Do Chinese Herbs Help Regrow Hair? A Look At Traditional Remedies

Article Summary

Hair loss treatments have expanded beyond pharmaceuticals to include Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) herbs, which some enthusiasts claim help support hair growth. We reviewed the scientific evidence behind four well-known herbs: Polygonum multiflorum (Fo-Ti), Panax ginseng, Lycium chinense (Goji berry), and Eclipta prostrata (False daisy) to see if they’re worth adding to your hair regrowth regimen. While all four herbs are commonly used, rigorous clinical evidence is limited. Panax ginseng shows the strongest support, with some studies indicating benefits for cell viability and gene expression associated with hair growth, though these effects were modest. The bottom line? Although these herbs may offer potential benefits, the current evidence doesn’t support them as primary solutions for hair loss. Those interested in natural alternatives might explore them, but more research is needed to confirm their effectiveness and safety for human use.

Full Article

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has a long history of using herbs to promote hair growth and address various hair-related issues. This practice dates back thousands of years and remains popular today, with growing interest in alternative and complementary therapies worldwide. 

Recently, Chinese herbs have been typically used with other natural or pharmaceutical hair loss treatments. But what is the scientific evidence behind these herbs? And are they worth including in your hair regrowth regimen? This article will assess four commonly used Chinese herbs: Polygonum multiflorum (Fo-Ti), Panax ginseng, Lycium chinense mill (Goji berry), and Eclipta prostrata (False daisy) and find out what the evidence (or lack thereof) there is in terms of hair loss.

Polygonum multiflorum (Fo-Ti)

What is Fo-Ti?

Fo-Ti (Polygonum multiflorum) is an herb used for centuries in TCM. It is native to central and southern China and grown in Japan and Taiwan. In medicine, the root is the primarily used part, typically harvested from 3-4 year old plants. 

Fo-Ti is rich in components such as stilbenes, quinones, and flavonoids, which have been used for their anti-aging, anti-alopecia, anti-cancer, antioxidant, anti-bacterial, anti-hyperlipidemia, anti-atherosclerosis, and immunomodulation properties.^[1]Ho, T.T., Murthy, H.N., Dalawai, D., Bhat, M.A., Paek, K.Y., Park, S.Y. (2019). Attributes of Polygonum multiflorum to transfigure red biotechnology. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology. 103(8). … Continue reading 

What Effect Might Fo-Ti Have on Hair Follicles?

Fo-Ti has shown potential for hair regrowth through several mechanisms:

Increases viability and mitochondrial activity of dermal papilla cells (DPCs)

One study applied 10 μg/ml and 100 μg/ml Fo-Ti root extract to DPCs for 24 hours, comparing the results to negative control and 1 nM of minoxidil (Figure 1).^[2]Shin, J.Y., Choi, Y.H., Kim, J., Park, S.Y., Nam, Y.J., Lee, S.Y., Jeon, J.H., Jin, M.H., Lee, S. Polygonum multiflorum extract support hair growth by elongating anagen phase and abrogating the … Continue reading Both concentrations significantly increased DPC viability compared to the control, with the higher concentration showing the highest increase. Similar results were observed with the mitochondrial activity.

Reduces the expression of proteins involved in catagen progression

Furthermore, Fo-Ti extract significantly reduced protein and mRNA expression of DKK-1 and BAD, proteins heavily involved in the transition to the catagen (regression) stage of the hair follicle cycle compared to the control (Figure 2). In addition, the researchers measured Bcl2 levels, which significantly increased compared to the control. Bcl-2 is an important protein in hair follicle cycling with anti-apoptotic (cell death) properties. It is highly expressed during anagen (growth) and decreased during catagen and telogen (resting).^[4]Kim, J., Kim, S.R., Choi, Y.H., Shin, J.Y., Kim, C.D., Kang, N.G., Park, B.C., Lee, S. (2020). Quercetin stimulates hair growth with enhanced expression of growth factors via activation of MAPK/CREB … Continue reading  

This increase and the decrease in DKK-1 and BAD suggest that Fo-Ti might increase the time spent in anagen, therefore improving hair growth.

