Abstract
Currently available conventional therapies of hair loss using synthetic drugs are still imperfect and have a number of limitations. Their effectiveness as well as the safety of their use is often questioned. It has led to an increased interest in alternative treatments with fewer side-effects such as formulations containing herbs and/or their active constituents. For this purpose several electronic databases and hand-searched references were used to summarize current knowledge regarding topically used herbal products for the treatment of hair loss acquired on the basis of preclinical and clinical studies. Moreover, mechanism of their action, follicular penetration and possible adverse effect of herbal products will be also described.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Aberer W (2008) Contact allergy and medicinal herbs. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges 6:15–24
Adhirajan N, Ravi Kumar T, Shanmugasundaram N, Babu M (2003) In vivo and in vitro evaluation of hair growth potential of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Linn. J Ethnopharmacol 88:235–239
Amin J, Purba SEL, Anwar E, Djajadisastra J (2014) Green tea (Camellia sinensis L.) Ethanolic extracts as hair tonic in nutraceutical: physical stability, hair growth activity on rats, and safety test. Int J Pharm Pharm Sci 6:94–99
Anjum F, Bukhari SA, Shahid M, Bokhari TH, Talpur MM (2013) Exploration of nutraceutical potential of herbal oil formulated from parasitic plant. Afr J Tradit Complement Altern Med 11:78–86
Asif M (2012) A brief study of toxic effects of some medicinal herbs on kidney. Adv Biomed Res 1:44
Asili J, Mosallaei N, Shaterzadeh A, Malaekeh-Nikouei B (2012) Preparation and characterization of liposomes containing methanol extract of aerial parts of Platycladus orientalis (L.) Franco. Avicenna J Phytomed 2:17–23
Banerjee PS, Sharma M, Nema RK (2009) Preparation, evaluation and hair growth stimulating activity of herbal hair oil. J Chem Pharm Res 1:261–267
Bazzano GS, Terezakis N, Galen W (1986) Topical tretinoin for hair growth promotion. J Am Acad Dermatol 15:880–883
Bedi MK, Shenefelt PD (2002) Herbal therapy in dermatology. Arch Dermatol 138:232–242
Begum S, Gu LJ, Lee MR, Li Z, Li JJ, Hossain MJ, Wang YB, Sung CK (2015) In vivo hair growth-stimulating effect of medicinal plant extract on BALB/c nude mice. Pharm Biol 53:1098–1103
Begum S, Lee MR, Gu LJ, Hossain J, Sung CK (2015) Exogenous stimulation with Eclipta alba promotes hair matrix keratinocyte proliferation and downregulates TGF-β1 expression in nude mice. Int J Mol Med 35:496–502
Bilsland D, Strong A (1990) Allergic contact dermatitis from the essential oil of French marigold (Tagetes Patula) in an aromatherapist. Contact Dermat 23:55–56
Birch MP, Lalla SC, Messenger AG (2002) Female pattern hair loss. Clin Exp Dermatol 27:383–388
Blumeyer A, Tosti A, Messenger A, Reygagne P, Del Marmol V, Spuls PI, Trakatelli M, Finner A, Kiesewetter F, Trüeb R, Rzany B, Blume-Peytavi U (2011) Evidence-based (S3) guideline for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia in women and in men. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges 9:1–57
Bode AM, Dong Z (2015) Toxic phytochemicals and their potential risks for human cancer. Cancer Prev Res 8:1–8
Builders PF, Iwu IW, Mbah CC, Iwu IW, Builders MI, Audu MM (2014) Moringa oleifera ethosomes a potential hair growth activator: effect on rats. J Pharm Biomed Sci 04:611–618
Bunchorntavakul C, Reddy KR (2013) Review article: herbal and dietary supplement hepatotoxicity. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 37:3–17
Bureau JP, Ginouves P, Guilbaud J, Roux ME (2003) Essential oils and low-intensity electromagnetic pulses in the treatment of androgen-dependent alopecia. Adv Ther 20:220–229
Cárdenas A, Restrepo JC, Sierra F, Correa G (2006) Acute hepatitis due to shen-min: a herbal product derived from Polygonum multiflorum. J Clin Gastroenterol 40:629–632
