TLDR Licorice root extract may promote hair growth in female rats.
In a 2012 study, the hair growth promoting activity of petroleum ether root extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra L (Fabaceae) was evaluated on 18 female Wistar rats, divided into three groups of six. Over 30 days, one group received paraffin oil (control), another 2% minoxidil solution (reference), and the third a 2% G. glabra extract. The G. glabra extract group exhibited longer hair, a higher percentage of hair follicles in the growth phase (anagenic phase) at 76%, and a reduced time for hair growth initiation and completion (5-13 days) compared to the minoxidil group (66% anagenic follicles, 6-19 days) and the control (45% anagenic follicles). The study concluded that G. glabra extract shows promise as a hair growth promotant in females.
121 citations,
May 2009 in “Journal of Ethnopharmacology” Eclipta alba extract may help hair grow similarly to Minoxidil.
21 citations,
March 2006 in “Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery” Most hair loss disorders can be accurately diagnosed and treated in an outpatient setting.
128 citations,
September 2003 in “Journal of Ethnopharmacology” Hibiscus rosa-sinensis leaf extract helps hair grow longer and faster.
125 citations,
January 1999 in “Drugs” Finasteride effectively treats baldness but may cause sexual side effects.
26 citations,
January 1994 in “McGraw-Hill eBooks” Many hair loss conditions can be treated.
47 citations,
August 2016 in “Fitoterapia” Some herbs and their components might help treat hair loss by affecting various biological pathways, but more research and regulation are needed.
25 citations,
July 2017 in “Archives of Dermatological Research” Herbal products might promote hair growth with fewer side effects, but more research is needed to confirm their safety and effectiveness.
2 citations,
October 2022 in “International journal of Ayurvedic medicine” Licorice has many traditional health benefits, but more research is needed to fully support these claims.
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.
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.
