Protective Role of Nutritional Plants Containing Flavonoids in Hair Follicle Disruption: A Review

January 2020 in “ International Journal of Molecular Sciences ”

Eleonora Bassino, F Gasparri, Luca Munaron

TLDR Some plants with flavonoids may help treat hair loss and promote hair growth.

The review from 2020 examined the potential of flavonoid-rich nutritional plants in treating hair loss and promoting hair growth, focusing on seven specific plants. It discussed how Panax ginseng may promote hair growth by affecting certain pathways and highlighted the hair and skin benefits of the Annurca apple, rich in procyanidin B2. Garlic was noted for improving skin perfusion and protecting against photodamage, while caffeine in coffee was mentioned as a possible stimulant for hair growth, potentially more effective than minoxidil in some cases. Tea catechins like EGCG were suggested to have proliferative and antiapoptotic effects on hair follicles. Rosemary oil was compared to minoxidil, showing significant hair count increase at 6 months, and Capsicum annuum L. was discussed for its role in IGF-I production and hair growth promotion. The review emphasized the need for systematic evaluation of these plants and the challenges in integrating findings from various experimental approaches.

View this study on mdpi.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

72 / 72 results

research Efficacy of a Cosmetic Phyto-Caffeine Shampoo in Female Androgenetic Alopecia

5 citations , October 2020 in “Giornale italiano di dermatologia e venereologia”

The phyto-caffeine shampoo reduced hair loss and improved hair strength in women with hair thinning.

research Autologous Cellular Method Using Micrografts of Human Adipose Tissue Derived Follicle Stem Cells in Androgenic Alopecia

88 citations , July 2019 in “International Journal of Molecular Sciences”

Using human fat tissue derived stem cells in micrografts can safely and effectively increase hair density in people with hair loss.

research Flavonoid Silibinin Increases Hair-Inductive Property Via Akt and Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Activation in 3-Dimensional Spheroid Cultured Human Dermal Papilla Cells

29 citations , February 2019 in “Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology”

Silibinin may help hair growth and treat hair loss.

The Efficacy and Safety of Dutasteride Compared with Finasteride in Treating Men with Androgenetic Alopecia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

research The Efficacy and Safety of Dutasteride Compared with Finasteride in Treating Men with Androgenetic Alopecia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

38 citations , February 2019 in “Clinical Interventions in Aging”

Dutasteride more effectively treats hair loss than finasteride, but may increase risk of altered libido.

Annurca Apple Polyphenols Protect Murine Hair Follicles from Taxane-Induced Dystrophy and Redirect Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Metabolism Toward β-Oxidation

research Annurca Apple Polyphenols Protect Murine Hair Follicles from Taxane-Induced Dystrophy and Redirect Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Metabolism Toward β-Oxidation

19 citations , November 2018 in “Nutrients”

Annurca apple extract may protect mouse hair from damage by chemotherapy and could help treat hair loss without promoting cancer growth.

Serenoa Repens and N-Acetyl Glucosamine/Milk Proteins Complex Differentially Affect the Paracrine Communication Between Endothelial and Follicle Dermal Papilla Cells

research Serenoa Repens and N-Acetyl Glucosamine/Milk Proteins Complex Differentially Affect the Paracrine Communication Between Endothelial and Follicle Dermal Papilla Cells

3 citations , November 2018 in “Journal of cellular physiology”

Serenoa repens and N-acetyl glucosamine/milk proteins complex may help with hair growth and prevent hair loss.

Annurca Apple Polyphenols Ignite Keratin Production in Hair Follicles by Inhibiting the Pentose Phosphate Pathway and Amino Acid Oxidation

research Annurca Apple Polyphenols Ignite Keratin Production in Hair Follicles by Inhibiting the Pentose Phosphate Pathway and Amino Acid Oxidation

18 citations , October 2018 in “Nutrients”

Annurca apple extract promotes hair growth by changing hair follicle metabolism to boost keratin production.

research Case Series of Oral Minoxidil for Androgenetic and Traction Alopecia: Tolerability and the Five C’s of Oral Therapy

36 citations , September 2018 in “Dermatologic Therapy”

Oral minoxidil helps hair growth, is cost-effective, and mostly well-tolerated.

