Natural Products for Male Androgenetic Alopecia

January 2022 in “ Dermatologic Therapy ”

Anik Gupta, Mesbah Uddin Talukder, Mary A Bamimore

androgenetic alopecia minoxidil finasteride saw palmetto caffeine melatonin marine extracts rosemary oil procyanidin pumpkin seed oil cannabidiol oil AGA Rogaine Propecia CBD oil

TLDR Natural products like saw palmetto, caffeine, melatonin, marine extracts, rosemary oil, procyanidin, pumpkin seed oil, and cannabidiol oil could potentially treat male hair loss.

The review article "Natural products for male androgenetic alopecia" discusses the potential of natural products in treating male androgenetic alopecia (AGA), the most common cause of hair loss in men. The authors conducted a systematic search of various databases and selected 11 clinical studies for detailed review. The conventional treatments for AGA, topical minoxidil and oral finasteride, have limitations such as long-term application and potential side effects. As a result, natural products may serve as alternatives or supplements to these treatments. The reviewed studies suggest that saw palmetto, caffeine, melatonin, marine extracts, rosemary oil, procyanidin, pumpkin seed oil, and cannabidiol oil could be considered in the treatment of male AGA.

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Research cited in this study

19 / 19 results

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Finasteride helps hair growth but may cause sexual side effects and depression.

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16 citations, June 2021 in “Journal of Dermatological Treatment”

Minoxidil effectively treats hair loss, especially androgenetic alopecia, but needs more research for better understanding.

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9 citations, October 2018 in “Medical Science Monitor”

Lowering certain hormone levels improves treatment for hair loss in young men.

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40 citations, August 2018 in “Skin appendage disorders”

Some alternative treatments for hair loss might work, but more research is needed.

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.

A 6-Month, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study Evaluating the Ability of a Marine Complex Supplement to Promote Hair Growth in Men with Thinning Hair

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25 citations, August 2016 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

The marine complex supplement significantly improved hair growth in men with thinning hair without adverse effects.

research Treatment of Male Androgenetic Alopecia with Topical Products Containing Serenoa Repens Extract

18 citations, May 2015 in “Australasian Journal of Dermatology”

Serenoa repens extract in topical products improves hair growth and appearance in male pattern baldness with mild side-effects.

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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

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

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36 citations, January 2014 in “Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine”

Pumpkin seed oil helps hair growth in men with hair loss.

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

Finasteride works better than Serenoa repens for male hair loss.

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39 citations, January 2012 in “International Journal of Trichology”

Melatonin solution helps treat hair loss in men and women.

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42 citations, March 2010 in “Endocrinology”

Mice with human gene experienced hair loss when treated with DHT.

research Melatonin and the Hair Follicle

109 citations, October 2007 in “Journal of pineal research”

Melatonin helps regulate hair growth and protects the hair follicle from stress.

research Procyanidin Oligomers Counteract TGF-β1- and TGF-β2-Induced Apoptosis in Hair Epithelial Cells: An Insight into Their Mechanisms

14 citations, January 2006 in “Skin pharmacology and physiology”

Procyanidin compounds from apples and barley promote hair growth and prevent hair cell death.

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research Investigation of the Topical Application of Procyanidin Oligomers from Apples to Identify Their Potential Use as a Hair-Growing Agent

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Apple procyanidin applied to the scalp may help grow hair without side effects.

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Natural 5AR inhibitors effectively improve mild to moderate hair loss in men.

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Apple-derived procyanidin B-2 can safely promote hair growth in men.

Related Research

9 / 9 results

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Finasteride and minoxidil together work best for male hair loss.

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Topical minoxidil and oral finasteride can help regrow hair in androgenetic alopecia.

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research Minoxidil vs Finasteride in the Treatment of Men With Androgenetic Alopecia

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Finasteride slightly better long-term, minoxidil faster initial results, but stopping minoxidil may cause hair loss.

research Finasteride Treatment May Not Prevent Telogen Effluvium After Minoxidil Withdrawal

14 citations, September 2003 in “Archives of Dermatology”

Finasteride may not stop severe hair loss after stopping minoxidil.

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23 citations, December 1995 in “Archives of Dermatology”

Combination therapy improves hair growth in advanced hair loss.