Saw Palmetto Berries
- Saw palmetto is often used to balance hormone levels and combat hair loss. According to one review, saw palmetto may help block the activity of 5-alpha reductase (5α-R), an enzyme that converts testosterone into a hormone linked to hair loss called dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/saw-palmetto-benefits#1.-Prevents-hair-loss - One theory on how saw palmetto might work is that it could block 5-alpha-reductase, an enzyme involved in the conversion of the hormone testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is considered a key contributing factor to the onset and progression of androgenic alopecia. It is also said to increase the activity of an enzyme responsible for the metabolism of DHT into androstanediol (a weaker androgen hormone).
https://www.verywellhealth.com/can-saw-palmetto-halt-hair-loss-89919 - The recommendation of saw palmetto for hair loss came about when it was discovered that it may stop the testosterone in the body combining with an enzyme called type ll alpha reductase (note: whilst testosterone is seen as a ‘male’ hormone, we women have it in our bodies too).
https://www.hairscience.com/saw-palmetto-for-hair-loss/ - The research on saw palmetto and hair growth is varied and somewhat limited, but there are studies indicating that the plant extract might show some promise as a treatment. One study in mouse models found that saw palmetto promotes hair regeneration and repairs hair loss by activating the signaling pathways responsible for hair growth.
https://www.prohealth.com/library/saw-palmetto-thinning-hair-84384
Nettle Leaf Extract
- DHT is also responsible for hair loss, and so nettle root supplements may, by blocking DHT production, also prevent age-related hair loss in men and women. A number of shampoos contain nettle extract. Many also contain other herbs that benefit hair, such as plantain or burdock.
https://www.livestrong.com/article/271267-how-nettle-root-works-for-hair-loss/ - The benefits also extend into its ability to counter alopecia or hair loss. Many researches have given weight to nettle’s potential to stimulate hair growth and promote healthier, thicker hair strands.
https://www.hairguard.com/stinging-nettle-for-hair-loss-results/ - Nettle above ground parts are applied to the skin for muscle aches and pains, oily scalp, oily hair, and hair loss (alopecia).
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-664/stinging-nettle - Nettle was traditionally used to treat high blood pressure. Animal and test-tube studies illustrate that it may help lower blood pressure in several ways. For one, it may stimulate nitric oxide production, which acts as a vasodilator. Vasodilators relax the muscles of your blood vessels, helping them widen. In addition, stinging nettle has compounds that may act as calcium channel blockers, which relax your heart by reducing the force of contractions.
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/stinging-nettle#section5
Vitamin E
- A small trial from 2010 found that vitamin E supplements improved hair growth in people with hair loss. It’s thought that the vitamin’s antioxidant properties helped reduce oxidative stress in the scalp. Oxidative stress has been linked with hair loss.
https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/vitamin-e-for-hair#benefits - Most of the claims about vitamin E's role in hair health relate to its antioxidant properties. These focus on the idea that it can reduce cell damage and improve hair growth.
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322836.php - Daily supplements of a patented tocotrienol (vitamin E) complex may increase hair growth in people with male pattern baldness by 42 percent, suggests a new study from Carotech.
https://www.nutraingredients.com/Article/2009/04/28/Vitamin-E-may-reverse-male-pattern-baldness-Study - "Vitamin E is an antioxidant which repairs hair follicles and promotes hair growth. It promotes blood circulation and acts as a moisturizer for hair, preventing breakage and brittle hair. Vitamin E is also known to protect your hair from sun and other elements," said dermatologist Dr Ajay Rana.
https://doctor.ndtv.com/living-healthy/vitamin-e-for-hair-growth-heres-how-it-works-2063522
