According to a review by Dhariwala et al [82], rosemary works by improving blood circulation and vascularization, helping the regeneration of follicles with an effect similar to minoxidil, but with the use of rosemary extract, better results were not obtained than with minoxidil in the treatment of androgenic alopecia. Those authors also conducted a review of other plants that can be used in AGA: saw palmetto (Serenoa repens), green tea (Camellia sinensis), pumpkin seed (Curcurbita pepo), grape seed (Vitis vinifera), and licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra).…”

Application of medicinal plants in several dermatovenerological entities

“…The essential oil of R. officinalis improves microcirculation surrounding the hair follicle (9). Bioactive compounds of R. officinalis are phenolic acids, mainly caffeic and rosmarinic acid, and monoterpenoids like 1,8-cineole (10). A clinical study from 2015 compared the efficacy of rosemary essential oil to minoxidil 2 % solution for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia.…”