TLDR Ginseng, especially red ginseng, helps hair grow by increasing blood flow and energy to hair roots.
The study investigated the effects of ginseng radix on hair growth using mouse vibrissal hair follicles in culture and found that red ginseng, particularly through a 70% methanol extract, was more effective than white ginseng in promoting hair growth. The ginsenoside-Rb₁ (G-Rb₁) component was identified as effective in stimulating hair growth, while ginsenoside-Rg₁ (G-Rg₁) and -Ro (G-Ro) were not. Additionally, 20(S)-ginsenoside-Rg3 (20(S)-G-Rg3), found in red ginseng, also promoted hair growth. The study concluded that Ginseng Radix, especially due to G-Rb₁ and 20(S)-G-Rg3, has hair growth promoting activity, potentially by increasing blood circulation in the head dermis, providing more energy to hair roots. The number of hair follicles used in the study was not mentioned, thus the strength of the study based on sample size cannot be determined.
27 citations
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January 1993 in “Archives of Dermatological Research” Hair follicles can grow and increase DNA synthesis in a serum-free environment, and minoxidil sulphate boosts this process.
385 citations
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November 1990 in “Journal of Cell Science” Human hair follicles can grow in a lab setting.
12 citations
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January 1988 in “YAKUGAKU ZASSHI” Certain natural extracts can promote hair regrowth.
46 citations
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February 1983 in “The Journal of Dermatology” Hair regrowth slows with age due to changes in enzyme activity.
52 citations
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September 2018 in “International Journal of Molecular Sciences” Ginseng and its compounds may help hair growth and prevent hair loss, but more human trials are needed to confirm this.
1 citations
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December 2016 in “Trichology and cosmetology:” Panax ginseng might help with hair growth and has fewer side effects than synthetic treatments.
67 citations
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May 2018 in “Journal of Ginseng Research” Red ginseng may improve immunity, fatigue, memory, blood circulation, and menopausal symptoms, and is generally safe to consume.
8 citations
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June 2019 in “Journal of Ginseng Research” Gintonin-enriched fraction promotes hair growth and could be a potential alopecia treatment.
January 2017 in “Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy” Modified red ginseng extract promotes hair growth and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