Charuwichitratana S, Wattanakrai P, Tanrattanakorn S (2000) Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial in the treatment of alopecia areata with 0.25% desoximetasone cream. Arch Dermatol 136:1276–1277
Chaturvedi M, Kumar M, Sinhal A, Saifi A (2011) Recent development in novel drug delivery systems of herbal drugs. Int J Green Pharm 5:87–94
Cheah YH, Nordin FJ, Abdullah NR, Ismail Z (2013) Effects of a local commercial herbal cleanser on hair growth in Wistar rats. J Med Plants Res 7:2906–2913
Cheung TP, Xue C, Leung K, Chan K, Li CG (2006) Aristolochic acids detected in some raw Chinese medicinal herbs and manufactured herbal products—a consequence of inappropriate nomenclature and imprecise labelling? Clin Toxicol 44:371–378
Chittur S, Parr B, Marcovici G (2011) Inhibition of inflammatory gene expression in keratinocytes using a composition containing carnitine, thioctic acid and saw palmetto extract. Evid Based Complement Altern Med 2011:985345
Choi EY, Park SN, Park SU, Choi S, Ro BI, Chung MH (2003) Promoting effect of a mixture of 8 herbal extracts (SPELA 707) on hair growth. Korean J Physiol Pharmacol 7:91–96
Choi JS, Jeon MH, Moon WS, Moon JN, Cheon EJ, Kim JW, Jung SK, Ji YH, Son SW, Kim MR (2014) In vivo hair growth-promoting effect of rice bran extract prepared by supercritical carbon dioxide fluid. Biol Pharm Bull 37:44–53
Choi JS, Jung SK, Jeon MH, Moon JN, Moon WS, Ji YH, Choi IS, Wook SS (2013) Effects of Lycopersicon esculentum extract on hair growth and alopecia prevention. J Cosmet Sci 64:429–443
Colombe L, Vindrios A, Michelet JF, Bernard BA (2007) Prostaglandin metabolism in human hair follicle. Exp Dermatol 16:762–769
Danilenko DM, Ring BD, Yanagihara D, Benson W, Wiemann B, Starnes CO, Pierce GF (1995) Keratinocyte growth factor is an important endogenous mediator of hair follicle growth, development, and differentiation. Normalization of the nu/nu follicular differentiation defect and amelioration of chemotherapy-induced alopecia. Am J Pathol 147:145–154
de Groot AC, Weyland JW (1992) Systemic contact dermatitis from tea tree oil. Contact Dermat 27:279–280
De Smet PA (2004) Health risks of herbal remedies: an update. Clin Pharmacol Ther 76:1–17
Dhanotia R, Chauhan NS, Saraf DK, Dixit VK (2011) Effect of Citrullus colocynthis Schrad fruits on testosterone-induced alopecia. Nat Prod Res 25:1432–1443
Ding Z, Wu M, Guo Q, Yang X, Zhang B (2013) Encapsulation of a flavonoid-rich Allium cepa L. var. agrogatum don extract in β-cyclodextrin for transdermal drug delivery. J Agric Food Chem 61:4914–4920
du Cros DL (1993) Fibroblast growth factor and epidermal growth factor in hair development. J Invest Dermatol 101:106–113
Dwivedi S, Aggarwal A, Sharma V (2011) Cardiotoxicity from ‘safe’ herbomineral formulations. Trop Dr 41:113–115
Ernst E (2000) Adverse effects of herbal drugs in dermatology. Br J Dermatol 143:923–929
Fischer TW, Hipler UC, Elsner P (2007) Effect of caffeine and testosterone on the proliferation of human hair follicles in vitro. Int J Dermatol 46:27–35
Fong P, Tong HH, Ng KH, Lao CK, Chong CI, Chao CM (2015) In silico prediction of prostaglandin D2 synthase inhibitors from herbal constituents for the treatment of hair loss. J Ethnopharmacol 175:470–480
Giordano-Labadie F, Schwarze HP, Bazex J (2000) Allergic contact dermatitis from camomile used in phytotherapy. Contact Dermat 42:247
Gnann LA, Castro RF, Azzalis LA, Feder D, Perazzo FF, Pereira EC et al (2013) Hematological and hepatic effects of vascular epidermal growth factor (VEGF) used to stimulate hair growth in an animal model. BMC Dermatol 13:15
Gottumukkala VR, Annamalai T, Mukhopadhyay T (2011) Phytochemical investigation and hair growth studies on the rhizomes of Nardostachys jatamansi DC. Pharmacogn Mag 7:146–150
Greco V, Chen T, Rendl M, Schober M, Pasoli HA, Stokes N et al (2009) A two-step mechanism for stem cell activation during hair regeneration. Cell Stem Cell 4:155–169