This was then verified in an ex vivo experiment conducted on human hair follicles (Figure 3). The researchers mentioned using hair cycle scoring criteria to stage the hair follicles. However, the specific criteria weren’t mentioned.

Over 6 days:

• 57.8% of hair follicles stayed in anagen in the control group.
• 78.9% of hair follicles stayed in anagen in the 20 μg/mL group (comparable with minoxidil results)
• 100% of hair follicles stayed in anagen in the 50 μg/mL group

Increases growth factor expression and has anti-androgenic properties

Treatment of DPCs with Fo-Ti extract increased expression of IGFBP2, which controls the transcription of vascular endothelial growth factor, a key protein in hair growth.

Prostate cancer cell lines were treated with Fo-Ti to evaluate anti-androgenic properties, finding that the DHT-induced androgen receptor response decreased by 40% compared to a DHT-only treated group. In DPCs treated with DHT, the androgen receptor protein expression increase was completely nullified, indicating an anti-androgenic effect.

Improves hair regrowth and may prevent hair graying

Other studies have shown that specific compounds isolated from Fo-Ti inhibit cell death and improve hair regrowth in mice models.^[7]Chen, L., Duan, H., Xie, F., Gao, Z., Wu, X., Chen, F., Wu, W. (2018). Tetrahydroxystilbene glucoside effectively prevents apoptosis-induced hair loss. 1380146. Available at: … Continue reading Furthermore, Fo-Ti could also protect isolated human hair follicles from hair graying. The researchers treated hair follicles with hydrogen peroxide ^[8]Sextius, P., Betts, R., Benkhalifa, I., Commo, S., Einstein, J., Massironi, M., Wang, P., Michelet, J.F., Qiu, J., Tan, X., Jeulin, S. (2017). Polygonum multiflorum Radix extract protects human … Continue reading

What Clinical Evidence Is There Indicating That Fo-Ti Might Improve Hair Regrowth?

While the studies conducted in cells, isolated hair follicles, and animals have proven promising, no clinical evidence shows that Fo-Ti can improve hair regrowth in people with hair loss.

However, some might want to try this despite the lack of clinical evidence. So is it safe to take?

Is Fo-Ti Safe?

Some studies have identified components in Fo-TI that contribute to liver injury. Tetrahydroxystilbene glucoside (TSG) and emodin are the primary compounds implicated in hepatotoxicity, causing disruptions to amino acid, lipid, and glucose metabolism. Emodin, in particular, has been shown to induce liver injury through oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction.^[9]Wang, M., Zhang, Z., Ruan, P., Zhang, G., Xiao, C., Wang, Y., Gao, Y. (2022). Emodin-induced hepatotoxicity is enhanced by 3-methylcholanthrene through activating aryl hydrocarbon receptor and … Continue reading

There are no recommended guidelines for how much Fo-Ti should be taken; however, if you do take it, monitoring for signs of liver damage and discontinuing use if symptoms appear is advised.^[10]Dong, H., Slain, D., Cheng, J., Ma, W., Liang, W. (2014). Eighteen cases of liver injury following ingestion of Polygonum multiflorum. Complementary therapies in medicine. 22(1). 70-74. Available at: … Continue reading 

Fo-Ti can also interact with various prescription medications, including antidiabetes, hepatotoxic drugs, warfarin, diuretics, and stimulant laxatives, such as digoxin.^[11]Memon, N., Allarakja, S. (no date). He Shou Wu (Fo-Ti): Benefits, Dosage, and Side Effects. Medicine Net. Available at: … Continue reading

Panax Ginseng

Panax ginseng, or Asian or Korean ginseng, is a perennial plant used in traditional medicine for thousands of years. In TCM, Panax ginseng has been used to increase the body’s resistance to stress. 

The main active compounds in Panax ginseng are ginsenosides. These ginsenosides have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and immunoprotective benefits, amongst others.^[12]Sana, S.S., Chandel, A.K.S., Raorane, C.J., Saad, M.A.A., Kim, S.C., Raj, V., Lee, S. (2024). Recent advances in nano and micro formulations of Ginsenoside to enhance their therapeutic efficacy. … Continue reading 

What Effect Might Panax Ginseng Have on Hair Follicles?

