Hair Growth Promotion Activity and Its Mechanism ofPolygonum multiflorum
January 2015
in “Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine”
TLDR Polygonum multiflorum can promote hair growth when taken orally or applied topically.
The study from 2015 examined the effects of Polygonum multiflorum Radix (PMR) and its processed form (PMRP) on hair growth in C57BL/6J mice. It found that oral administration of PMR resulted in a complete (100%) hair covered skin ratio, while oral PMRP achieved a 48%-88% ratio. Topical application of PMRP also showed a high hair covered skin ratio of about 90%. The research suggested that the hair growth promotion from oral PMR was likely due to the upregulation of fibroblast growth factor (FGF-7), and the topical PMRP worked by stimulating Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) expression. The study indicated that PMR and PMRP could be effective for hair growth promotion, with PMR being more effective orally and PMRP topically. The study did not find a dose-effect relationship for hair length and hair covered ratio, but did for hair total melanin contents. Further research was recommended to understand the potential of PMR and PMRP in treating androgenetic alopecia (AGA).
View this study on downloads.hindawi.com →
Cited in this study
research Topical application of Polygonum multiflorum extract induces hair growth of resting hair follicles through upregulating Shh and β-catenin expression in C57BL/6 mice
Polygonum multiflorum extract helps grow hair by activating certain hair growth signals in mice.
research Long-term (5-year) multinational experience with finasteride 1 mg in the treatment of men with androgenetic alopecia.
Finasteride 1 mg/day for five years effectively improves hair growth and slows hair loss in men with male pattern baldness, and is safe for long-term use.
research Allergic contact dermatitis from minoxidil
Minoxidil can cause allergic reactions, but testing helps identify the cause.
Related
research SIRT 7 activates quiescent hair follicle stem cells to ensure hair growth in mice
research Progenic hair regrowth treatment- The use of platelet-released growth factors for treating androgenetic alopecia (AGA) by activating hair follicle stem cells
Platelet-released growth factors can treat hair loss by activating hair follicle stem cells, blocking certain pathways, and controlling inflammation and fibrosis.
research Fullerene nanomaterials potentiate hair growth
research Substance P prolongs human hair growth in vitro
research Towards a molecular understanding of hair loss and its treatment
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.