Greenberg JH, Katz M (1996) Treatment of androgenetic alopecia with a 7.5% herbal preparation. J Dermatol Treat 7:159–162
Gupta PK, Chauhan NS, Pathak A (2013) Effect of Trigonella foenum-graecum Linn. (seeds) and Butea monosperma Lam. (flowers) on chemotherapy-induced alopecia. Spatula DD 3:121–125
Hajheydari Z, Jamshidi M, Akbari J, Mohammadpour R (2007) Combination of topical garlic gel and betamethasone valerate cream in the treatment of localized alopecia areata: a double-blind randomized controlled study. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol 73:29–32
Hansen LA, Alexander N, Hogan ME, Sundberg JP, Dlugosz A, Threadgill DW et al (1997) Genetically null mice reveal a central role for epidermal growth factor receptor in the differentiation of the hair follicle and normal hair development. Am J Pathol 150:1959–1975
Harada N, Okajima K, Narimatsu N, Kurihara H, Nakagata N (2008) Effect of topical application of raspberry ketone on dermal production of insulin-like growth factor-I in mice and on hair growth and skin elasticity in humans. Growth Horm IGF Res 18:335–344
Hay IC, Jamieson M, Ormerod AD (1998) Randomized trial of aromatherapy successful treatment for alopecia areata. Arch Dermatol 134:1349–1352
Hébert JM, Rosenquist T, Götz J, Martin GR (1994) FGF5 as a regulator of the hair growth cycle: evidence from targeted and spontaneous mutations. Cell 78:1017–1025
Herman A, Herman AP (2013) Caffeine’s mechanisms of action and its cosmetic use. Skin Pharmacol Physiol 26:8–14
Herman A, Herman AP (2015) Essential oils and their constituents as skin penetration enhancer for transdermal drug delivery: a review. J Pharm Pharmacol 67:473–485
Herman A, Herman AP (2016) Mechanism of action of herbs and their active constituents used in hair loss treatment. Fitoterapia 114:18–25
Hiipakka RA, Zhang HZ, Dai W, Dai Q, Liao S (2002) Structure–activity relationships for inhibition of human 5α-reductases by polyphenols. Biochem Pharmacol 63:1165–1176
Hirata N, Tokunaga M, Naruto S, Iinuma M, Matsuda H (2007) Testosterone 5 alpha-reductase inhibitory active constituents of Piper nigrum leaf. Biol Pharm Bull 30:2402–2405
Huelsken J, Vogel R, Erdmann B, Cotsarelis G, Birchmeier W (2001) β-Catenin controls hair follicle morphogenesis and stem cell differentiation in the skin. Cell 105:533–545
Huh S, Lee J, Jung E, Kim SC, Kang JI, Lee J et al (2009) A cell-based system for screening hair growth-promoting agents. Arch Dermatol Res 301:381–385
Huxtable RJ (1992) The myth of beneficent nature: the risks of herbal preparations. Ann Intern Med 117:165–166
Hwang MK, Bode AM, Byun S, Song NR, Lee HJ, Lee KW, Dong Z (2010) Cocarcinogenic effect of capsaicin involves activation of EGFR signaling but not TRPV1. Cancer Res 70:6859–6869
Hwang SL, Kim JC (2008) In vivo hair growth promotion effects of cosmetic preparations containing hinokitiol-loaded poly (ϵ-caprolacton) nanocapsules. J Microencapsul 25:351–356
Ishida H, Inaoka Y, Shibatani JI, Fukushima M, Tsuji K (1999) Studies of the active substances in herbs used for hair treatment. II. Isolation of hair regrowth substances, acetosyringone and polyporusterone A and B, from Polyporus umbellatus fries. Biol Pharm Bull 22:1189–1192
Jaybhaye D, Varma S, Gagne N, Bonde V, Gite A, Bhosle D (2010) Effect of Tectona grandis Linn. seeds on hair growth activity of albino mice. Int J Ayurveda Res 1:211–215
Jeong CG, Park MH, Seong JW, Lee HS, Park SK, Kim SY et al (2008) Immunohistochemical study on the hair growth promoting effect of Yonnyuniksoogobon-dan. J Korean Orient Med 29:77–89
Johne A, Brockmöller J, Bauer S, Maurer A, Langheinrich M, Roots I (1999) Pharmacokinetic interaction of digoxin with an herbal extract from St John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum). Clin Pharmacol Ther 66:338–345
Johne A, Schmider J, Brockmöller J, Stadelmann AM, Störmer E, Bauer S, Scholler G, Langheinrich M, Roots I (2002) Decreased plasma levels of amitriptyline and its metabolites on comedication with an extract from St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum). J Clin Psychopharmacol 22:46–54
