Value of Nutrition-Based Therapies for Hair Growth, Color, and Quality

January 2020

Ralph M. Trüeb

spermidine anagen phase miliacin polar lipids telogen effluvium fenugreek soy isoflavones marine extracts androgenetic alopecia

Studysummary Certain dietary supplements can improve hair health.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

The document reviewed various nutrition-based therapies for enhancing hair growth, color, and quality. It highlighted studies on spermidine, which was shown to prolong the anagen phase of hair follicles in a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study. Miliacin encapsulated by polar lipids was found to stimulate cell proliferation in the hair bulb and improve telogen effluvium in women. Additionally, the document discussed the potential benefits of fenugreek, soy isoflavones, and marine extracts in treating hair thinning and androgenetic alopecia. The findings suggested that certain dietary supplements could positively impact hair health, although the effectiveness varied across different studies and compounds.

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research Applications of Tea (Camellia Sinensis) and Its Active Constituents in Cosmetics

67 citations , November 2019 in “Molecules”

This review collected findings on the various cosmetic and therapeutic properties of tea extracts, highlighting their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and photoprotective effects among other benefits for skin and hair care.

research Effects of a Gintonin-Enriched Fraction on Hair Growth: An In Vitro and In Vivo Study

8 citations , June 2019 in “Journal of Ginseng Research”

This study found that a gintonin-enriched fraction from ginseng promoted hair growth in mice by stimulating dermal papilla cell proliferation and increasing hair follicles and weight.

research Miliacin Encapsulated by Polar Lipids Stimulates Cell Proliferation in Hair Bulb and Improves Telogen Effluvium in Women

3 citations , May 2019 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

This study found that a 12-week supplementation with MePL, a solution of miliacin encapsulated within polar lipids, significantly reduced hair density in the telogen phase and improved scalp dryness and hair brightness in women with telogen effluvium.

research Hair-Growth Potential of Ginseng and Its Major Metabolites: A Review on Its Molecular Mechanisms

52 citations , September 2018 in “International Journal of Molecular Sciences”

This review highlights the potential of ginseng and its metabolites in preventing hair loss, detailing their hair growth-promoting effects observed in numerous preclinical studies, and emphasizing the underlying mechanisms involved.

research Development and Clinical Evaluation of Green Tea Hair Tonic for Greasy Scalp Treatment

4 citations , February 2018 in “PubMed”

This study found that a hair tonic containing 2% green tea extract significantly reduced scalp sebum in 20 volunteers over 28 days without causing skin irritation, suggesting its effectiveness and safety for managing scalp greasiness.

research Tetrahydroxystilbene Glucoside Effectively Prevents Apoptosis-Induced Hair Loss

9 citations , January 2018 in “BioMed Research International”

This study found that topical application of TSG from Polygonum multiflorum promoted hair regrowth in depilated mice, potentially through the inhibition of apoptosis-related proteins.

research Evidence-Based Guideline for the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Women and Men – Short Version

145 citations , November 2017 in “Journal of The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

This guideline review by the European Dermatology Forum evaluates current treatments for androgenetic alopecia but reports no new research findings, aiming to assist dermatologists in selecting safe and effective therapies.

A Spermidine-Based Nutritional Supplement Prolongs the Anagen Phase of Hair Follicles in Humans: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Study

research A Spermidine-Based Nutritional Supplement Prolongs the Anagen Phase of Hair Follicles in Humans: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Study

8 citations , October 2017 in “Dermatology practical & conceptual”

This study found that a spermidine-based nutritional supplement increased the number of anagen phase hair follicles in healthy humans, suggesting potential benefits for hair loss conditions.

Inhibitory Activities of Some Traditional Chinese Herbs Against Testosterone 5α-Reductase and Effects of Cacumen Platycladi on Hair Regrowth in Testosterone-Treated Mice

research Inhibitory Activities of Some Traditional Chinese Herbs Against Testosterone 5α-Reductase and Effects of Cacumen Platycladi on Hair Regrowth in Testosterone-Treated Mice

25 citations , November 2015 in “Journal of Ethnopharmacology”

This study found that Cacumen platycladi extract significantly promoted hair growth and reduced dihydrotestosterone levels by inhibiting 5α-reductase activity in an androgen-sensitive mouse model.

