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Hair loss — what causes and remedies do doctors and herbalists point to?

Sources: 20 · Article: 22 172 characters

Henryk Różański says that vitamin F deficiency can cause hair loss.

  • Robert Brzoza lists age, illness, and treatment as possible causes of hair loss.
  • Różański says that compounds in calendula and hops may limit the effects of androgens on hair.
  • The remedies listed include herbal rinses, rub-in treatments, and pollen taken at a dose of 1–2 teaspoons a day for one month.

What the authors write

Henryk Różański

Vitamin F deficiency can cause hair loss.

„Hair loss, premature graying and aging of the skin, a tendency to develop pus-filled skin lesions, brittle hair and nails, split ends, and splitting of the nail plate also occur. A deficiency or lack of vitamin F causes hormonal disorders, stunted growth and development, impaired tissue regeneration, and abnormal skin keratinization.”Występuje także wypadanie włosów, przedwczesne siwienie i starzenie skóry, skłonność do ropnych zmian w skórze, łamliwośc włosów i paznokci, rozdwajanie się końcówek włosów oraz rozwarstwianie płytki paznokciowej. Niedobór lub brak witaminy F powoduje zaburzenia hormonalne, zahamowanie wzrostu i rozwoju, upośledzenie procesów regeneracji tkanek oraz zaburzenia rogowacenia skóry.
Henryk Różański

Compounds in calendula and hops may limit the effects of androgens on hair and prevent androgenetic alopecia.

„Hops and calendula block the negative effects of androgens on hair and may therefore prevent androgenetic alopecia. Vitamin F and active compounds from burdock, nettle, and horsetail (silica, vitamins and provitamins, flavonoids, polyacetylenes, organic acids, terpenes) stimulate the regeneration of the skin and hair.”Chmiel i nagietek blokują negatywny wpływ androgenów na włosy, przez co mogą zapobiegać łysieniu androgennemu. Witamina F, ciała czynne z łopianu, pokrzywy, skrzypu (krzem, witaminy i prowitaminy, flawonoidy, poliacetyleny, kwasy organiczne, terpeny) wzbudzają procesy regeneracji skóry i włosów.
Robert Brzoza

Hair loss may be associated with age, illness, or treatment.

„If a woman has NOT lost her hair because she rebelled—if she cut it herself, of her own free will—but because of illness, age, or treatment, she must not be accused as though she were disobedient simply because of this condition. The text of the verses condemns an attitude of disregarding order, not suffering or a health limitation.”Jeżeli kobieta NIE utraciła włosów z powodu buntu – sama z własnej woli się ostrzygła – tylko z powodu choroby, wieku albo leczenia, to nie wolno jej oskarżać, jakby była nieposłuszna samym tym stanem. Tekst wersetów gani postawę lekceważenia porządku, a nie cierpienie albo ograniczenie zdrowotne.
Henryk Różański

Rinsing the hair with an infusion of burdock or mugwort is given as a remedy for hair loss.

„Rinsing the hair with an infusion improves blood circulation to the hair roots and reduces sebum secretion, so it is recommended for greasy hair and hair loss. Mugwort tincture and extract can be added to shampoo and used to wash the hair (3–5%). Wipe the skin with mugwort tincture or infusion to treat acne, seborrhea, and rashes of unknown origin.”Płukanie włosów w naparze poprawia ukrwienie cebulek i hamuje wydzielanie łoju, dlatego jest zalecane przy przetłuszczaniu i wypadaniu włosów. Nalewkę i intrakt z bylicy można dodawać do szamponu i stosować do mycia włosów (3-5%). Nalewką i naparem z bylicy przemywać skórę przy trądziku, łojotoku i wypryskach nieznanego pochodzenia.
Henryk Różański

A rub-in mixture is described as a preparation for baldness, dandruff, and brittle hair.