Joshi BS, Kaul PN (2001) Alternative medicine: herbal drugs and their critical appraisal—part I. Prog Drug Res 56:1–76
Junlatat J, Sripanidkulchai B (2014) Hair growth-promoting effect of Carthamus tinctorius floret extract. Phytother Res 28:1030–1036
Kamimura A, Takahashi T (2002) Procyanidin B-3, isolated from barley and identified as a hair-growth stimulant, has the potential to counteract inhibitory regulation by TGF-β1. Exp Dermatol 11:532–541
Kamimura A, Takahashi T, Watanabe Y (2000) Investigation of topical application of procyanidin B-2 from apple to identify its potential use as a hair growing agent. Phytomedicine 7:529–536
Kang JI, Kim EJ, Kim MK, Jeon YJ, Kang SM, Koh YS, Yoo ES, Kang HK (2013) The promoting effect of Ishige sinicola on hair growth. Mar Drugs 11:1783–1799
Kang JI, Kim SC, Hyun JH, Kang JH, Park DB, Lee YJ et al (2009) Promotion effect of Schisandra nigra on the growth of hair. Eur J Dermatol 19:119–125
Karliova M, Treichel U, Malagò M, Frilling A, Gerken G, Broelsch CE (2000) Interaction of Hypericum perforatum (St. John’s wort) with cyclosporin A metabolism in a patient after liver transplantation. J Hepatol 33:853–855
Kaufman KD, Olsen EA, Whiting D, Savin R, DeVillez R, Bergfeld W, Price VH, Van Neste D, Roberts JL, Hordinsky M, Shapiro J, Binkowitz B, Gormley GJ (1998) Finasteride in the treatment of men with androgenetic alopecia. Finasteride Male Pattern Hair Loss Study Group. J Am Acad Dermatol 39:578–589
Kew J, Morris C, Aihie A, Fysh R, Jones S, Brooks D (1993) Arsenic and mercury intoxication due to Indian ethnic remedies. BMJ 306:506–507
Kim AR, Kim SN, Jung IK, Kim HH, Park YH, Park WS (2014) The inhibitory effect of Scutellaria baicalensis extract and its active compound, baicalin, on the translocation of the androgen receptor with implications for preventing androgenetic alopecia. Planta Med 80:153–158
Kim EJ, Choi JY, Park BC, Lee BH (2014) Platycarya strobilacea S. et Z. extract has a high antioxidant capacity and exhibits hair growth-promoting effects in male C57BL/6 mice. Prev Nutr Food Sci 19:136–144
Kim JS, Kang BS, Park HJ, Kim DY, Hwang SY, Nam SY, Yun YW, Lee BJ (2009) Promoting effect of herbal extracts mixtures on hair regrowth in C3H/HeJ mice. J Biomed Res 10:99–108
Kim SC, Kang JI, Park DB, Lee YK, Hyun JW, Koh YS et al (2012) Promotion effect of acankoreoside J, a lupane-triterpene in Acanthopanax koreanum, on hair growth. Arch Pharm Res 35:1495–1503
Kumar N, Rungseevijitprapa W, Narkkhong NA, Suttajit M, Chaiyasut C (2012) 5α-reductase inhibition and hair growth promotion of some Thai plants traditionally used for hair treatment. J Ethnopharmacol 139:765–771
Kumar N, Singh S, Gupta R (2011) Hair growth activity of Trichosanthes dioica R. leaves. Res J Pharmacogn Phytochem 3:30–33
Kwon OS, Han JH, Yoo HG, Chung JH, Cho KH, Eun HC, Kim KH (2007) Human hair growth enhancement in vitro by green tea epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). Phytomedicine 14:551–555
Kwon TK, Kim JC (2010) Preparation and in vitro skin permeation of cubosomes containing hinokitiol. J Dispers Sci Technol 31:1004–1009
Lademann J, Richter H, Schanzer S, Klenk A, Sterry W, Patzelt A (2010) Analysis of the penetration of a caffeine containing shampoo into the hair follicles by in vivo laser scanning microscopy. Laser Phys 20:551–556
Lee EY, Choi EJ, Kim JA, Hwang YL, Kim CD, Lee MH et al (2016) Malva verticillata seed extracts upregulate the Wnt pathway in human dermal papilla cells. Int J Cosmet Sci 38:148–154
Lee GS, Hong EJ, Gwak KS, Park MJ, Choi KC, Choi IG et al (2010) The essential oils of Chamaecyparis obtusa promote hair growth through the induction of vascular endothelial growth factor gene. Fitoterapia 81:17–24
Leow YH (1997) Contact dermatitis due to topical traditional Chinese medication. Clin Dermatol 15:601–605
