Comprehensive Evaluation of Tectona grandis L.f.: Integrated In Vitro and In Silico Analysis of Steroid 5α-Reductase Inhibition and Anti-Inflammatory Properties

November 2025 in “ ACS Omega ”

Sasimontra Timjan, Kowit Hengphasatporn, Janjira Inprasit, Kornkanok Ingkaninan, Yasuteru Shigeta, Nutchaninad Tanuphol, Prapapan Temkitthawon

The study explores the potential of Tectona grandis (teak) leaf extract as a treatment for androgenic alopecia (AGA) by examining its ability to inhibit steroid 5α-reductase and reduce inflammation. Through in vitro and in silico analyses, the extract and its isolated diterpene compounds showed significant 5α-reductase inhibitory activity and anti-inflammatory properties, including the reduction of nitric oxide and pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-6. The findings suggest that T. grandis leaf extract could serve as a mild hair growth promoter with a favorable safety profile compared to existing treatments like finasteride and minoxidil. However, further research is needed to fully understand its in vivo pharmacokinetics and therapeutic efficacy.

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research Geographic Influence and Metabolomics-Driven Discovery of 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors in Tectona Grandis L.f. (Teak) Leaves

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Teak leaf extract can help treat hair loss, and its effectiveness varies by geographic origin.

Computational Drug Discovery of Potential 5α-Reductase Phytochemical Inhibitors and Hair Growth Promotion Using In Silico Techniques

research Computational Drug Discovery of Potential 5α-Reductase Phytochemical Inhibitors and Hair Growth Promotion Using In Silico Techniques

May 2025 in “Frontiers in Bioinformatics”

Jamogenin from plants may help hair growth and is a potential alternative to finasteride.

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research 18-β-Glycyrrhetinic Acid Promotes Hair Growth by Stimulating the Proliferation of Dermal Papilla Cells and Outer Root Sheath Cells, and Extends the Anagen Phase by Inhibiting 5α-Reductase

July 2024 in “Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin”

Licorice extract helps hair growth and may treat hair loss.

Effectiveness and Safety of Hair Growth Formulation Containing Tectona Grandis L.f (Teak) Leaf Extract: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study on Males with Androgenic Alopecia

research Effectiveness and Safety of Hair Growth Formulation Containing Tectona Grandis L.f (Teak) Leaf Extract: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study on Males with Androgenic Alopecia

March 2024 in “Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine”

Teak leaf extract may effectively and safely promote hair growth in males with androgenic alopecia.

research Isolation and HPLC Quantitative Determination of 5α-Reductase Inhibitors from Tectona Grandis Leaf Extract

April 2022 in “Molecules”

Teak leaf extract contains compounds that could help treat hair loss.

research Effects of Acanthus Ebracteatus Vahl Extract and Verbascoside on Human Dermal Papilla and Murine Macrophage

7 citations , January 2022 in “Scientific Reports”

Acanthus ebracteatus Vahl. extract and verbascoside may help prevent hair loss and promote hair growth due to their anti-inflammatory properties and ability to protect against cell death.

research Structure of Human Steroid 5α-Reductase 2 with the Anti-Androgen Drug Finasteride

30 citations , October 2020 in “Nature Communications”

Finasteride irreversibly affects human steroid 5α-reductase 2, providing insight into its catalytic mechanism and disease-related mutations.

Inhibition of 5α-Reductase, IL-6 Secretion, and Oxidation Process of Equisetum Debile Extract as Functional Food and Nutraceutical Ingredients

research Inhibition of 5α-Reductase, IL-6 Secretion, and Oxidation Process of Equisetum Debile Extract as Functional Food and Nutraceutical Ingredients

49 citations , October 2017 in “Nutrients”

Equisetum debile extract, especially the ethyl acetate type, may be a promising natural ingredient for anti-hair loss products.

research A New Label-Free Screen for Steroid 5α-Reductase Inhibitors Using LC-MS

15 citations , October 2016 in “Steroids”

Researchers developed a new method to find substances in herbs that can block a specific enzyme linked to hair loss.

research Determination of the Potency of a Novel Saw Palmetto Supercritical CO2 Extract for 5α-Reductase Isoform II Inhibition Using a Cell-Free In Vitro Test System

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The new saw palmetto extract effectively inhibits an enzyme linked to prostate enlargement and may be as good as standard treatments.

research Finasteride in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia

62 citations , April 2004 in “Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy”

Finasteride effectively treats male pattern baldness, improving hair growth and density.

research Androgenetic Alopecia and Microinflammation

131 citations , August 2000 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

Inflammation may be linked to hair loss, and targeting specific enzymes could help treat it.

research Interleukin-1β-Induced Inhibition of Hair Growth In Vitro Is Mediated by Cyclic AMP

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