Interconnected Polymers Technology (IPSTiC): An Effective Approach for the Modulation of 5α-Reductase Activity in Hair Loss Conditions

research Interconnected Polymers Technology (IPSTiC): An Effective Approach for the Modulation of 5α-Reductase Activity in Hair Loss Conditions

7 citations , July 2018 in “Journal of Functional Biomaterials”

A new anti-baldness patch effectively treats hair loss by blocking enzymes linked to the condition.

research Ginseng Phytochemicals as Therapeutics in Oncology: Recent Perspectives

50 citations , February 2018 in “Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy”

Ginseng may help treat cancer and reduce treatment side effects, but more research is needed.

Baicalin Increases Hair Follicle Development by Enhancing Canonical Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling and Activating Dermal Papilla Cells in Mice

research Baicalin Increases Hair Follicle Development by Enhancing Canonical Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling and Activating Dermal Papilla Cells in Mice

23 citations , January 2018 in “International Journal of Molecular Medicine”

Baicalin helps hair growth by activating specific cell signals and pathways.

research Mediterranean Diet: Fresh Herbs And Fresh Vegetables Decrease The Risk Of Androgenetic Alopecia In Males

12 citations , November 2017 in “Archives of Dermatological Research”

Mediterranean diet with fresh herbs and vegetables lowers male hair loss risk.

research Evidence-Based Guideline for the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Women and Men – Short Version

145 citations , November 2017 in “Journal of The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

Use minoxidil for hair loss treatment; assess results after 6 months.

Annurca Apple Nutraceutical Formulation Enhances Keratin Expression in a Human Model of Skin and Promotes Hair Growth in a Randomized Clinical Trial

research Annurca Apple Nutraceutical Formulation Enhances Keratin Expression in a Human Model of Skin and Promotes Hair Growth in a Randomized Clinical Trial

27 citations , September 2017 in “Journal of Medicinal Food”

Annurca apple supplement safely increases hair growth and keratin in humans.

Hair Regenerative Mechanisms of Red Ginseng Oil and Its Major Components in the Testosterone-Induced Delay of Anagen Entry in C57BL/6 Mice

research Hair Regenerative Mechanisms of Red Ginseng Oil and Its Major Components in the Testosterone-Induced Delay of Anagen Entry in C57BL/6 Mice

33 citations , September 2017 in “Molecules”

Red ginseng oil and its components help promote hair regrowth and could treat hair loss.

research Panax Ginseng Extract Antagonizes the Effect of DKK-1-Induced Catagen-Like Changes of Hair Follicles

15 citations , August 2017 in “International Journal of Molecular Medicine”

Panax ginseng extract may help prevent hair loss caused by DKK-1.

research Undariopsis Peterseniana Promotes Hair Growth by the Activation of Wnt/β-Catenin and ERK Pathways

27 citations , May 2017 in “Marine Drugs”

Undariopsis peterseniana extract helps hair grow by activating certain cell growth pathways and could be a new treatment for hair loss.

research Androgenetic Alopecia: A Review

153 citations , March 2017 in “Endocrine”

Male pattern baldness involves genetics, hormones, and needs better treatments.

Evaluation of Non-Activated and Activated PRP in Hair Loss Treatment: Role of Growth Factor and Cytokine Concentrations Obtained by Different Collection Systems

research Evaluation of Non-Activated and Activated PRP in Hair Loss Treatment: Role of Growth Factor and Cytokine Concentrations Obtained by Different Collection Systems

136 citations , February 2017 in “International Journal of Molecular Sciences”

PRP treatment improves hair growth, and the device used can affect results, with some being more effective.

