Unlocking the Potential of Rosemary in Alopecia: A Narrative Review of Evidence on Mechanism, Applications and Challenges

This narrative review examines the potential of rosemary in treating alopecia, emphasizing its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. Rosemary has shown promise in enhancing blood circulation and hair follicle regeneration, with studies indicating its effectiveness in androgenic alopecia, where it performed comparably to minoxidil with fewer side effects in a study of 100 male patients. In alopecia areata, a trial with 84 participants showed a 44% improvement using rosemary and other essential oils. However, there is a lack of randomized controlled trials for its use in central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia, necessitating further research to confirm efficacy and safety. Challenges include variability in essential oil quality and potential skin irritation, highlighting the need for high-quality products. The review also discusses future alopecia management, focusing on personalized approaches and innovative treatments.