Panax ginseng has been shown to have several beneficial effects on hair follicles, promoting hair growth and regeneration through its active components, ginsenosides.

Improves Cell Viability and Dermal Papilla Size

One study was conducted on a 3D dermal papilla model (culturing cells to make dermal papilla spheroids) using ginsenoside Rg4, one of many ginsenosides found in Panax ginseng.^[13]Lee, Y.H., Choi, H.J., Kim, Y.J., Kim, E.J., Lee, J.H., Cho, S.H., Yun, M.Y., An, S., Song, G.Y., Bae, S. (2021). Ginsenoside Rg4 enhances the inductive effects of human dermal papilla spheres on … Continue reading 

DPC cells and spheroids were treated with a range of Rg4 concentrations (0.1 μg/mL, 1 μg/mL, 10 μg/mL, 50 μg/mL, and 100 μg/mL and cell viabilities were measured. In the 2D cell monolayer, there was no significant change in cell viability compared to the control. In the 3D spheroid model, a significant increase in cell viability was observed in the 10 and 50 μg/mL treatments. In both models, a decrease was observed in cell viability at 100 μg/mL, indicating that more was not always better (Figure 4).

The diameters of the spheroids were also measured. The size and area of the dermal papilla spheroids increased in a dose-dependent manner up to 50 μg/mL, with significant reductions in size and area with higher concentrations (Figure 5).

Upregulates expression of key hair growth genes and enhances the Wnt/ꞵ-catenin pathway.

Furthermore, Rg4 upregulated the expression of key genes involved in hair growth, including alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2), and versican (VCAN). Rg4 also induced the activation of the Wnt/ꞵ-catenin pathway, which is essential for hair follicle development and regeneration and regulation of the hair growth cycle (Figures 6 and 7).^[16]Shin, D.W. (2022) The molecular mechanism of natural products activating Wnt/ꞵ-catenin signaling pathway for improving hair loss. Life (Basel). 12(11). 1856. Available at: … Continue reading

Another study found that Panax ginseng extract and its ginsenosides Rb1, Rg1, and Re stimulated the proliferation of dermal papilla cells and outer root sheath cells. Furthermore, gene expression of BMP4 was suppressed (BMP4 is used as a marker for late anagen and refractory telogen phases of the hair cycle).^[19]Iwabuchi, T., Ogura, K., Hagiwara, K., Ueno, S., Kitamura, H., Yamanishi, H., Tsunekawa, Y., Kiso, A. (2024). Ginsenosides in Panax ginseng Extract Promote Anagen Transition by Suppressing BMP4 … Continue reading 

Isolated hair follicles treated with 100 μg/ml of Panax ginseng also showed significant growth compared to the control (Figure 8).

Might Inhibit 5-Alpha-Reductase

Other studies have evaluated the 5-alpha-reductase inhibitory activity of three ginseng roots and rhizomes: Panax ginseng (CG), red ginseng (RG), and wild ginseng (WG).^[21]Murata, K., Takeshita, F., Samukawa, K., Tani, T., Matsuda, H. (2012). Effects of Ginseng Rhizome and Ginsenoside Ro on Testosterone 5ɑ-Reductase and Hair Re-growth in Testosterone-treated Mice. … Continue reading 

Most of the ginseng extracts showed a significant dose-dependent reduction in 5ɑ-reductase activity compared to the control, indicating that ginseng could benefit those with AGA (Figure 9).

What Clinical Evidence Is There Indicating That Panax Ginseng Might Improve Hair Regrowth?

Unlike polygonum multiflorum, one clinical study used Panax ginseng; however, the results were not impressive.

One clinical trial was conducted on 50 patients (22 female and 28 male) diagnosed with alopecia areata.^[23]Oh, G.N., Son, S.W. (2012). Efficacy of Korean Red Ginseng in the Treatment of Alopecia Areata. Journal of Ginseng Research. 36(4). 391-395. Available at: https://dx.doi.org/10.5142/jgr.2012.36.4.391 The first group was treated with corticosteroids plus ginseng, and group two was treated with corticosteroids alone. Hair regrowth was assessed by scalp photography (4-point scale) and phototrichogram at baseline and endline (week 12). Hair thickness was also assessed.

