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Ganodema lucidum have hair growth promoting and anti-greying properties.
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Ganodema lucidum Fr. Krast (family: Ganodermataceae) In vivo and in vitro studies confirming potential effect of
is an oriental fungus, which has been widely used as a folk H. rosa-sinensis in hair growth. Moreover, Upadhyay and et al.
medicine for treatment of various diseases such as showed the significant anti-androgenic alopecia activity of
hypertension, hepatitis, cancer, nephritis, hyperglycemia and ethanolic extract of H. rosa-sinensis. They revealed that the
hypercholesterolemia in East Asia. In addition, results are comparable to finasteride as a standard FDA
anti-androgenic activities of fungi were demonstrated in approved drug for androgenic alopecia. 75
some investigations. The methanol extract of G. lucidum
showed a strong 5-alpha reductase inhibitory activity. 64,65 Lygodium japonicum
Pursuant to earlier studies, triterpenoids and polysaccharides Lygodium japonicum (Thunb.) Sw. (family: Lygodiaceae)
are the active principle of G. lucidum, and these components as a climbing fern is one of the most valued Chinese
may be responsible for their actions. 31,66 medicinal herbs. The spore of L. japonicum (Lygodii spora)
has been demonstrated to contain various fatty acids. It has
Glycyrrhiza glabra been used for the treatment of urinary tract disorders, which
Glycyrrhiza glabra or liquorice (family: Leguminosae) is some of these functional disorders were said to consequent
known as sweet root. It is a flavorful herb that has been used from benign prostatic hyperplasia. Likewise, it was found
as food and medicine for thousands of years. The major that the extract of spores has in vitro testosterone 5-alpha
active constituents of G. glabra are triterpenoid structures reductase inhibitor and shows in vivo anti-androgenic
(e.g. glycyrrhizin, glycyrrhizic acid, glycyrrhetinic acid), activities. Oleic, linoleic and palmitic acids were identified as
broad ranges of flavonoids and chalcone glycosides the active principles of spores in foregoing actions. 34,76
(e.g. liquiritin, neoisoliquiritin, liquiritigenin,
isoliquiritigenin), amino acids (e.g. asparagine, glabrine) and Myrica rubra
sugars (e.g. glucose, sucrose). The roots have a various Bayberry or Myrica rubra Sieb. et Zucc. (family:
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pharmacological activities, such as gastroprotective, Myricaceae) is a widespread plant in temperate, tropical and
hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, subtropical areas all over the world. Various phenolic
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anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-tumor actions. It is also used compounds, including flavonoids, tannins, phenylethanoids
for improvement of memory activity, respiratory troubles and also some triterpenoid structures were reported in
and psoriasis disease. 67,68 In addition, it is known traditionally previous literatures as the main components of M. rubra. 77,78
for stimulating hair growth. According to previous studies in Commonly, the leaves of the plant are used as an astringent,
animals treated with petroleum ether extract of G. glabra anti-diarrheic, and analgesics in folk medicine in China.
roots, significant hair growth promoting effect and Additionally, some biological effects such as anti-oxidant,
anti-androgenic actions was observed. 69,70 Published papers anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, neuroprotective,
also showed decreases of testosterone levels in females. These anti-thrombotic and anti-tumor activities were reported
effects are thought to be due to the main constituents of from different parts of the plant. 79-81 Another study
G. glabra roots such as phytostrogens. The mechanism of demonstrated anti-androgenic effect of the aqueous ethanol
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anti-androgenic actions in treatment of hair loss is extract of M. rubra bark. The extract showed in vitro
embarrassment of DHT formation by 5-alpha reductase testosterone 5-alpha reductase inhibition and in vivo
enzyme inhibition. It was reported that G.glabra is able to anti-androgenic activity by growth of flank organs in castrated
inhibit some steroid dehydrogenases (e.g. 17-beta-HSD5 and Syrian hamsters and/or hair regrowth after shaving in
17-beta-HSD3) via its active component, 18-beta- testosterone-treated C57Black/6CrSlc mice. Myricanone,
glycyrrhetinic acid, which inhibiting the conversion of myricanol, and myricetin are suggested the main active
androstenedione (AdT) to testosterone resulting reduced principles of this plant. 35
level of testosterone. 4,32,71
Panax ginseng
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Linn. Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer (family: Araliaceae) rhizomes
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Linn. (family: Malvaceae) is an with more than thirty triterpenoid structures (saponins) called
evergreen glabrous shrub that widely cultivated as an ginsenoside, has been used as a tonic, adaptogen and restorative
ornamental plant in tropical area. Phytochemical screening agent that helps to improve general health. It has been
of H. rosa-sinensis revealed the presence of phenolic traditionally used for sharpening the mind, reduction of stress,
compounds, flavonoids, carbohydrates, aminiacides and improvement of the immune system, blood sugar level
glycosides. The plant possesses some bioactive properties regulation, strengthening the cardiovascular system. It is also
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such as anti-complementary, anti-spermatogenic, used for anti-hepatitis, anti-coagulant,
anti-diarrhetic, anti-androgenic, anti-phologistic, anti- anti-inflammatory, immunoregulatory, anti-fatigue,
tumor, anti-convulsant, antidiabetic, cardioprotective, anti- ulcer, anti-cancer and anti- proliferative activities.
antioxidant, antibacterial activities. 73,74 In addition, traditional Additionally, P. ginseng has been widely used for treatment of
knowledge showed that H. rosa-sinensis leaves and flowers alopecia. It has been promoted hair growth in animal models

Asnaashari—Herbal medicines for Androgenic Alopecia ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES, JUL/AUG 2020 VOL. 26 NO. 4 31