An Open-Label Randomized Multicenter Study Assessing the Noninferiority of a Caffeine-Based Topical Liquid 0.2% Versus Minoxidil 5% Solution in Male Androgenetic Alopecia

research An Open-Label Randomized Multicenter Study Assessing the Noninferiority of a Caffeine-Based Topical Liquid 0.2% Versus Minoxidil 5% Solution in Male Androgenetic Alopecia

21 citations , January 2017 in “Skin Pharmacology and Physiology”

Caffeine-based liquid 0.2% is as effective as minoxidil 5% for treating male hair loss.

research Androgenetic Alopecia: An Update Of Treatment Options

110 citations , August 2016 in “Drugs”

Minoxidil is the only FDA-approved topical drug for treating male or female pattern hair loss, and other medications like finasteride and dutasteride can also increase hair growth.

research Effects of Flavonoid Derivatives on Human Microvascular Endothelial Cells

9 citations , March 2016 in “Natural Product Research”

Some flavonoids may help with hair growth by affecting blood vessel function in hair follicles.

Protopanaxatriol Type Ginsenoside Re Promotes Cyclic Growth of Hair Follicles via Inhibiting Transforming Growth Factor β Signaling Cascades

research Protopanaxatriol Type Ginsenoside Re Promotes Cyclic Growth of Hair Follicles via Inhibiting Transforming Growth Factor β Signaling Cascades

14 citations , January 2016 in “Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications”

Ginsenoside Re from ginseng may help hair grow by blocking a specific growth-inhibiting pathway.

Improvement of Androgenetic Alopecia with Topical Sophora Flavescens Aiton Extract, and Identification of the Two Active Compounds in the Extract That Stimulate Proliferation of Human Hair Keratinocytes

research Improvement of Androgenetic Alopecia with Topical Sophora Flavescens Aiton Extract, and Identification of the Two Active Compounds in the Extract That Stimulate Proliferation of Human Hair Keratinocytes

11 citations , October 2015 in “Clinical and Experimental Dermatology”

Sophora flavescens extract helps hair growth and treats hair loss.

research Hair Growth: Focus on Herbal Therapeutic Agents

41 citations , July 2015 in “Current Drug Discovery Technologies”

Some plants may help with hair growth and have fewer side effects than synthetic drugs, but more research is needed to confirm their effectiveness.

Protective Effect of Korean Red Ginseng Against Chemotherapeutic Drug-Induced Premature Catagen Development Assessed With Human Hair Follicle Organ Culture Model

research Protective Effect of Korean Red Ginseng Against Chemotherapeutic Drug-Induced Premature Catagen Development Assessed With Human Hair Follicle Organ Culture Model

19 citations , July 2015 in “Journal of Ginseng Research”

Korean Red Ginseng may protect against hair loss caused by chemotherapy.

research Rosemary Oil vs Minoxidil 2% for the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia: A Randomized Comparative Trial

10 citations , April 2015 in “PubMed”

Rosemary oil and minoxidil 2% both effectively increase hair count in people with androgenetic alopecia, but rosemary oil causes less scalp itching.

research The Ginsenosides of Panax Ginseng Promote Hair Growth via Similar Mechanism of Minoxidil

21 citations , January 2015 in “Journal of Dermatological Science”

Ginsenosides in Panax ginseng boost hair growth like minoxidil.

research Polyphenols as Novel Treatment Options for Dermatological Diseases: A Systematic Review of Clinical Trials

10 citations , November 2014 in “Journal of Dermatological Treatment”

Polyphenols may help treat skin conditions like warts, hair loss, acne, and dark spots, but more research is needed.

research Red Ginseng Extract Promotes Hair Growth in Cultured Human Hair Follicles

49 citations , November 2014 in “Journal of Medicinal Food”

Red Ginseng Extract may help human hair grow by activating growth pathways and blocking negative effects of certain hormones.

research Evidence for Supplemental Treatments in Androgenetic Alopecia

9 citations , July 2014 in “PubMed”

The review doesn't clearly say if biotin, caffeine, melatonin, a marine extract, and zinc are effective for treating hair loss.

