TLDR Cuscuta reflexa extract may help treat hair loss caused by hormones.
In 2008, a study examined the petroleum ether extract of Cuscuta reflexa (C. reflexa) for its potential to treat androgen-induced alopecia in male Swiss albino mice. The mice were treated with testosterone to induce alopecia and then given the extract. The results showed that the extract significantly increased hair follicular density and the anagen/telogen ratio, indicating enhanced hair growth and reduced hair loss. The extract and an isolated compound, CR-1, were found to inhibit the 5α-reductase enzyme, which converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a key factor in androgen-induced alopecia. The inhibitory effect was dose-dependent, with IC50 values of 1.78 mg for the extract, 9.19 µg for CR-1, and 0.77 µg for finasteride, a known 5α-reductase inhibitor. The study concluded that C. reflexa extract and CR-1 could be promising treatments for androgen-induced alopecia and potentially other androgen-dependent conditions.
67 citations,
May 2007 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology” The herbal formulation promoted hair growth faster and more effectively than minoxidil in rats.
[object Object] 
45 citations,
February 2005 in “Steroids” Four new compounds were more effective than finasteride in treating prostate issues and hair loss, with one being 100 times more active and safe for use.
165 citations,
December 2002 in “Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology” Male hormones, particularly DHT, are linked to male pattern hair loss, and treatments like finasteride can help, but they don't work for postmenopausal women's hair loss, which may have different causes.
237 citations,
December 2001 in “Urology” Blocking the enzyme 5α-reductase can shrink the prostate and help treat enlarged prostate issues.
38 citations,
July 1989 in “Archives of dermatological research” Testosterone causes hair loss in AGA mice, which are good for testing baldness treatments, and both minoxidil and cyproterone acetate can prevent this hair loss.
63 citations,
August 2008 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology” Cuscuta reflexa extract may help treat hair loss caused by hormones.
[object Object] 
30 citations,
August 1992 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism” Finasteride doesn't affect hormone levels in normal men.
