Topically Used Herbal Products for the Treatment of Hair Loss: Preclinical and Clinical Studies

The document from July 10, 2017, reviewed the potential of topically applied herbal products as treatments for hair loss, comparing them to conventional synthetic drugs and noting the interest in herbal alternatives due to their potential for fewer side effects. Preclinical studies on animals indicated that herbal extracts from plants like Hibiscus rosa-sinensis and Polygonum multiflorum promoted hair growth, often with effects comparable to or better than minoxidil. Clinical studies on humans showed that herbal treatments, including procyanidin B2 and onion juice, could promote hair growth in conditions like androgenetic alopecia and alopecia areata. However, the document stressed the need for more standardized and reliable clinical trials to confirm the efficacy and safety of these treatments. It also noted that while some herbal components like caffeine and essential oils can penetrate the skin and stimulate hair growth, there is a lack of standardization and potential for adverse effects, emphasizing the need for further research to ensure safety and efficacy.