Differential Effects of Caffeine on Hair Shaft Elongation, Matrix and Outer Root Sheath Keratinocyte Proliferation, and Transforming Growth Factor-β2/Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1-Mediated Regulation of the Hair Cycle in Male and Female Human Hair Follicles In Vitro

research Differential Effects of Caffeine on Hair Shaft Elongation, Matrix and Outer Root Sheath Keratinocyte Proliferation, and Transforming Growth Factor-β2/Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1-Mediated Regulation of the Hair Cycle in Male and Female Human Hair Follicles In Vitro

60 citations , May 2014 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Caffeine affects hair growth and health differently in men and women.

research The Inductive Effect of Ginsenoside F2 on Hair Growth by Altering the WNT Signal Pathway in Telogen Mouse Skin

42 citations , March 2014 in “European Journal of Pharmacology”

Ginsenoside F2 from ginseng may increase hair growth better than standard treatments by affecting cell growth signals.

The Inhibitory Effect of Scutellaria Baicalensis Extract and Its Active Compound, Baicalin, on the Translocation of the Androgen Receptor with Implications for Preventing Androgenetic Alopecia

research The Inhibitory Effect of Scutellaria Baicalensis Extract and Its Active Compound, Baicalin, on the Translocation of the Androgen Receptor with Implications for Preventing Androgenetic Alopecia

27 citations , February 2014 in “Planta Medica”

Scutellaria baicalensis extract and baicalin may help prevent hair loss.

research The Efficacy of 3% Minoxidil vs. Combined 3% Minoxidil and Korean Red Ginseng in Treating Female Pattern Alopecia

14 citations , January 2014 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

Minoxidil with Korean red ginseng improves hair density and thickness more than minoxidil alone.

research Organic Causes of Erectile Dysfunction in Men Under 40

2152 citations , November 2013 in “Urologia Internationalis”

Many men under 40 with erectile dysfunction have organic causes like vascular issues, medication side effects, or hormonal problems.

research Hair Loss and Herbs for Treatment

39 citations , September 2013 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

Herbs can potentially treat hair loss by inhibiting a key enzyme and promoting hair growth, and deficiencies in zinc, biotin, and iron are linked to hair loss.

The Efficacy and Safety of 5α-Reductase Inhibitors in Androgenetic Alopecia: A Network Meta-Analysis and Benefit–Risk Assessment of Finasteride and Dutasteride

research The Efficacy and Safety of 5α-Reductase Inhibitors in Androgenetic Alopecia: A Network Meta-Analysis and Benefit–Risk Assessment of Finasteride and Dutasteride

66 citations , June 2013 in “Journal of Dermatological Treatment”

Finasteride and dutasteride effectively treat hair loss, but may cause side effects like sexual dysfunction and depression.

Combination of Herbal Extracts and Platelet-Rich Plasma Induced Dermal Papilla Cell Proliferation: Involvement of ERK and Akt Pathways

research Combination of Herbal Extracts and Platelet-Rich Plasma Induced Dermal Papilla Cell Proliferation: Involvement of ERK and Akt Pathways

39 citations , June 2013 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

Herbal extracts and platelet-rich plasma together may help increase hair growth by making certain cells grow more, through specific cell growth pathways.

research Comparative Effectiveness of Finasteride vs Serenoa Repens in Male Androgenetic Alopecia: A Two-Year Study

51 citations , October 2012 in “International Journal of Immunopathology and Pharmacology”

Finasteride works better than Serenoa repens for male hair loss.

research Ginsenosides Rb1 and Rd Regulate Proliferation of Mature Keratinocytes Through Induction of p63 Expression in Hair Follicles

15 citations , September 2012 in “PTR. Phytotherapy research/Phytotherapy research”

Ginsenosides Rb₁ and Rd may help prevent hair loss by promoting hair cell growth.

research Promotion of Hair Growth by Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract

49 citations , April 2012 in “Phytotherapy Research”

Rosemary leaf extract may be an effective natural treatment for hair growth and male pattern baldness.

