Polygonum multiflorum root is used in Chinese medicine for a wide range of health conditions. Recent research studies also support its effectiveness in treating hair loss.
Polygonum Multiflorum Hair Loss Treatment : Background
Polygonum multiflorum is a plant root which grows in the central and southern regions of China, Japan, Taiwan and certain parts of North America. What is particularly interesting about its appearance is that it has the shape of a human.
This compound has been used medicinally for centuries for conditions like:
- insomnia
- atherosclerosis
- high cholesterol
- bone loss
- eczema
- goiter
It is even used to reverse premature grey hair.
In one research study consisting of 24 male subjects and 24 female subjects (age 30-60),
4g of P.Multiflorum extract was orally administered, twice a day. The participants suffered from various hair loss causes including:
- pregnancy
- age/genetics
- side effects from drugs
- stress
After a month of treatment, P.Multiflorum was able to produce symptomatic improvement in both sexes. This included:
(1) 91% of men
(2) 87% of women
In another study, 507 subjects were observed. P. multiflorum was administered orally. Researchers noted the following results:
- reduction of hair loss in 77% of subjects who took the extract
- Over 90% of the participants who were treated with the compound showed marked improvement in hair growth after 6 months.
- 95% of the subjects in the treatment group experienced a halt in excessive hair shedding
One research study studied the effects of administering P. Multiflorum topically. A tonic with Eclipta alba and P. multiflorum was able to produce significant improvement in 62% subjects diagnosed with alopecia. The treatment period lasted for 1-3 months. Another version of this tonic was also reported to cure alopecia in 30 out of 36 subjects. The remaining four experienced a noticeable reduction in hair loss.
Polygonum Multiflorum Hair Loss Treatment : Mecanism of hair growth.
Researchers observed the effects of P. multiflorum in mice to try and understand the mechanism of action of this compound. They believe that the compound helps induce the anagen growth phase by interacting with two specific proteins in the telogen hair follicles:
(1) B-catenin
(2) Sonic hedgehog
In another study, scientists isolated different components of a P. multiflorum extract, consisting of 70% alcohol. These were simply labeled as (1, 2, 3, 6 and 10). The researchers observed the effect of each factor on:
(1) proliferation of derma papilla cells
(2) length of hair shafts
It turns out that compound 2 yielded the best results. In terms of derma papilla cell division, it even outperformed Minoxidil.
Compound 2 was also shown to grow hair significantly longer after just 21 days of treatment.
Besides simply addressing hair, the compound is also capable of improving many other areas of health. And when the body is healthy, this will in turn contribute to the long term well being of the hair follicles.
All information contained within this site is for reference purposes only. You must consult and follow the directions of your physician and licensed health care professionals. Natural products have not been evaluated or approved by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any health condition or disease
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