Protective Effect of Korean Red Ginseng Against Chemotherapeutic Drug-Induced Premature Catagen Development Assessed With Human Hair Follicle Organ Culture Model

research Protective Effect of Korean Red Ginseng Against Chemotherapeutic Drug-Induced Premature Catagen Development Assessed With Human Hair Follicle Organ Culture Model

19 citations , July 2015 in “Journal of Ginseng Research”

In this study, Korean Red Ginseng showed protective effects against chemotherapy-induced premature hair follicle aging in an in vitro model by modulating specific cellular protein expressions.

research Oxidative Stress-Associated Senescence in Dermal Papilla Cells of Men with Androgenetic Alopecia

93 citations , February 2015 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

This study suggests that oxidative stress may contribute to androgenetic alopecia by inducing premature senescence and secretion of hair growth inhibitors in dermal papilla cells from balding scalp.

research Red Ginseng Extract Promotes Hair Growth in Cultured Human Hair Follicles

49 citations , November 2014 in “Journal of Medicinal Food”

In this study, red ginseng extract and its ginsenosides enhanced human hair follicle cell proliferation and countered dihydrotestosterone-induced suppression, suggesting potential to promote hair growth.

research The Efficacy of 3% Minoxidil vs. Combined 3% Minoxidil and Korean Red Ginseng in Treating Female Pattern Alopecia

14 citations , January 2014 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

Minoxidil with Korean red ginseng improves hair density and thickness more than minoxidil alone.

research Angelica Sinensis Induces Hair Regrowth via the Inhibition of Apoptosis Signaling

17 citations , January 2014 in “The American journal of Chinese medicine”

In this study, topical application of Angelica sinensis extract on mice promoted hair regrowth by influencing key hair cycle pathways and reducing keratinocyte apoptosis during the catagen phase.

Androgenic Alopecia Is Associated With Less Dietary Soy, Higher Blood Vanadium, and rs1160312 Polymorphism in Taiwanese Communities

research Androgenic Alopecia Is Associated With Less Dietary Soy, Higher Blood Vanadium, and rs1160312 Polymorphism in Taiwanese Communities

15 citations , December 2013

This study found that in men with androgenic alopecia, moderate to severe cases were associated with the AA genotype of rs1160312, blood vanadium concentrations, and regular consumption of soy bean drinks.

research Efficacy of Korean Red Ginseng in the Treatment of Alopecia Areata

24 citations , October 2012 in “Journal of Ginseng Research”

In this study, Korean red ginseng combined with corticosteroid injections showed potential efficacy in treating alopecia areata over 12 weeks, suggesting it as a useful complementary treatment.

research Comparative Effectiveness of Finasteride vs Serenoa Repens in Male Androgenetic Alopecia: A Two-Year Study

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

In this study, 68% of patients treated with finasteride showed improved hair growth in male androgenetic alopecia, compared to 38% with Serenoa repens, indicating finasteride's superior efficacy.

research Evidence-Based Guideline for the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Women and Men

198 citations , October 2011 in “Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft”

This article discusses the development of an evidence-based guideline for treating androgenetic alopecia and reports no new research results.

research Controversy: Is There a Role for Adjuvants in the Management of Male Pattern Hair Loss?

10 citations , January 2010 in “PubMed”

This article reviews current hair loss treatments, proposing a hypothesis that a combination of drugs, supplements, and therapies may effectively manage hair loss, but presents no new clinical results.

research Study of the Efficacy of Korean Red Ginseng in the Treatment of Androgenic Alopecia

25 citations , September 2009 in “Journal of Ginseng Research”

This study found that taking Korean red ginseng significantly increased hair density and thickness in patients with androgenic alopecia compared to a placebo over 24 weeks.

research Eclipta Alba Extract With Potential For Hair Growth Promoting Activity

121 citations , May 2009 in “Journal of Ethnopharmacology”

This study found that the methanol extract of Eclipta alba showed dose-dependent hair growth promoting activity in pigmented C57/BL6 mice by influencing the transition from the telogen to anagen phase.

research Effect of Cuscuta Reflexa Roxb on Androgen-Induced Alopecia

63 citations , August 2008 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

The researchers reported that the petroleum ether extract of Cuscuta reflexa may promote hair growth in testosterone-induced alopecia in mice by inhibiting the enzyme 5α-reductase.