research Prevention and Treatment of Alopecia Areata with Quercetin in the C3H/HeJ Mouse Model

29 citations , November 2011 in “Cell stress & chaperones”

Quercetin effectively treated and prevented hair loss in mice.

research Evidence-Based Guideline for the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Women and Men

198 citations , October 2011 in “Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft”

Use minoxidil for hair loss; finasteride and dutasteride for men, dutasteride for women.

research Molecular Basis of Androgenetic Alopecia: From Androgen to Paracrine Mediators Through Dermal Papilla

122 citations , November 2010 in “Journal of Dermatological Science”

Male pattern baldness involves hormones and cell signals affecting hair growth.

research Hair Growth and Rejuvenation: An Overview

81 citations , June 2010 in “Journal of Dermatological Treatment”

The document concludes that minoxidil and finasteride are proven for hair growth, herbal remedies show promise, but more research is needed to confirm their effectiveness.

research Serenoa Repens: Does It Have Any Role in the Management of Androgenetic Alopecia?

28 citations , January 2009 in “Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery”

Serenoa repens is not proven effective for hair loss and may delay prostate cancer detection.

research Biotin And Biotinidase Deficiency

166 citations , November 2008 in “Expert Review of Endocrinology & Metabolism”

Biotin and biotinidase are essential to prevent health issues, and deficiencies require lifelong supplementation.

research Dihydrotestosterone-Inducible Dickkopf 1 from Balding Dermal Papilla Cells Causes Apoptosis in Follicular Keratinocytes

171 citations , July 2007 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

A substance called DKK-1 increases in balding areas and causes hair cells to die when exposed to DHT.

research Combination of Topical Garlic Gel and Betamethasone Valerate Cream in the Treatment of Localized Alopecia Areata: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Study

61 citations , January 2007 in “Indian Journal of Dermatology Venereology and Leprology”

Garlic gel with betamethasone cream significantly improves hair regrowth in alopecia areata.

research Effect of Caffeine and Testosterone on the Proliferation of Human Hair Follicles In Vitro

114 citations , January 2007 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

Caffeine can stimulate hair growth and counteract testosterone's suppressive effects on hair follicles.

research Human Hair Growth Enhancement In Vitro By Green Tea Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate (EGCG)

108 citations , November 2006 in “Phytomedicine”

Green tea component EGCG could potentially promote human hair growth.

research Molecular Principles of Hair Follicle Induction and Morphogenesis

479 citations , January 2005 in “BioEssays”

Hair follicle development is controlled by interactions between skin tissues and specific molecular signals.

research Minoxidil: Mechanisms of Action on Hair Growth

397 citations , February 2004 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Minoxidil boosts hair growth by opening potassium channels and increasing cell activity.

research Promotion of Hair Growth by Ginseng Radix on Cultured Mouse Vibrissal Hair Follicles

59 citations , August 2003 in “Phytotherapy Research”

Ginseng, especially red ginseng, helps hair grow by increasing blood flow and energy to hair roots.

research Androgenetic Alopecia in Women

139 citations , June 2003 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings”

Androgenetic alopecia in women needs more research and better management strategies.

research Identification of Androgen-Inducible TGF-β1 Derived from Dermal Papilla Cells as a Key Mediator in Androgenetic Alopecia

78 citations , June 2003 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings”

TGF-β1 from dermal papilla cells suppresses hair growth, and targeting it may help treat androgenetic alopecia.

research Dietary Soy Oil Content and Soy-Derived Phytoestrogen Genistein Increase Resistance to Alopecia Areata Onset in C3H/HeJ Mice

61 citations , February 2003 in “Experimental Dermatology”

Soy oil and genistein reduce hair loss risk in mice.

research Thrombospondin-1 Plays a Critical Role in the Induction of Hair Follicle Involution and Vascular Regression During the Catagen Phase

52 citations , January 2003 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

Thrombospondin-1 is crucial for hair follicle regression and reduced blood vessel growth during the catagen phase.