Participants taking corticosteroids plus ginseng showed increased hair density from 44.27 hairs per cm2 to 101.39 hairs per cm2, compared to an increase from 40.21 hairs per cm2 to 91.17 hairs per cm2 in the corticosteroid alone group. While there was an increase, this was not statistically significant. 

When it came to hair thickness, once again, it increased in both groups, with no significant difference. However, the expert assessment of global scalp photographs did show a significant difference in the scoring of hair improvement, with the combination treatment showing the biggest improvement (scores of 3.6/4 for the combination treatment and 3.1 for the corticosteroid alone treatment).

Is Panax Ginseng Safe?

The study above showed no specific side effects, like gastrointestinal trouble, skin rashes, etc., with ginseng treatment.

Panax ginseng is likely safe for most adults when taken orally for up to 6 months.^[24]Coon, J.T., Ernst, E. (2002). Panax ginseng: a systematic review of adverse effects and drug interactions. Drug Safety. 25(5). 323-344. Available at: https://doi.org/10.2165/00002018-200225050-00003

The most common side effects are typically mild and may include: 

• Trouble sleeping 
• Headache
• Gastrointestinal disorders

Less common but more serious side effects that have been reported include:

• Severe rash
• Liver damage
• Severe allergic reactions

However, these effects are rare when used appropriately.

Panax ginseng could also interact with certain medications. 

Anticoagulants/antiplatelet drugs

Ginseng might slow blood clotting, potentially increasing the risk of bruising and bleeding when combined with blood thinners like warfarin. 

Hypoglycemic agents: 

Ginseng has hypoglycemic effects and may interact with diabetes medications or insulin, potentially causing blood sugar to drop too low.^[25]Kiefer, D., Pantuso, T. (2003). Panax Ginseng. American Family Physician. 68(8). 1539-1542. Available at: https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2003/1015/p1539.pdf (Accessed: November 2024)

Immunosuppressants

Ginseng may increase immune system activity, potentially interfering with immunosuppressive medications.

So, to summarize, there is currently a distinct lack of evidence to suggest that Panax ginseng can improve hair regrowth outcomes.

Lycium chinense Mill (Goji berry)

What is Goji Berry?

Goji berry, scientifically known as Lycium barbarum or Lycium chinense, is a bright orange-red berry used in TCM for centuries. These grow on evergreen shrubs native to Asia, particularly in northwest regions of China. 

In TCM, goji berries are purported to:

• Nourish the liver and kidneys
• Promote hair growth
• Enhance immune function
• Support eye health
• Improve overall vitality and longevity

Goji berries contain several bioactive compounds contributing to their potential health benefits, including polysaccharides, carotenoids, flavonoids and phenolic compounds, and ꞵ-sitosterol.^[26]Ma, Z.F., Zhang, H., Teh, S.S., Wang, C.W., Zhang, Y., Hayford, F., Wang, L., Ma, T., Dong, Z., Zhang, Y., Zhu, Y. (2019). Goji Berries as a Potential Natural Antioxidant Medicine: An Insight into … Continue reading 

What Effect Might Goji Berries Have on Hair Follicles?

Goji berries has various properties that could affect hair follicles and overall hair health:

Might have antioxidant effects

Goji berries contain antioxidants like Vitamin C, beta-carotene, and polysaccharides, which combat oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals. Oxidative stress can damage hair follicles, leading to weakened hair growth or even hair loss over time.^[27]Vidovic, B.B., Milincic, D.D., Marcetic, M.D., Djuris, J.D., Ilic, T.D., Kostic, A.Z., Pesic, M.B. (2022). Health benefits and applications of goji berries in functional food products development: a … Continue reading The antioxidant properties in goji berries might help shield hair follicles from this damage, supporting hair health and growth.