Li Y, Han M, Lin P, He Y, Yu J, Zhao R (2015) Hair growth promotion activity and its mechanism of Polygonum multiflorum. Evid Based Complement Altern Med. doi:10.1155/2015/517901
Libecco JF, Bergfeld WF (2001) Finasteride in the treatment of alopecia. Expert Opin Pharmacother 5:933–940
Loing E, Lachance R, Ollier V, Hocquaux M (2013) A new strategy to modulate alopecia using a combination of two specific and unique ingredients. J Cosmet Sci 64:45–58
MacDonald Hull SP, Wood ML, Hutchinson PE, Sladden M, Messenger AG (2003) Guidelines for the management of alopecia areata. Br J Dermatol 149:692–699
Manach C, Scalbert A, Morand C, Rémésy C, Jiménez L (2004) Polyphenols: food sources and bioavailability. Am J Clin Nutr 79:727–747
Mancuso G, Balducci A, Casadio C, Farina P, Staffa M, Valenti L, Milani M (2003) Efficacy of betamethasone valerate foam formulation in comparison with betamethasone dipropionate lotion in the treatment of mild-to-moderate alopecia areata: a multicenter, prospective, randomized, controlled, investigator blinded trial. Int J Dermatol 42:572–575
Mathijssen RH, Verweij J, de Bruijn P, Loos WJ, Sparreboom A (2002) Effects of St. John’s wort on irinotecan metabolism. J Nat Cancer Inst 94:1247–1249
Matsuda H, Yamazaki M, Asanuma Y, Kubo M (2003) Promotion of hair growth by ginseng radix on cultured mouse vibrissal hair follicles. Phytother Res 17:797–800
Matsuda H, Yamazaki M, Matsuo K, Asanuma Y, Kubo M (2001) Anti-androgenic activity of Myricae Cortex. Isolation of active constituents from bark of Myrica rubra. Biol Pharm Bull 24:259–263
Matsuda H, Yamazaki M, Naruto S, Asanuma Y, Kubo M (2002) Anti-androgenic and hair growth promoting activities of Lygodii spora (spore of Lygodium japonicum) I. active constituents inhibiting testosterone 5 alpha-reductase. Biol Pharm Bull 25:622–626
McClellan JK, Markham A (1999) Finesteride. A review of its use in male pattern hair loss. Drugs 57:111–126
Meidan VM, Touitou E (2001) Treatments for androgenetic alopecia and alopecia areata: current options and future prospects. Drugs 61:53–69
Miao Y, Sun Y, Wang W, Du B, Xiao SE, Hu Y, Hu Z (2013) 6-Gingerol inhibits hair shaft growth in cultured human hair follicles and modulates hair growth in mice. PLoS One 8:e57226
Michie HJ, Jahoda CAB, Oliver RF, Johnson BE (1991) The DEBR rat: an animal model of human alopecia areata. Br J Dermatol 125:94–100
Murata K, Noguchi K, Kondo M, Onishi M, Watanabe N, Okamura K, Matsuda H (2013) Promotion of hair growth by Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract. Phytother Res 27:212–217
Murata K, Noguchi K, Kondo M, Onishi M, Watanabe N, Okamura K, Matsuda H (2012) Inhibitory activities of Puerariae flos against testosterone 5α-reductase and its hair growth promotion activities. J Nat Med 66:158–165
Murata K, Takeshita F, Samukawa K, Tani T, Matsuda H (2012) Effects of Ginseng Rhizome and Ginsenoside Ro on testosterone 5α-reductase and hair re-growth in testosterone-treated mice. Phytother Res 26:48–53
Murkute AV, Sahu MS, Mali PY, Rangari VD (2010) Development and evaluation of formulations of microbial biotransformed extract of tobacco leaves for hair growth potential. Pharmacogn Res 2:300–303
Nandeesh R, Kumar BSA, Lakshman K, Khan S, Swamy VBN, Bharathi T, Ganapathy S (2009) Evaluation of hair growth activity of Buxus wallichiana Baill extract in rats. Iran J Basic Med Sci 11:236–241
Neetu S, Dhanila V, Rakesh B, Anjali K, Ashish J, Sanjay J (2009) Development and evaluation of polyherbal formulations for hair growth activity. Pharmacogn J 1:165–170
Niggemann B, Grüber C (2003) Side-effects of complementary and alternative medicine. Allergy 58:707–716
Nortier JL, Martinez MC, Schmeiser HH, Arlt VM, Bieler CA, Petein M, Depierreux MF, De Pauw L, Abramowicz D, Vereerstraeten P, Vanherweghem JL (2000) Urothelial carcinoma associated with the use of a Chinese herb (Aristolochia fangchi). N Engl J Med 342:1686–1692
