Mechanism of Action of Herbs and Their Active Constituents Used in Hair Loss Treatment

The document from October 1, 2016, explores the potential of various herbs and their active constituents in treating hair loss, particularly androgenetic alopecia (AGA). It highlights that caffeine can stimulate human hair follicle growth by inhibiting testosterone effects, as demonstrated in a study with scalp biopsies from 14 male AGA patients. The liposterolic extract of Serenoa repens and ß-sitosterol, as 5α-reductase inhibitors, could be novel AGA treatments. Flavonoids like myricetin, quercetin, baicalein, and fisetin are potent inhibitors of type I 5α-reductase, while biochanin A, daidzein, genistein, and kaempferol target type II isozyme. Estrogens and antiandrogens may promote hair growth, although estrogens can also inhibit it. TGF-β is a catagen inducer, and certain herbs can inhibit TGF-β1, potentially preventing hair follicle regression. PGD2 inhibits hair growth, whereas PGE2 and PGF2α stimulate it. The conclusion suggests herbal products as potential alternatives to conventional treatments, but emphasizes the need for further research, government regulations, and standardization of active ingredients in herbal products.