Insights Into the Daily Functions of Radix Panax Notoginseng

Panax ginseng, specifically a ginsenoside-enriched formulation, is suggested as a potential hair growth treatment alongside finasteride and minoxidil. The user is considering trying panax ginseng despite limited availability and evidence.

A peptide from Japanese water chestnut fruit may help with hair loss by suppressing DHT's effect on hair follicle cell death, potentially serving as a finasteride alternative. The treatment's effectiveness and safety in humans remain uncertain.

Pilose antler extracts may promote hair growth in androgenetic alopecia by activating hair follicle stem cells through the AKT and Wnt pathways. However, results in mice may not directly apply to humans due to differences in genetic and biochemical conditions.

PP405, a topical treatment, shows promise for hair growth by activating inactive follicles, with 66% of participants experiencing positive results. The treatment is well-tolerated and may proceed directly to Phase 3 trials, offering a potential alternative to minoxidil and finasteride.

He Shou Wu (Fo Ti) extract was found to prolong the hair growth phase, inhibit 5-alpha-reductase (like finasteride), reduce androgen receptors, and increase growth factors, potentially outperforming minoxidil in recovering hair follicle size after DHT exposure. Two compounds, emodin and TSG, are identified as responsible for these effects and warrant further investigation.

The conversation discusses hair loss linked to BDNF-increasing nootropics like Semax and Lions Mane. Suggested topical treatments include capsaicin, beta-glucan, and ginseng to counteract TGF-B activation.