research Hair Growth Promoting Activity of Eclipta Alba in Male Albino Rats

98 citations , May 2008 in “Archives of Dermatological Research”

Eclipta alba extract helps hair grow faster and more effectively than minoxidil in rats.

research Siddha Medicine: Background, Principles, and Application for Skin Diseases

68 citations , January 2008 in “Clinics in dermatology”

This article reviews the principles and practices of Siddha medicine, discussing its traditional treatments for various skin and systemic diseases, but reports no new clinical results.

research Development and Evaluation of Polyherbal Formulation for Hair Growth-Promoting Activity

67 citations , May 2007 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

This study found that topical formulations including extracts from Cuscuta reflexa, Citrullus colocynthis, and Eclipta alba significantly accelerated hair growth initiation and completion in rats, indicating potential benefits for treating alopecia.

research Chemoprevention of Smoke-Induced Alopecia in Mice by Oral Administration of L-Cystine and Vitamin B6

41 citations , March 2007 in “Journal of dermatological science”

This study found that oral administration of l-cystine with vitamin B6 effectively prevents environmental cigarette smoke-induced alopecia in mice by reducing hair bulb cell apoptosis.

research Effect of Caffeine and Testosterone on the Proliferation of Human Hair Follicles In Vitro

114 citations , January 2007 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

This study found that caffeine can stimulate hair growth in vitro and counteract testosterone-induced growth suppression in hair follicles from male AGA patients.

research Dietary Supplement Increases Anagen Hair Rate in Women With Telogen Effluvium: Results of a Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

47 citations , December 2006 in “Therapy”

This study found that a dietary supplement containing L-cystine, medicinal yeast, and pantothenic acid significantly improved hair growth in women with telogen effluvium over six months compared to placebo.

research Human Hair Growth Enhancement In Vitro By Green Tea Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate (EGCG)

108 citations , November 2006 in “Phytomedicine”

This study found that EGCG from green tea may stimulate human hair growth by promoting the proliferation and anti-apoptotic activity in dermal papilla cells.

research Apoptosis in Growing Hair Follicles Following Gamma-Irradiation and Application for the Evaluation of Radioprotective Agents

10 citations , January 2004 in “PubMed”

This study observed that gamma-ray induced apoptosis in ICR mouse hair follicles could be reduced by pretreatments with diethyldithiocarbamate or green tea, suggesting these agents as potential radioprotectors.

research The Phototrichogram Method for Evaluating Hair Growth-Promoting Preparations Using a Combination of Millet Fruit Extract, L-Cystine, and Calcium Pantothenate: Results of an In Vivo Study in Women with Androgenetic Alopecia

January 2000

This study concluded that a combination of millet seed extract, L-cystine, and calcium pantothenate may improve anagen hair rate in women with androgenetic alopecia over six months.

research Ancient-Modern Concordance in Ayurvedic Plants: Some Examples

139 citations , October 1999 in “Environmental Health Perspectives”

This article reviews the scientific exploration of Ayurvedic medicinal plants and discusses their modern applications, such as a drug developed from Commiphora wightti for lipid disorders, without reporting new clinical findings.

research Systemic Therapy of Diffuse Effluvium and Hair Structure Damage

23 citations , June 1993 in “PubMed”

This study found that a vitamin B-group and L-cystine combination therapy improved hair quality and growth in women with diffuse effluvia, with one formulation showing greater efficacy than another and both performing better than placebo.

research Effect of Leaves of Ginkgo Biloba on Hair Regrowth in C3H Strain Mice

37 citations , January 1993 in “Yakugaku zasshi”

This study found that a 70% ethanolic extract from Ginkgo biloba leaves promotes hair regrowth in C3H mice.

research Low Dosage Retinol and L-Cystine Combination Improve Alopecia of the Diffuse Type Following Long-Term Oral Administration

16 citations , August 1989 in “PubMed”

This study concluded that high-dose oral therapy with L-cystine, gelatin, and vitamin A significantly improved hair growth indicators in patients with diffuse hair loss, with no systemic side effects observed.

research Minoxidil Stimulates Mouse Vibrissae Follicles in Organ Culture

121 citations , March 1989 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

Minoxidil can help grow hair in mice by making cells grow and improving hair quality. More research needed.