Can plant‐derived phytochemicals provide symptom relief for hair loss? A critical review

Abstract

It is known that hair growth disorders and hair loss can cause personal distress and affect well‐being. Whilst clinical conditions remain a target for medical research, current research on hair follicle biology and hair growth control mechanisms also provides opportunities for a range of non‐medical and cosmetic interventions that have a modulating effect on the scalp and follicle function. Furthermore, an improvement of the hair fibre characteristics (cuticle structure, cortex size and integrity) could add to the overall positive visual effect of the hair array. Since phytochemicals are a popular choice because of their traditional appeal, this review provides a critical evaluation of the available evidence of their activity for hair benefit, excluding data obtained from animal tests, and offers recommendations on improving study validity and the robustness of data collection in pre‐clinical and clinical studies.

Current controversies in trichology: a European expert consensus statement

“…Active ingredients that target key signalling pathways of hair biology are becoming complementary therapies for hair loss, 74–76 but further research is needed to identify new molecules that target specific signalling pathways. Basic research and hair follicle models could be used to both identify new key players in hair biology and to screen active ingredients and select the better extract to further do clinical trials.…”

“…The identification of active ingredients that specifically target both intra-and extra-follicle signalling pathways (as for example Wnt/B catenin pathway, microcirculation, growth factors, cytokines, hormones and enzymes) could help to improve hair loss treatment Active ingredients that target key signalling pathways of hair biology are becoming complementary therapies for hair loss, [74][75][76] but further research is needed to identify new molecules that target specific signalling pathways. Basic research and hair follicle models could be used to both identify new key players in hair biology and to screen active ingredients and select the better extract to further do clinical trials.…”

Engineered Dutasteride-Lipid Based Nanoparticle (DST-LNP) System Using Oleic and Stearic Acid for Topical Delivery

“…[ 5 , 6 ]. Currently, considerable research on hair growth molecules, either from plant derivatives or synthetic chemicals, is being conducted [ 7 , 8 , 9 ]. However, there are only two approved treatments so far: Minoxidil, which is the only topical application available, and finasteride (type II 5α-reductase inhibitor—taken orally), which is available in the form of tablets [ 10 ].…”

Caffeine and Its Pharmacological Benefits in the Management of Androgenetic Alopecia: A Review

“…The caffeine-induced inhibition of PDE enzymes increases intracellular cAMP concentrations, resulting in stimulatory effects on cell metabolism and proliferation. Hence, caffeine has a high potential to be beneficial in subjects suffering from hair loss that originates from premature termination of the hair growth phase [39]. Hair loss can lead to a variety of psychological concerns [40] including the development of depression and anxiety [41] and has a negative impact on the quality of life (QoL) [42].…”

“…However, topical minoxidil solution has been associated with adverse effects [92], including contact dermatitis [93] and hypertrichosis [94, 95]. On the other hand, caffeine is the most studied natural ingredient with the potential to be a topical multibenefit solution to hair loss and is not known to show any undesired effects in vivo [39]. The primary end point within the noninferiority study was the change in the proportion of anagen hair follicles as assessed by trichogram.…”