„Indications: baldness, dandruff, brittle hair, lack of shine. Rp. Herbal mixture for the urinary system: antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, anti-stone, antispasmodic. Vetch herb 12.5 g, goldenrod herb 12.5 g, bearberry or blueberry leaf 12.5 g, orthosiphon leaf or rupturewort herb 12.5 g, soapwort or soapbark root 12.5 g, restharrow root 12.5 g, celandine herb 12.5 g, horsetail or bedstraw or hedge hyssop herb 12.5 g. Chop and mix the herbs.”Wskazania: łysienie, łupież, łamliwość włosów,brak połysku włosów. Rp. Mieszanka ziołowa na układ moczowy: odkażająca, przeciwzapalna, moczopędna, przeciwkamicza, rozkurczowa. Ziele wyki 12,5 g Ziele nawłoci 12,5 g Liść mącznicy lub borówki 12,5 g Liść ortosyfonu lub ziele połonicznika 12,5 g Korzeń mydlnicy lub mydłoka (kora) 12,5 g Korzeń wilżyny 12,5 g Ziele glistnika 12,5 g Ziele skrzypu lub przytulii, albo poziewnika 12,5 g Ziółka rozdrobnić i wymieszać.
Henryk Różański

Capitavit contains extracts from several plants and is presented as a product for caring for the scalp and hair.

„The bottle (with box) contains 100 ml of a preparation based on alcoholic extracts of calendula flowers, calamus rhizome, nettle herb, burdock root, horsetail herb, hop cones, and vitamin F obtained from flax seeds. The scent of Capitavit is mainly dominated by calamus, which I liked because I enjoy this herb.”Butelka (+kartonik) zawiera 100 ml preparatu opartego na alkoholowych wyciągach z kwiatu nagietka, kłącza tataraku, ziela pokrzywy, korzenia łopianu, ziela skrzypu, szyszek chmielu oraz witaminie F, otrzymanej z nasion lnu. W zapachu Capitavit wybija się głównie tatarak, co przypadło mi do gustu, bowiem lubię to zioło.
Henryk Różański

Capitavit can be rubbed in before washing the hair or after washing it.

„Phenolic and terpene compounds, saponins, and other compounds with phytoncidal properties inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi that are directly or indirectly responsible for rashes, dandruff, and abscesses on the scalp. It can be rubbed into the hair and scalp before washing (2–3 hours before washing) or after washing (leave it in, or rinse it out after a few hours with water acidified with vinegar or lactic acid).”Związki fenolowe i terpenowe, saponiny i inne związki o właściwościach fitoncydów – hamują rozwój bakterii i grzybów, odpowiedzialnych bezpośrednio lub pośrednio za rozwój wyprysków, łupieżu i ropni na skórze owłosionej. Można go wcierać we włosy i skórę owłosioną przed myciem (na 2-3 h przed myciem) lub po umyciu (pozostawić lub spłukać po kilku godzinach zakwaszoną octem, albo kwasem mlekowym wodą).
Henryk Różański

Pollen is listed for use in cases of hair loss, at a dose of 1–2 teaspoons a day for one month.

„Indications: prevention of heart attack and atherosclerosis, fragile blood vessels, enlarged prostate, hirsutism, estrogen deficiency in women, menopause, irregular menstruation, seborrhea, hair loss, dry skin and excessive keratinization, acne vulgaris and rosacea, chronic skin diseases associated with metabolic disorders, polycystic ovary syndrome, infertility (?), systemic inflammation, impaired memory and concentration. Dosage: in honey or with honey—1–2 teaspoons of pollen once a day for 1 month.”Wskazania: profilaktyka zawału i miażdżycy, kruchość naczyń krwionośnych, przerost gruczołu krokowego, hirsutyzm, niedobór estrogenów u kobiet, klimakterium, nieregularne miesiączkowanie, łojotok, wypadanie włosów, suchość i nadmierne rogowacenie skóry, trądzik pospolity i różowaty, przewlekłe choroby skórne na tle zaburzeń metabolicznych, zespół policystycznych jajników, niepłodność (?), ogólnoustrojowe stany zapalne, osłabienie pamięci i koncentracji.. Dawkowanie: w miodzie lub wraz z miodem -1-2 łyżczeki pyłku 1 raz dziennie przez 1 miesiąc.
Henryk Różański

A rub-in treatment made from tinctures of Epimedium, nettle, and katsura tree is described as a way to treat baldness and improve scalp circulation.