Androgen-Inducible TGF-β1 from Balding Dermal Papilla Cells Inhibits Epithelial Cell Growth: A Clue to Understanding Paradoxical Effects of Androgen on Human Hair Growth

research Androgen-Inducible TGF-β1 from Balding Dermal Papilla Cells Inhibits Epithelial Cell Growth: A Clue to Understanding Paradoxical Effects of Androgen on Human Hair Growth

190 citations , October 2002 in “The FASEB journal”

Androgens may cause hair loss by increasing TGF-beta1 from scalp cells, which inhibits hair cell growth.

research The Hair Growth Promoting Effect of Sophora Flavescens Extract and Its Molecular Regulation

75 citations , October 2002 in “Journal of Dermatological Science”

Sophora flavescens extract may help hair grow by affecting growth factors and blocking a hair-related enzyme.

research Male Androgenetic Alopecia

54 citations , July 2002 in “Clinical and Experimental Dermatology”

DHT, a testosterone byproduct, causes male pattern baldness.

research Causes of Hair Loss and Developments in Hair Rejuvenation

69 citations , February 2002 in “International Journal of Cosmetic Science”

Some hair loss can be treated, especially in women due to nutrition, but some types remain untreatable.

research Lack of the Vitamin D Receptor Is Associated with Reduced Epidermal Differentiation and Hair Follicle Growth

180 citations , January 2002 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology”

Vitamin D Receptor is crucial for normal skin and hair growth.

research Towards a Molecular Understanding of Hair Loss and Its Treatment

236 citations , July 2001 in “Trends in Molecular Medicine”

Future hair loss treatments should aim to extend hair growth, reactivate resting follicles, reverse shrinkage, and possibly create new follicles, with gene therapy showing promise.

research The Effects of Finasteride on Scalp Skin and Serum Androgen Levels in Men with Androgenetic Alopecia

65 citations , October 1999 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Finasteride effectively reduces hair loss by decreasing androgen levels.

research Finasteride

125 citations , January 1999 in “Drugs”

Finasteride effectively treats baldness but may cause sexual side effects.

research Finasteride in the Treatment of Men with Androgenetic Alopecia

581 citations , October 1998 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Finasteride safely and effectively treats male pattern hair loss, but may cause reversible sexual issues and harm male fetuses.

Different Levels of 5α-Reductase Type I and II, Aromatase, and Androgen Receptor in Hair Follicles of Women and Men with Androgenetic Alopecia

research Different Levels of 5α-Reductase Type I and II, Aromatase, and Androgen Receptor in Hair Follicles of Women and Men with Androgenetic Alopecia

416 citations , September 1997 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

People with hair loss have more androgen receptors and enzymes in certain follicles, with men and women showing different patterns.

research Potassium Channel Conductance as a Control Mechanism in Hair Follicles

30 citations , July 1993 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

research Potassium Channel Conductance as a Control Mechanism in Hair Follicles

42 citations , July 1993 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

research Low Dosage Retinol and L-Cystine Combination Improve Alopecia of the Diffuse Type Following Long-Term Oral Administration

16 citations , August 1989 in “PubMed”

Retinol and L-cystine improve diffuse hair loss without side effects.

Related Research

3 / 3 results

research Protection Against Chemotherapy-Induced Alopecia: Targeting ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters in the Hair Follicle

24 citations , November 2013 in “Trends in pharmacological sciences”

Increasing ABC transporters in hair follicles may prevent chemotherapy-induced hair loss.

research Pathobiology of Chemotherapy-Induced Hair Loss

218 citations , January 2013 in “The Lancet Oncology”

Chemotherapy causes hair loss by damaging hair follicles and stem cells, with more research needed for prevention and treatment.

research Towards a Molecular Understanding of Hair Loss and Its Treatment

236 citations , July 2001 in “Trends in Molecular Medicine”

Future hair loss treatments should aim to extend hair growth, reactivate resting follicles, reverse shrinkage, and possibly create new follicles, with gene therapy showing promise.