TLDR Eclipta prostrata helps hair growth and maintains the growth phase by affecting certain growth factors.
The study from 2019 examined the effects of Eclipta prostrata (EP) on hair growth, using both in vivo and in vitro methods. In the in vivo experiment, 16 C57BL/6N mice were divided into four groups and treated with either saline, minoxidil, or low (1 mg/day) and high (10 mg/day) doses of EP for 14 days. The treatment with EP resulted in hair regrowth and a transition to the anagen phase, as evidenced by a change in skin color and hair follicles reaching the subcutaneous muscle layer. In vitro, human dermal papilla cells were treated with EP, which increased the expression of FGF-7, decreased FGF-5 levels, and activated mTOR signaling. These findings suggest that EP promotes hair growth by regulating factors associated with the hair cycle, particularly by sustaining the anagen phase, and could be a potential treatment for hair loss. The study was relatively small, with only 4 mice per group, which may limit the strength of the conclusions.
13 citations,
July 2016 in “BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine” Hominis Placenta helps hair grow back by increasing cell growth and a specific growth factor.
71 citations,
January 2015 in “Journal of molecular cell biology/Journal of Molecular Cell Biology” mTOR signaling helps activate hair stem cells by balancing out the suppression caused by BMP during hair growth.
136 citations,
July 2014 in “Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America” FGF5 gene mutations cause unusually long eyelashes by affecting hair growth regulation.
71 citations,
March 2009 in “Seminars in cutaneous medicine and surgery” Alopecia areata can cause unpredictable hair loss, and treatments like corticosteroids and minoxidil may help but have varying side effects.
212 citations,
September 2008 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Minoxidil and finasteride treat hair loss in men, while minoxidil treats hair loss in women.
370 citations,
September 1999 in “The New England Journal of Medicine” Finasteride and minoxidil are effective for hair loss, but continued research is needed for better treatments.
1113 citations,
August 1999 in “The New England Journal of Medicine” Hair follicle biology advancements may lead to better hair growth disorder treatments.
100 citations,
November 1996 in “Molecular Medicine Today” Growth factors and cytokines are important for hair growth and could potentially treat hair loss, but more research is needed to overcome challenges before they can be used in treatments.
3 citations,
March 2022 in “Polymers” Substances from Ascidian tunics might help treat hair loss as effectively as Minoxidil.
April 2025 in “Drug Design Development and Therapy” The study explores the effects of Jiawei Erzhiwan (WJWE), a modified traditional Chinese herbal formula, on androgenetic alopecia (AGA) by targeting the SIRT1/JNK/p38 MAPK signaling pathway. Through in vitro and in vivo experiments, including a murine model with 6 mice per group, WJWE was shown to promote hair growth by stimulating the Wnt/β-Catenin pathway and regulating the SIRT1/JNK/p38 MAPK pathway. It increased hair follicle density, enhanced skin thickness, improved dermal papilla cell proliferation, and reduced oxidative stress. The study suggests WJWE as a promising alternative to conventional AGA treatments, with its effects being mediated through the SIRT1 pathway, as confirmed by the diminished benefits when a SIRT1 inhibitor was used.
January 2020 in “Elsevier eBooks” Plant-based chemicals may help hair growth and prevent hair loss but need more research to compete with current treatments.
3 citations,
January 2021 in “Applied sciences” Fermented red ginseng and a traditional herb mix improved hair growth in mice.
8 citations,
April 2020 in “Journal of Ethnopharmacology” Herbs might help with hair loss, but more research is needed to confirm their safety and effectiveness.
