Drug Development to Improve Androgenetic Alopecia on the Traditional Chinese Medicine Theory
TLDR PMC shows promise as a treatment for hair loss.
The study explored the potential of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in treating androgenetic alopecia (AGA) by examining 24 hair-nourishing medicinal materials, focusing on PMC (a plant with high antioxidant power and 5α-reductase inhibitory activity). The research found a positive correlation between 5α-reductase inhibition and the presence of total polyphenols and condensed tannins. The 50% ethanol extract of PMC (50E-PMC) showed promising results in promoting hair growth and maintaining hair in the growth phase in AGA mice, as well as enhancing hair follicle cell growth in vitro. The study suggested that PMC could be developed into a treatment for AGA or hair care products, offering advantages over conventional 5α-reductase inhibitors like Finasteride and Dutasteride.