Oh JY, Park MA, Kim YC (2014) Peppermint oil promotes hair growth without toxic signs. Toxicol Res 30:297–304
Olsen EA, Dunlap FE, Funicella T, Koperski JA, Swinehart JM, Tschen EH, Trancik RJ (2001) A randomized clinical trial of 5% topical minoxidil versus 2% topical minoxidil and placebo in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia in men. J Am Acad Dermatol 47:377–385
Ozeki M, Tabata Y (2002) Promoted growth of murine hair follicles through controlled release of basic fibroblast growth factor. Tissue Eng 8:359–366
Pamudji JS, Suciati T, Sukander EY, Fidriani I (2015) Microemulsion formulation of Aloe vera gel and Apium graveolens ethanol extract for hair growth promotion. Asian J Pharm Clin Res 8:319–323
Panahi Y, Taghizadeh M, Marzony ET, Sahebkar A (2014) Rosemary oil vs minoxidil 2% for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia: a randomized comparative trial. Skinmed 13:15–21
Pandit S, Chauhan NS, Dixit VK (2008) Effect of Cuscuta reflexa Roxb on androgen-induced alopecia. J Cosmet Dermatol 7:199–204
Panis B, Wong DR, Hooymans PM, De Smet PAM, Rosias PP (2005) Recurrent toxic hepatitis in a Caucasian girl related to the use of Shou-Wu-Pian, a Chinese herbal preparation. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 41:256–258
Park HJ, Zhang N, Park DK (2011) Topical application of Polygonum multiflorum extract induces hair growth of resting hair follicles through upregulating Shh and β-catenin expression in C57BL/6 mice. J Ethnopharmacol 135:369–375
Park KM, Kim DW, Lee SH (2015) Extract of Allium tuberosum Rottler ex Spreng promoted the hair growth through regulating the expression of IGF-1. Evid Based Complement Altern Med 2015:413538
Park PJ, Moon BS, Lee SH, Kim SN, Kim AR, Kim HJ, Park WS, Choi KY, Cho EG, Lee TR (2012) Hair growth promoting effect of Aconiti Ciliare Tuber extract mediated by the activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Life Sci 91:935–943
Park SY, Kim TY, Shin SM, Park IS, Kim KB, Lee JH (2015) Effects of SM-215 on hair growth by hair follicle stimulation. Indian J Sci Technol 8:1–8
Park WS, Lee CH, Lee BG, Chang IS (2003) The extract of Thujae occidentalis semen inhibited 5α-reductase and androchronogenetic alopecia of B6CBAF1/j hybrid mouse. J Dermatol Sci 31:91–98
Pascher F, Kurtin S, Andrade R (1978) Assay of 0.2% fluocinolone acetonide cream for alopecia areata and totalis. Dermatologica 141:193–202
Prager N, Bickett K, French N, Marcovici G (2002) A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to determine the effectiveness of botanically derived inhibitors of 5-alpha-reductase in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia. J Altern Complement Med 8:143–152
Pumthong G, Asawanonda P, Varothai S, Jariyasethavong V, Triwongwaranat D, Suthipinittharm P, Ingkaninan K, Leelapornpisit P, Waranuch N (2012) Curcuma aeruginosa, a novel botanically derived 5α-reductase inhibitor in the treatment of male-pattern baldness: a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. J Dermatol Treat 23:385–392
Purwal L, Gupta SPBN, Pande SM (2008) Development and evaluation of herbal formulations for hair growth. J Chem 5:34–38
Rathi V, Rathi JC, Tamizharasi S (2009) Development and evaluation of polyherbal formulations for hair growth potential. Pharmacogn Res 1:234–237
Rho SS, Park SJ, Hwang SL, Lee MH, Kim CD, Lee IH, Chang SY, Rang MJ (2005) The hair growth promoting effect of Asiasari radix extract and its molecular regulation. J Dermatol Sci 38:89–97
Roy RK, Thakur M, Dixit VK (2008) Hair growth promoting activity of Eclipta alba in male albino rats. Arch Dermatol Res 300:357–364
Sahoo HB, Sagar R, Bhattamisra SK, Bhaiji A (2013) Preliminary study on the impact of methanolic extract of Elephantopus scaber Linn. on hair growth promoting effect in rats. Herba Pol 59:35–45
Sandhya S, Chandra SJ, Vino KR, Rao KNV, Banji D (2012) Preclinical studies of a novel polyherbal phyto–complex hair growth promoting cream. Asian Pac J Trop Biomed 2:S296–S304
