5 Alpha-Reductase Inhibitory Potential of Solanum Nigrum for Alopecia Management

The study explored the potential of Solanum nigrum L., a plant used in Indian medicine, as a 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor for treating androgenic diseases like male pattern hair loss. The plant's inhibitory activity was compared to finasteride, a known 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor. The petroleum ether extract of Solanum nigrum L. and its chemical biomarker, linoleic acid, showed promising results, suggesting potential for future anti-androgenic activity research. The petroleum ether extract was found to be more effective than the methanolic extract as a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor, with an IC50 value of 125.528±0.634 (μg/ml) compared to 220.724±6.086 (μg/ml) for the methanolic extract. The study supports the use of Solanum nigrum L. for treating hair loss, but more in vivo research is needed to confirm these findings.