„A rub-in hair treatment to prevent baldness, comparable to hair treatments containing sildenafil, Różański 2014. Epimedium tincture 25%. Tincture of nettle herb and rhizomes with roots 20%. Tincture of Japanese katsura tree bark/twigs—Cercidiphyllum japonicum Siebold & Zucc. 20%. Add formic spirit to make up 100%. Rub into the scalp after washing, twice a week for baldness, including alopecia areata. It stimulates the activity of the hair papillae and protects against androgenetic alopecia. It improves blood circulation in the skin.”Wcierka do włosów, zapobiegająca łysieniu, odpowiada preparatom do wcierania we włosy zawierające sildenafil, Różański 2014 Nalewka z Epimedium 25% Nalewka z ziela i kłączy z korzeniami pokrzywy 20% Nalewka z kory/gałązek grujecznika japońskiego – Cercidiphyllum japonicum Siebold & Zucc. 20% Spirytus mrówkowy dopełnić do 100% Wcierać w skórę owłosioną po umyciu, 2 razy w tygodniu przy łysieniu, także plackowatym. Pobudza czynności brodawek włosowych, chroni przed łysieniem androgennym. Poprawia krążenie krwi w skórze.
Henryk Różański

The root tincture can be diluted with water and used to rinse the hair.

„For wiping the skin, compresses on wounds and ulcers, and rinsing the hair: 1 tablespoon of tincture to a glass of boiled water. Synergistic use: best combined with Eleutherococcus, Schisandra, Rhodiola, Cyanotis, Guarana, Ginkgo, and Ginseng, especially for children and adolescents, and older people with impaired adaptability and cognitive abilities.”Do przemywania skóry, okładów na rany, owrzodzenia, do płukania włosów: 1 łyżka nalewki na szklankę wody przegotowanej. Synergizm: najlepiej łączyć z Eleutherococus, Schisandra, Rhodiola, Cyanotis, Guarana, Ginkgo, Ginseng, szczególnie dla dzieci i młodzieży, osób starszych z zaburzeniami zdolności przystosowawczych i zaburzeniami inteligencji kognitywnej.
Henryk Różański

An amaranth infusion is given for rinsing hair affected by hair loss, brittleness, and lack of shine.

„Also for rinsing the hair and washing the scalp (hair loss, split hair, brittleness, lack of shine, scalp rashes), for vaginal irrigation in cases of discharge and inflammation, and for rinsing the external genitals in cases of wounds and inflammation.”Ponadto do płukania włosów i spłukiwania skóry owłosionej (wypadanie włosów, rozdwajanie włosów, łamliwość, brak połysku, wypryski na skórze głowy), do przepłukiwania pochwy przy upławach i stanach zapalnych; do opłukiwania zewnętrznych narządów płciowych przy zranieniach i zmianach zapalnych.
Henryk Różański

A decoction, shampoo with burdock added, and juice from its root were used to wash or rinse hair affected by hair loss.

„A decoction and shampoo containing the juice, extract, or decoction of the root were used to wash and rinse dull, brittle, falling hair with dandruff and scalp rashes. The herbal material was included in FP II and III. In the 19th century, the juice of Lappa officinalis root was used externally to stimulate hair growth.”Odwarem i szamponem z dodatkiem soku, ekstraktu lub odwaru z korzenia myto i płukano włosy bez połysku, kruche wypadające, z łupieżem i wypryskami na skórze owłosionej. Surowiec był ujęty przez FP II i III. W XIX wieku sok z korzenia Lappa officinalis stosowano zewnętrznie na pobudzenie wzrostu włosów.
Henryk Różański

Adding mustard rocket tincture to shampoo is described as a way to treat hair loss and weak hair roots.

