Does rosemary help hairgrowth?
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The Efficacy of Rosemary for Hair Growth
Rosemary and Hair Growth: An Overview
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) has been traditionally used for various medicinal purposes, including hair and scalp treatments. Recent studies have explored its potential in promoting hair growth, with promising results.
Rosemary Extracts and Hair Growth in Animal Models
Methanolic Extracts and Hair Lotion
A study formulated a 1% hair lotion using methanolic extracts of rosemary and tested it on C57BL/6 mice. The lotion showed significant hair growth-promoting activity compared to a standard 2% minoxidil treatment. The presence of proteins, amino acids, fats, oils, steroids, glycosides, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, volatile oil, and vitamins in the extract contributed to its efficacy.
Rosemary Essential Oil
Another study investigated the effects of 3% rosemary essential oil on hair growth in C57BL/6 mice. The results indicated that rosemary oil significantly stimulated hair regrowth, with faster hair regrowth and increased hair follicle number, depth, and dermal thickness compared to control groups. The study also noted a decrease in mast cell numbers, which is associated with reduced inflammation and improved hair growth conditions.
Combined Herbal Extracts
A study that included rosemary as part of a combined herbal extract (with Gardenia, Mentha arvensis, and Lavender) also demonstrated significant hair growth promotion in C57BL/6 mice. The herbal extract group showed faster hair regrowth and increased enzyme activities related to hair growth, comparable to the effects of 3% minoxidil.
Rosemary Oil vs. Minoxidil in Human Trials
A clinical trial compared the efficacy of rosemary oil with 2% minoxidil in treating androgenetic alopecia (AGA) over six months. Both treatments resulted in a significant increase in hair count at the six-month mark, with no significant difference between the two groups. However, rosemary oil had fewer side effects, such as scalp itching, compared to minoxidil, suggesting it as a viable alternative for hair growth treatment.
Rosemary's Protective Properties
In addition to promoting hair growth, rosemary extracts have been shown to protect hair from UV-induced damage. The key compounds responsible for this protective effect include polyphenols like rosmarinic acid and abietane diterpenes such as carnosic acid. These compounds act as antioxidants, safeguarding hair proteins and peptides from UV damage.
Conclusion
The research indicates that rosemary, whether in the form of methanolic extracts, essential oil, or combined herbal extracts, can effectively promote hair growth. It shows comparable efficacy to minoxidil, a standard hair growth treatment, but with fewer side effects. Additionally, rosemary's antioxidant properties provide added benefits in protecting hair from environmental damage. These findings support the potential of rosemary as a natural and effective alternative for hair growth treatments.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Evaluation of Herbal Hair Lotion loaded with Rosemary for Possible Hair Growth in C57BL/6 Mice
The Promoting Effect of Rosemary Oil on Hair Growth by Gross and Histological Observation in C57BL/6 Mice
Effects of Herbal Extracts on Hair Growth Promotion in Experimental Animal Model
The key phytochemistry of rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) contributing to hair protection against UV
Rosemary oil vs minoxidil 2% for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia: a randomized comparative trial.
Investigation of rosemary herbal extracts (Rosmarinus officinalis) and their potential effects on immunity.
A Six-Month, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study Evaluating the Safety and Efficacy of a Nutraceutical Supplement for Promoting Hair Growth in Women With Self-Perceived Thinning Hair.
review on “pharmacological, phytochemical, and medicinal properties of rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary)”
Mechanism of action of herbs and their active constituents used in hair loss treatment.
Commonly used hair oils in the Black community: a narrative review in their use to treat androgenetic alopecia
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