Research published in the Journal of Holistic Integrative Pharmacy suggests that Polygonum multiflorum, a root used in traditional Chinese medicine, can be used as a potential therapy for androgenetic alopecia. The root works by blocking harmful hormones, activating hair-growth signals, protecting follicles and boosting blood flow to the scalp.
Androgenetic alopecia, also referred to as male or female pattern hair loss, is the most common type of hair loss. It usually develops gradually as hair follicles shrink over time, thus producing thinner, shorter hairs. Current treatments include finasteride and minoxidil, which have unwanted side effects.
Polygonum multiflorum (referred to as PMT in the article) has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries to address hair-related conditions. It was historically prescribed to strengthen hair roots, darken prematurely gray hair and mitigate gradual hair loss.
According to the review, the researchers believe that Polygonum multiflorum works on several pathways involved with hair loss. Not only does the root help reduce the impact of dihydrotestosterone, the main hormone involved in androgenetic alopecia, but it may also help prevent follicle cells from dying too early and improving circulation to the scalp, thus increasing oxygen and nutrients in follicle cells.
“Our analysis bridges ancient wisdom and modern science,” said author Han Bixian in a press release. “What surprised us was how consistently historical tests – from the Tang Dynasty onward – described effects that align perfectly with today’s understanding of hair biology. Modern studies now confirm that this isn’t folklore; it’s pharmacology.”
The researchers also emphasized the importance of proper preparation of Polygonum multiflorum. This root is typically processed before use, affecting both its safety and biological activity. The article highlights that proper preparation can help mitigate some of the unwanted side effects, such as sexual dysfunction or scalp irritation.
Further clinical research is needed to confirm how well Polygonum multiflorum works as a treatment for androgenetic alopecia. This would include large-scale human trials across different groups of patients.
“In the future, promoting PMT-related research from phenomenon description to mechanism clarification, from empirical medication to standard and controllable, and from local market to international recognition, is not only the process of developing a new type of hair growth drug, but also an illustrative pathway towards evidence-based integration of traditional Chinese medicine into global dermatological therapeutics,” the review concludes.
