August 2021 in “International Journal of Research in Dermatology” Amarantha hair oil contains β-sitosterol, which helps promote hair growth.
13 citations
,
August 2007 in “Bioorganic & medicinal chemistry letters” A new compound effectively inhibits human 5α-reductase 1.
November 2017 in “JAMA internal medicine” Women also use 5α-reductase inhibitors for hair loss and hirsutism.
12 citations
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March 1995 in “Journal of the American Chemical Society” Finasteride modifies 5-alpha-reductases through a two-step process, affecting inhibitor potency and possibly causing side effects.
10 citations
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October 2018 in “Sexual medicine reviews” Men using hair loss drugs like finasteride may experience sexual side effects like erectile dysfunction, but it's unclear who will be affected and when. Treating depression and sexual symptoms is suggested, as these men often have higher rates of both. More research is needed to understand why these side effects occur.
6 citations
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January 2003 in “PubMed” Finasteride reduces prostate size and symptoms with few side effects.
2 citations
,
January 2017 in “Annals of Dermatology” Taking 5-alpha reductase inhibitors does not increase breast cancer risk in men.
37 citations
,
January 2015 in “Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine” An extract from Quercus acutissima bark was found to reduce sebum production and block an enzyme linked to acne.
Solanum nigrum may help treat hair loss.
3 citations
,
December 2000 in “International Journal of Cosmetic Science” The study created a new method to test drugs that affect hormone processing in skin.
19 citations
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May 2014 in “Molecules” Avicequinone C, a compound found in the Avicennia marina plant, can reduce hair loss by inhibiting a hormone linked to androgenic alopecia.
18 citations
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March 2020 in “Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology” The enzymes 5α-reductase and 3α/β-hydroxysteroid oxidoreductase help create brain-active substances from progesterone and testosterone, which could be used for treatment, but more research is needed to ensure their safety and effectiveness.
January 2005 in “Fuzhou daxue xuebao. Ziran kexue ban” The method is quick and effective for testing steroid 5 alpha-reductase inhibitors.
51 citations
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July 2013 in “Brain Research” Testosterone needs to be converted to DHT to reduce stress response in male rats.
42 citations
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February 1998 in “The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology” PNU 157706 is a more effective treatment than finasteride for conditions caused by DHT, like enlarged prostate and hair loss.
Nepenthes kampotiana extract can potentially prevent hair loss and could be an effective treatment for common baldness.
2 citations
,
January 2002 in “The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology” Sophora flavescens extract helps hair grow and prevents acne.
February 2026 in “Toxicology Letters” MK-0773 is a moderate inhibitor of the SRD5A2 enzyme.
May 2023 in “Blood cancer discovery” Finasteride reduces AML cell growth by inhibiting androgen receptors.
8 citations
,
June 1995 in “Helvetica Chimica Acta” Compound 15a was effective in inhibiting 5α-reductase.
9 citations
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August 2011 in “The World Journal of Men s Health” Taking 5-ARI before prostate laser surgery may lead to more blood changes, longer surgery, and more urinary issues.
Dutasteride is more effective than finasteride for treating BPH without extra safety risks.
April 2015 in “Urology Times eNews” There's not enough data on finasteride's sexual side effects.
22 citations
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August 2009 in “Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine” The composition with carnitine, thioctic acid, and saw palmetto extract may effectively reduce inflammation in hair follicle cells.
January 2023 in “Iranian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research” Stauntonia hexaphylla extract can help treat hair loss by blocking certain hormones.
15 citations
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May 2009 in “Steroids” Certain compounds reduced hamster flank organ size by inhibiting 5α-reductase, like finasteride, without affecting androgen receptors.
2-Hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone is a strong 5α-reductase inhibitor.
April 2017 in “The Journal of urology/The journal of urology” Long-term use of certain prostate drugs can worsen erectile dysfunction by changing penile tissue, especially in rats with high blood pressure.
23 citations
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March 2014 in “International Journal of Molecular Sciences” Testosterone reduces knee flexibility by affecting relaxin receptors.
May 2025 in “OPAL (Open@LaTrobe) (La Trobe University)” Jamogenin and other compounds may help treat hair loss by inhibiting 5-alpha reductase.