Might enhance cellular energy metabolism

The polysaccharides and amino acids in goji berries may enhance cellular energy metabolism, which is essential for hair follicle activity and hair growth.^[28]Jung, H., Jung, D.M., Lee, S.S., Kim, E.M., Yoon, K., Kim, K.K. (2022). Mangifera Indica leaf extracts promote hair growth via activation of Wnt signaling pathway in human dermal papilla cells. … Continue reading Improved cellular energy metabolism means hair follicle cells receive the necessary energy for healthy growth cycles, potentially leading to more robust hair. This could support hair follicles in maintaining anagen for longer periods.

Might reduce cell death

Goji berries contain several key compounds believed to reduce cell death in hair follicles, including Lycium Barbarum Polysaccharides, Betaine, carotenoids (beta-carotene and zeaxanthin), and flavonoids, among others. Hair follicle cells undergo programmed cell death as part of the natural hair cycle, but excessive apoptosis can lead to early hair follicle aging and hair thinning.^[29]Martinez-Jacobo, L., Ancer-Arellano, C.I., Ortiz-Lopez, R., Salinas-Santander, M., Villareal-Villareal, C.D., Ancer-Rodriguez, J., Camacho-Zamora, B., Zomosa-Signoret, V., Medina-De la Garza, C.E., … Continue reading 

In other studies not related to hair follicles, goji berry polysaccharides have shown anti-cell death potential, suggesting that they could contribute to preserving hair follicle cells and extending the life of healthy hair.

It should be noted that we couldn’t find any studies linking goji berry directly to hair regrowth.

What Clinical Evidence Is There Indicating That Goji Berry  Might Improve Hair Regrowth?

The clinical evidence on goji berries specifically improving hair regrowth is still limited, and most studies have focused on the berry’s general health benefits rather than its direct effects on hair.

Are Goji Berries Safe?

Goji berries are generally considered safe for most people when consumed in moderate amounts as food. However, there are some important safety considerations to keep in mind.

There have been two reported cases of potential interactions with warfarin, suggesting a risk of drug interaction.^[30]Potterat, O. (2010). Goji (Lycium barbarum and L.chinense): phytochemistry, pharmacology and safety in the perspective of traditional uses and recent popularity. Planta medica. 76(1). 7-19. Available … Continue reading 

The longest published study using goji berries was a 16-week randomized controlled trial in which middle-aged and older adults took 15 g daily. No adverse events were reported, indicating that it is safe for short-term use.^[31]Toh, D.W.K., Zhou, H., Cazenave-Gassiot, A., Choi, H., Burla, B., Bendt, A.K., Wenk, M.R., Ling, L.H., Kim, J.E. (2024). Effects of wolfberry (Lycium barbarum) consumption on the human plasma … Continue reading However, there is no available long-term safety data.

Eclipta prostrata (False Daisy)

What is False Daisy?

False daisy, scientifically known as Eclipta prostrata or Eclipta alba, is a medicinal herb with a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly Ayurveda and TCM. The plant is commonly used to prevent hair loss, promote hair growth, and help slow hair graying due to its darkening properties.^[32]Timalsina, D., Devkota, H.P. (2021). Eclipta prostrata (L.) L. (Asteraceae): Ethnomedicinal Uses, Chemical Constituents, and Biological Activities. Biomolecules. 11(11). 1738. Available at: … Continue reading 

False daisy contains several bioactive compounds, including wedelolactone and ecliptine, and in smaller concentrations, ursolic acid, oleanolic acid, luteolin, and apigenin. These contribute to its antimicrobial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective properties.

What Effect Might False Daisy Have on Hair Follicles?

Multiple in vivo (mice and rat) studies have shown that false daisy might positively affect hair regrowth. 

One study divided 30 nude mice into six groups of five. Each group received a topical application of a treatment.^[33]Begum, S., Lee, M.R., Gu, L.J., Hossain, J., Sung, C.K. (2014). Exogenous stimulation with Eclipta alba promotes hair matrix keratinocyte proliferation and downregulates TGF-ꞵ1 expression in nude … Continue reading Group 1 received the control mixture (propylene glycol, ethanol, and DMSO), Group 2 received 2% minoxidil, and Groups 3, 4, 5, and 6 received a 5 mg sample of four different fractions of false daily (PEE, HeF, BuF, and WaF), mixed with the vehicle formulation. Each treatment was applied once daily on the backs of the mice for 20 days.

