#21 Can Plant Extracts Help Prevent Hair Loss or Promote Hair Growth? A Review Comparing Their Therapeutic Efficacies, Phytochemical Components, and Modulatory Targets

The review introduces the therapeutic potential and mechanisms of action of plant extracts in the prevention and treatment of alopecia (hair loss). By reviewing a wide range of hair loss-related studies, it comprehensively compares the therapeutic effects, key phytochemicals, and modulatory targets of various plant extracts.

Several plant extracts have been shown to enhance cell proliferation in hair follicles and promote hair growth, and these effects have also been demonstrated through clinical trials. The main active compounds responsible for the anti-hair loss effects of plant extracts include phenolic compounds, terpenes and terpenoids, sulfur-containing compounds, and fatty acids. Figures 1–3 present the chemical structures of representative compounds.

In addition, the review categorizes the major modulatory targets of plant extracts into hair growth promotion, hair cycle regulation, and modulation of hormones and signaling pathways, which are summarized in Tables 7-15.

This review concludes that well-selected plant extracts and their active compounds can have beneficial effects on hair health. This highlights the potential of natural products to serve as alternatives to existing drugs such as minoxidil and finasteride in preventing hair loss and promoting hair growth.