„It stimulates blood circulation in the scalp, prevents hair loss, strengthens the roots, and improves hair texture. It works similarly to black radish shampoo and is especially beneficial for dandruff, hair loss, and excessive brittleness. An extract of fresh mustard rocket herb in 70% alcohol, 1:5, is suitable for rubbing into the hair after washing to strengthen it and make it fuller and shinier (use like nettle water).”Pobudza ukrwienie skóry owłosionej, zapobiega wypadaniu włosów, wzmacnia cebulki, poprawia strukturę włosów. Działa podobnie jak szampon z czarnej rzepy, szczególnie korzystnie przy łupieżu, wypadaniu i nadmiernej łamliwości włosów. Wyciąg ze świeżego ziela gorczycznika na spirytusie 70% 1:5 nadaje się do wcierania we włosy, po umyciu, dla ich wzmocnienia, nadania puszystości i połysku (używać jak wodę pokrzywową).

Research from PubMed · Europe PMC

We selected 9 studies with the best, positive results. This is a selection, not a full review of all research.

Total number of studies on this topic in PubMed: 318.

A review found that in clinical studies, some herbs were associated with greater hair growth and density and less hair loss, although better studies are needed.

Aim of the study: Hair loss is a distressing problem that affects the self-image and quality of life of many people. The increasing demand for alternative treatments has led to growing interest in using herbal medicine for hair loss management.

Results: The second part presents a systematic review of sixteen randomized controlled trials evaluating the clinical efficacy and safety of herbal remedies for hair loss. Natural products such as rosemary, green tea, ginseng, Aloe vera, olive, and saw palmetto have shown promising efficacy in promoting hair growth, improving hair density, reducing hair shedding, and enhancing patient satisfaction through mechanisms involving anti-inflammatory effects, hormones, and improved scalp circulation. However, limitations in study design and variability in outcomes mean that further rigorous, standardized research is needed. This review aims to offer an integrative, evidence-informed perspective on the therapeutic potential of herbal medicine for hair loss based on clinical evidence.

Money for the studygovernment, public institutions · Cairo University, The Science, Technology & Innovation Funding Authority (STDF), the Egyptian Knowledge Bank (EKB)
Do the authors have ties to companies?no — the authors say so
Did a manufacturer help with the study?NO
Type of studyreview of many studies

“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.

A review found that aromatherapy with essential oils, topical garlic, and oral peony glycosides with glycyrrhizin had the best evidence for improving hair growth in alopecia areata.

Aim of the study: Despite the high use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for alopecia areata (AA), its efficacy and safety remain unclear. This review aimed to identify all CAM therapies studied for treating AA. Outcomes of interest included the course of the disease and psychological well-being.

Results: Of 1015 initial citations, 16 articles met the inclusion criteria: 5 randomized controlled trials, 5 prospective controlled cohort studies, 4 prospective uncontrolled cohort studies, 1 retrospective cohort study, and 1 case series. CAM therapies with the best evidence and efficacy for hair growth in AA include essential oil aromatherapy, topical garlic, and oral peony glycosides with compound glycyrrhizin. Hypnosis and mindfulness psychotherapy have low-quality evidence for improving psychological and quality-of-life outcomes. Adverse events were rare and mild for all therapies evaluated. This work helps inform physicians treating patients with AA who seek CAM, while encouraging further research into these therapies to address some of the treatment challenges of AA.

Money for the studynot stated
Do the authors have ties to companies?not stated
Did a manufacturer help with the study?unknown
Type of studyreview of many studies

“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.

In a study of mice with androgenetic alopecia, the herbal preparation Jiawei Erzhiwan supported hair regrowth and hair follicle regeneration.

Aim of the study: Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a type of hair loss. Our previous study showed that a water extract of an herbal prescription, “Jiawei Erzhiwan” (WJWE), derived from the traditional formula “Erzhiwan,” could improve AGA. However, the underlying mechanisms are still unknown.

