A Comprehensive Mechanism of Herbal Plants having Therapeutic Potential in Treatment of Alopecia

Abstract

Alopecia is a condition that causes baldness and hair loss. It is a medical disorder that causes hair loss, often from the scalp or head skin. There are several factors that might contribute to hair loss, including genetics, environment, pollutants, different drugs, nutritional deficiencies, etc. Hair loss condition is essentially divided into numerous groups based on hair loss pattern and its various causes. Hairs are the development of follicles that hair, are present on our skin and are described as "increased epithelial structure created by the hair loss, keratinization of germ cells" in the definition of hair. Alopecia areata is a dermatological disorder that has been recognized for more than two millennia and affects between 0.2 and 2% of the human population. Keratinization of keratinized "Gem cells" results in hair loss, which is triggered by three cyclic phases: telogen (resting phase), catagen (involution), and anagen (growing phase). Every month, hair grows 15 to 30 mm. Cytotoxic medicines, which destroy rapidly reproducing cells, including cancer cells and healthy cells, have an impact on hair growth. Highly proliferative keratinocytes in the hair matrix at the base of the hair follicle (HF) and its pigmentary system are the primary targets of cytotoxic medicines, which cause fast apoptosis and breakage/shedding of the hair shaft. Within weeks of starting chemotherapy, scatum hair loss is frequently severe. The risk and severity of hair loss vary depending on the drug, dosage, frequency, duration, and method of administration.

Keywords

Introduction

Fig:4 Flower of Hibiscus Rosa Sinesis
Common name	Rose Mallow, Rose of Sharon, China Rose, or Tropical Hibiscus.
Biological source	It is consists of flowers of Hibiscus Rosa Sinesis.
Family	Malvaceae
Chemical constituents	Flavonoids, Organic Acids, Vitamins, Polysaccharides.
Uses	Medicinal Uses: Lowering Blood Pressure, Improving Liver Health, Antioxidant Properties, Weight Loss, Menstrual Relief. Cosmetic Uses: Hair Care: Hibiscus is used in hair care products to promote hair growth, prevent dandruff, and add shine to the hair.

Mechanism of action

Fig:5 Stem of Cuscuta Reflexa
Common name	Giant Dodder or simply Dodder.
Biological source	It is consists of stem of Cuscuta reflexa.
Family	Convolvulaceae
Chemical constituents	Flavonoids, Alkaloids, Saponins, Glycosides, Essential Oils.
Uses	1. Medicinal Uses: Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant Properties, Liver Protection, Antiviral and Antimicrobial, Skin Disorders, Hair Health. 2. Environmental Uses: Biodiversity Studies: Due to its parasitic nature, it helps researchers study biodiversity and the interactions between parasitic plants and their host species in various ecosystems.

Mechanism of action

	Fig:6 Leaves of Ocimum Gratissimum
Common name	African Basil, Clove,Holy Basil,Sweet Basil
Biological source	It is consists of leaves of  Ocimum gratissimum linn.
Family	Lamiaceae
Chemical constituents	Essential Oils, Eugenol , Linalool, Camphor, Thymol, Flavonoids ,Phenolic Compound, Triterpenes , Vitamins.
Uses	1. Medicinal Uses: Antimicrobial, Anti-inflammatory, Digestive Aid, Antioxidant, Antimalarial. 2. Insect Repellent: The plant is used as a natural insect repellent due to its potent smell, which helps keep mosquitoes and other pests at bay.

Fig:7 Leaves of Aloe Vera
Common name	Aloe,Medicinal Aloe,True Aloe
Biological source	It is consists of pulp of Aloe barbadensis miller.
Family	Liliaceae
Chemical constituents	Anthraquinones, Saponins ,Salicylic Acid, Minerals, Fatty Acids. Vitamins Vitamin A: Important for skin health. Vitamin C: An antioxidant that supports the immune system. Vitamin E: Known for its skin-protective properties.
Uses	Skin Care, Hair and Scalp Health, Digestive Health, Wound Healing, Boosting Immunity, Anti-Inflammatory Properties, Blood Sugar Regulation, Anti-Cancer Potential.

Mechanism of Action

Step: 1 Polysaccharides stimulate hair follicle growthà glycoproteins enhance hair growth by increasing blood flow.

Step: 2 Vera's anti-inflammatory compounds (aloin, aloe-emodin) inhibit inflammatory mediators.

Step: 3 Antifungal and antibacterial properties reduce scalp infections.

Step: 4 keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) activates hair folliclesà fibroblast growth factor (FGF) stimulates hair growth.

CONCLUSION

The therapeutic potential of herbal plants in the treatment of alopecia is both promising and multifaceted. Numerous studies have highlighted the efficacy of various herbs, such as saw palmetto, ginseng, and rosemary, in promoting hair growth and improving scalp health. These plants often contain bioactive compounds that exhibit anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and hormone-regulating properties, which can address the underlying causes of hair loss. Furthermore, the holistic approach of herbal treatments often leads to fewer side effects compared to conventional pharmaceuticals, making them an appealing option for many individuals. However, despite the encouraging results, more rigorous clinical trials and standardized methodologies are needed to fully establish the safety and efficacy of these herbal remedies.

REFERENCES

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