Saraf AS (2010) Applications of novel drug delivery system for herbal formulations. Fitoterapia 81:680–689
Schmid D, Belser E, Zülli F (2014) Stimulation of hair growth by enhancing the expression of FGF7 and noggin genes. Mibelle Group Biochemistry, Switzerland
Schmoeckel C, Weissmann I, Plewig G, Braun-Falco O (1979) Treatment of alopecia areata by anthralin-induced dermatitis. Arch Dermatol 115:1254–1255
Semalty M, Semalty A, Geeta PJ, Rawat MSM (2010) In vivo hair growth activity of herbal formulations. Int J Pharmacol 6:53–57
Semwal BC, Agrawal KK, Singh K, Tandon S, Sharma S (2011) Alopecia: switch to herbal medicine. J Pharm Res Opin 1:101–104
Seo SR, Kang G, Ha JW, Kim JC (2013) In vivo hair growth-promoting efficacies of herbal extracts and their cubosomal suspensions. J Ind Eng Chem 19:1331–1339
Shao LX (2003) Effects of the extract from bergamot and boxthorn on the delay of skin aging and hair growth in mice. China J Chin Mater Med 28:766–769
Shapiro J, Price VH (1998) Hair regrowth: therapeutic agents. Dermatol Clin 16:341–356
Sharquie KE, Al-Obaidi HK (2002) Onion juice (Allium cepa L.), a new topical treatment for alopecia areata. J Dermatol 29:343–346
Shimizu K, Kondo R, Sakai K, Shoyama Y, Sato H, Ueno T (2000) Steroid 5α-reductase inhibitory activity and hair regrowth effects of an extract from Boehmeria nipononivea. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 64:875–877
Shin HS, Park SY, Song HG, Hwang E, Lee DG, Yi TH (2015) The androgenic alopecia protective effects of forsythiaside A and the molecular regulation in a mouse model. Phytother Res 29:870–876
Sinclair R, Wewerinke M, Jolley D (2005) Treatment of female pattern hair loss with oral antiandrogens. Br J Dermatol 152:466–473
Singh RP, Parpani S, Narke R, Chavan R (2014) Phytosome: recent advance research for novel drug delivery system. Asian J Pharm Res Development 2:15–29
Smith P, Bullock JM, Booker BM, Haas CE, Berenson CS, Jusko WJ (2004) The influence of St. John’s wort on the pharmacokinetics and protein binding of imatinib mesylate. Pharmacother 24:1508–1514
Spindler JR (1988) The safety of topical minoxidil solution in the treatment of pattern baldness: the results of a 27-center trial. Clin Dermatol 6:200–212
Stedman C (2002) Herbal hepatotoxicity. Semin Liver Dis 22:195–206
Sundberg JP, Boggess D, Montagutelli X, Hogan ME, King LE Jr (1995) C3H/HeJ mouse model for alopecia areata. J Invest Dermatol 104:16–17
Suraja R, Rejithaa G, Sunilsona JAJ, Anandarajagopala K, Promwichita P (2009) In vivo hair growth activity of Prunus dulcis seeds in rats. Biol Med 1:34–38
Sutthanut K, Lu X, Jay M, Sripanidkulchai B (2009) Solid lipid nanoparticles for topical administration of Kaempferia parviflora extracts. J Biomed Nanotechnol 5:224–232
Takahashi T, Kamiya T, Yokoo Y (1998) Proanthocyanidins from grape seeds promote proliferation of mouse hair follicle cells in vitro and convert hair cycle in vivo. Acta Derm Venereol 78:428–432
Teichmann A, Heuschkel S, Jacobi U, Presse G, Neubert RH, Sterry W, Lademann J (2007) Comparison of stratum corneum penetration and localization of a lipophilic model drug applied in an o/w microemulsion and an amphiphilic cream. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 67:699–706
Teichmann A, Richter H, Knorr F, Antoniou C, Sterry W, Lademann J (2007) Investigation of the penetration and storage of a shampoo formulation containing caffeine into the hair follicles by in vivo laser scanning microscopy. Laser Phys Lett 4:464–468
Thorat RM, Jadhav VM, Kadam VJ (2009) Development and evaluation of polyherbal formulations for hair growth-promoting activity. Int J Pharm Tech Res 1:1251–1254
Tosti A, Bellavista S, Iorizzo M (2006) Alopecia areata: a long term follow-up study of 191 patients. J Am Acad Dermatol 55:438–441
Tosti A, Iorizzo M, Botta GL, Milani M (2006) Efficacy and safety of a new clobetasol propionate 0.05% foam in alopecia areata: a randomized double blind placebo controlled trial. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 20:1243–1247