Results: WJWE promoted hair growth and hair follicle regeneration in AGA mice, improved DPC growth, and dose-dependently protected the viability of DPCs reduced by DHT in vitro by stimulating the Wnt5A/β-Catenin pathway. In addition, WJWE reduced DHT-induced oxidative stress in the skin of AGA model mice and in DHT-treated DPCs. To clarify the regulatory mechanism, we found that WJWE treatment significantly and dose-dependently increased SIRT1 expression and reduced JNK and p38 MAPK phosphorylation in both DHT-treated DPCs and AGA model mice. EX527 (a SIRT1 inhibitor) could counteract the effect of WJWE. Our study provided some evidence for the use of WJWE in AGA treatment, with the SIRT1/JNK/p38 MAPK signaling pathway possibly being its main target.

Money for the studygovernment, public institutions · National Natural Science Foundation of China, Zhejiang Province Traditional Chinese Medicine Science and Technology Plan Project, the Scientific Research Improving Project of Life Sciences College of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University
Do the authors have ties to companies?no — the authors say so
Did a manufacturer help with the study?NO
Type of studyanimal study

“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.

In a two-year study, Serenoa repens improved hair growth in some men with androgenetic alopecia, although finasteride was effective more often.

Aim of the study: The objective of this open-label study was to determine the effectiveness of Serenoa repens in treating male androgenetic alopecia (AGA), comparing its results with finasteride. For this purpose, we enrolled 100 male patients with clinically diagnosed mild to moderate AGA.

Results: 66%), with level II and III alopecia. We can summarize our results by observing that Serenoa repens could lead to an improvement in androgenetic alopecia, while finasteride confirmed its efficacy. We also observed clinically that finasteride acts in both the front area and the vertex, while Serenoa repens acts mainly on the vertex. Clearly, further studies will be needed to clarify the mechanisms behind the different responses to these two treatments.

Money for the studynot stated
Do the authors have ties to companies?not stated
Did a manufacturer help with the study?unknown
Type of studystudy with random allocation to groups (RCT)
Participants100

“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.

A small pilot study found that a supplement containing pea sprout extract reduced hair loss after 28 days.

Aim of the study: Hair loss affects millions of people worldwide, but currently available treatment options are often unsatisfactory because of side effects or limited effectiveness. Pea sprout extract has been shown to improve hair density when applied topically, but its mode of action and effectiveness when taken orally remain unknown.

Results: In addition, a subsequent pilot nutrition intervention study in 21 volunteers showed that pea sprout extract is also effective when taken as a dietary supplement. Daily intake of 100 mg of pea sprout extract (AnaGain™ Nu) for 8 weeks significantly reduced hair loss after just 28 days of treatment (p < 0.002). No adverse events were reported. Therefore, pea sprout extract may be an effective way to safely promote hair growth and reduce hair loss in people experiencing excessive shedding.

[Not Available]. · Phytother Res 2020
Money for the studycompany or manufacturer · Mibelle Group Biochemistry, Mibelle AG, Switzerland
Do the authors have ties to companies?no — the authors say so
Did a manufacturer help with the study?YES
Type of studyclinical study in people

“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.

In a randomized study, a supplement containing plant extracts increased hair counts and improved assessments of hair growth and quality compared with a placebo.

Results: This nutraceutical supplement safely and effectively promoted hair growth in women who perceived their hair to be thinning. It offers a multi-targeted approach to hair loss by addressing micro-inflammation, stress, and oxidative damage with clinically tested, standardized, and bio-optimized phytoactive ingredients. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03206567 J Drugs Dermatol. 2018;17(5):558-565.

Money for the studynot stated
Do the authors have ties to companies?not stated
Did a manufacturer help with the study?unknown
Type of studystudy with random allocation to groups (RCT)

“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.

In a mouse model, the herbal formula Buyiniuxi eased DHT-induced inhibition of hair growth.

