Alternative Medicine for Hair Loss

The 2017 document reviewed the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for hair loss, acknowledging the growing popularity of these treatments despite limited scientific evidence. It discussed various natural remedies and their potential hair growth-promoting effects, including extracts from plants like Thuja orientalis, Citrullus colocynthis, and others. Studies on mice and some human trials suggested positive effects of substances like rosemary extract, green tea catechins, and onion juice on hair regrowth. Additionally, alternative treatments such as garlic gel, Avicennia marina, and Phyllanthus niruri were mentioned for their potential in treating alopecia, with some showing inhibitory activity on 5α-reductase, which is involved in hair loss. Other approaches like acupuncture and hypnotherapy were also discussed, with mixed results. The document concluded that while CAM for hair loss shows promise, more research is needed to establish its effectiveness and safety, as side effects, though generally minimal, can occur.