Hair coverage was evaluated by a score of 0-8 (with 0 being no hair and 8 being full coat) at baseline and on days 5, 7, 12, 16, and 20, and hair density was measured using a phototrichogram. The PEE fraction of false daisy significantly outperformed all other fractions, minoxidil, and the control for improving hair coverage and density in nude mice.

This fraction also improved keratinocyte proliferation (growth) and decreased expression of TGF-ꞵ1 (a protein involved in the transition to the catagen phase). 

Another study conducted in mice treated four groups with either a control (normal saline), topical 3% minoxidil, or a low (1 mg/day) or high (10 mg/day) oral dose of false daisy daily for 14 days.^[35]Lee, K.H., Choi, D., Jeong, S.I., Kim, S.J., Lee, C.H., Seo, H.S., Jeong, H.S. (2019). Eclipta prostrata promotes the induction of anagen, sustains the anagen phase through regulation of FGF-7 and … Continue reading 

The mice were photographed on days 8, 11, and 14 to compare hair regrowth. The skin color of both the false daisy (EP-L and EP-H) groups turned black faster than the minoxidil and the control groups. This color change indicates anagen growth. By Day 14, the false daisy groups showed more complete hair regrowth than the minoxidil or control groups.

The low dose of false daisy also increased the gene expression of FGF-7 (which is involved in the induction of anagen) and decreased the expression of FGF-5 (which is involved in hair follicle regression). However, the high dose of false daisy showed the opposite effect, showing that higher doses are not always better.

Similar results were also seen in the third and fourth animal studies. One, using a range of methanol-extracted false daily doses topically applied to mice, observed a statistically significant increase in mean follicle count, skin thickness, and induction of anagen hair follicles.^[38]Datta, K., Singh, A.T., Mukherjee, A., Bhat, B., Ramesh, B., Burmand, A.C. (2009). Eclipta alba extract with potential for hair growth promoting activity. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 124. 450-456. … Continue reading 

The other, conducted on shaved albino rats, compared a control ointment, 2% and 5% concentrations of petroleum ether extract and ethanol extract of false daisy in ointment, and 2% minoxidil.^[40]Roy, K.R., Thakur, M., Dixit, V.K. (2008). Hair growth promoting activity of Elclipta alba in male albino rats. Archives of Dermatological Research. 300. 357-364. Available at: … Continue reading 

The 5% petroleum ether extract false daisy ointment showed a statistically significant improvement in the hair growth ratio over 30 days (82 ± 0.9 after 10 days compared to 233.3 ± 1.2). 

What Clinical Evidence Is There Indicating That False Daisy  Might Improve Hair Regrowth?

While animal studies show improvements in hair counts, these have not yet been evaluated in humans; therefore, we don’t know if false daisy works in humans.

Is False Daisy Safe?

While topical use of false daisy is generally considered safe when used as traditionally practiced, no short or long-term studies evaluate its clinical safety.

Which Herb Has the Best Evidence Behind It?

Based on the available evidence, Panax ginseng offers the strongest clinical evidence, albeit limited, among these herbs. However, false daisy and Fo-Ti have shown potential in preclinical studies. More clinical efficacy and safety research should be conducted to determine whether these herbs work in humans. 

Are These Herbs for Me?

You might want to experiment with these herbs if you:

• Are happy using ingredients that have little clinical or in some cases, preclinical evidence behind them.
• Want to try natural ingredients rather than pharmaceutical
• Have had no luck with other hair loss products

 Final Thoughts

Due to their purported benefits, Chinese herbs are becoming increasingly popular ingredients in hair loss products. However, the clinical evidence is limited or non-existent for many of these. Panax ginseng has the most clinical support out of the four evaluated, though the benefits were not impressive. Ultimately, these herbs present interesting, natural options that might complement other treatments. However, those looking for solid, evidence-based hair regrowth solutions should know that more research is needed to substantiate the claims around these traditional remedies. While they may offer some benefits, they aren’t substitutes for proven hair loss treatments.