Aim of the study: This study aimed to evaluate the hair regrowth-promoting effects of BYNX in a dihydrotestosterone (DHT)-induced mouse model of androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and to explore its potential molecular mechanisms.

Results: UHPLC-Orbitrap-MS analysis revealed a chemically complex profile of BYNX, and representative constituents were selected for subsequent network pharmacology analysis. Predicted targets were mainly enriched in inflammation-related biological processes and the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway. In vivo, BYNX significantly alleviated DHT-induced inhibition of hair growth, as shown by increased hair length, improved hair coverage, and restored hair follicle morphology. These changes were accompanied by reduced IL-6 and IL-4 expression, increased activation of the AKT/BCL-2 signaling pathway, and increased Cyclin D1 and β-catenin expression in dorsal skin tissue. BYNX significantly promotes hair regrowth in a DHT-induced mouse model of AGA. The hair-regenerative effects of BYNX were associated with modulation of inflammatory responses and activation of AKT/BCL-2-related survival signaling, suggesting a multi-target regulatory pattern consistent with its traditional ethnopharmacological use.

Money for the studygovernment, public institutions · Xi&amp;apos;an Municipal Bureau of Science and Technology, Shaanxi Province Department of Science and Technology, Xi&amp;apos;an Municipal Peoples Government
Do the authors have ties to companies?not stated
Did a manufacturer help with the study?unknown
Type of studyanimal study

“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.

In a mouse study, a preparation made from horse oil and Folium Isatidis increased hair length and follicle density, and the combination had a stronger effect than either ingredient alone.

Aim of the study: Wnt/β-catenin signaling is a key regulator of hair follicle cycle progression, and abnormal activation or suppression of this pathway has been linked to the development of alopecia. Horse oil (HO) and Folium Isatidis (FI) have traditionally been used in East Asian medicine to promote hair growth, but the molecular mechanism of their combination remains unclear.

Results: All three treatments increased VEGF and β-catenin, suppressed TGF-β1, increased Bcl-2, and reduced Bax expression. HOFI had significantly greater effects than either treatment alone across all endpoints (p < 0.05). HOFI promotes hair growth by activating the VEGF/β-catenin signaling pathway, inhibiting TGF-β1, and shifting the Bcl-2/Bax balance toward hair follicle cell survival. These findings provide a molecular rationale for developing HO-FI combinations as topical treatments for alopecia.

Money for the studygovernment, public institutions · Science and Technology Program of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region
Do the authors have ties to companies?no — the authors say so
Did a manufacturer help with the study?NO
Type of studyanimal study

“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.

In a mouse model of chemotherapy-induced alopecia, the YXBSD decoction supported hair regrowth and limited hair follicle damage.

Aim of the study: Alopecia is a skin condition that can impose a substantial psychological burden on affected individuals, and chemotherapy-induced alopecia remains one of the most distressing adverse effects of anticancer treatment. Since antiquity, medicinal plants have been widely used in traditional Chinese medicine to support hair growth.

Results: YXBSD significantly promoted hair growth in CYP-treated mice, improved hair follicle structure, increased the proportion of hair follicles in the growth phase (from 15% to 30%), and reduced apoptosis of hair follicle cells (from 30% to 20%). At the same time, YXBSD markedly suppressed the expression of inflammatory mediators (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β) in skin tissue, decreased the oxidative stress marker malondialdehyde (MDA), and increased the activity of the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD). Consistent with these changes, YXBSD increased the proliferation marker Ki-67 and reduced the apoptosis-related protein p53. YXBSD effectively alleviated CYP-induced alopecia by inhibiting apoptosis in hair follicle cells while also reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, thereby promoting the recovery of hair follicle structure and function. These findings suggest that YXBSD may have potential as an additional treatment for chemotherapy-induced alopecia.

Money for the studygovernment, public institutions · 2023 General Project of Wuxi Municipal Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Do the authors have ties to companies?not stated
Did a manufacturer help with the study?unknown
Type of studyanimal study
Participants5

“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.

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