Tosti A, Piraccini BM, Pazzaglia M, Vincenzi C (2003) Clobetasol propionate 0.05% under occlusion in the treatment of alopecia totalis/universalis. J Am Acad Dermatol 49:96–98
Tsujimoto H, Hara K, Tsukada Y, Huang CC, Kawashima Y, Arakaki M, Okayasu H, Mimura H, Miwa N (2007) Evaluation of the permeability of hair growing ingredient encapsulated PLGA nanospheres to hair follicles and their hair growing effects. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 17:4771–4777
Tsuruki T, Takahata K, Yoshikawa M (2005) Anti-alopecia mechanisms of soymetide-4, an immunostimulating peptide derived from soy β-conglycinin. Peptides 26:707–711
Upadhyay S, Dixit VK, Ghosh AK, Singh V (2012) Effect of petroleum ether and ethanol fractions of seeds of Abrus precatorius on androgenic alopecia. Rev Bras Farmacogn 22:359–363
Upadhyay S, Ghosh AK, Singh V (2012) Hair growth promotant activity of petroleum ether root extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (Fabaceae) in female rats. Trop J Pharm Res 11:753–758
Varothai S, Bergfeld WF (2014) Androgenetic alopecia: an evidence-based treatment update. Am J Clin Dermatol 15:217–230
Verhelst X, Burvenich P, Van Sassenbroeck D, Gabriel C, Lootens M, Baert D (2009) Acute hepatitis after treatment for hair loss with oral green tea extracts (Camellia sinensis). Acta Gastroenterol Belg 72:262–264
Vestey JP, Savin JA (1986) A trial of 1% minoxidil used topically for severe alopecia areata. Acta Derm Venereol 66:179–180
Wang XD, Li JL, Lu Y, Chen X, Huang M, Chowbay B, Zhou SF (2007) Rapid and simultaneous determination of nifedipine and dehydronifedipine in human plasma by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry: application to a clinical herb–drug interaction study. J Chromatogr B Anal Technol Biomed Life Sci 852:534–544
Welss T, Basketter DA, Schröder KR (2004) In vitro skin irritation: facts and future. State of the art review of mechanisms and models. Toxicol In Vitro 18:231–243
Wu H, Ramachandran C, Weiner ND, Roessler BJ (2001) Topical transport of hydrophilic compounds using water-in-oil nanoemulsions. Int J Pharm 220:63–75
Yano K, Brown LF, Detmar M (2001) Control of hair growth and follicle size by VEGF-mediated angiogenesis. J Clin Invest 107:409–417
Yoon JI, Al-Reza SM, Kang SC (2010) Hair growth promoting effect of Zizyphus jujuba essential oil. Food Chem Toxicol 48:1350–1354
Zhang NN, Park DK, Park HJ (2013) Hair growth-promoting activity of hot water extract of Thuja orientalis. BMC Complement Altern Med 13:9
Zhou SF, Zhou ZW, Li CG, Chen X, Yu X, Xue CC, Herington A (2007) Identification of drugs that interact with herbs in drug development. Drug Discov Today 12:664–673
Related articles recently published in Archives of Dermatological Research (selected by the journal’s editorial staff)
Thompson JM, Li T, Park MK, Qureshi AA, Cho E (2016) Estimated serum vitamin D status, vitamin D intake, and risk of incident alopecia areata among US women. Arch Dermatol Res 308:671–676
Woo H, Lee S, Kim S, Park D, Jung E (2017) Effect of sinapic acid on hair growth promoting in human hair follicle dermal papilla cells via Akt activation. Arch Dermatol Res. doi:10.1007/s00403-017-1732-5
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Ethics declarations
Conflict of interest
The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.
Funding
There is no funding source.
Ethical approval
This article does not contain any studies with human participants or animals performed by any of the authors.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Herman, A., Herman, A.P. Topically used herbal products for the treatment of hair loss: preclinical and clinical studies. Arch Dermatol Res 309, 595–610 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00403-017-1759-7
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00403-017-1759-7