Pharmacological Insights into Medicinal Plants and Phytomolecules for the Management of Alopecia with Mechanistic Perspectives and Therapeutic Potential.

BACKGROUND: Alopecia, a dermatological condition recognized for over a millennium, remains a prevalent concern affecting individuals of all genders and age groups. The exploration of both synthetic drugs and medicinal plants as therapeutic interventions represents a promising avenue for their management. This review aims to consolidate current knowledge on various synthetic agents, ayurvedic formulations, and medicinal plants traditionally employed for the treatment of alopecia and promotion of hair growth. The selection of medicinal plants was primarily guided by their historical and preclinical/clinical relevance in the modern world. Furthermore, the review critically evaluates the pharmacological evidence, elucidates underlying mechanisms of action, and highlights experimental findings from in vitro and in vivo studies.

METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using electronic databases including ScienceDirect, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, LILACS, Virtual Health Library, and Google Scholar. Articles published up to 2025 were included based on predefined selection criteria, including relevance to alopecia management, pharmacological evidence, experimental validation (in vitro, in vivo, or clinical studies), and mechanistic insights into hair growth promotion. Studies lacking scientific validation or mechanistic relevance were excluded.

RESULTS: The review identified multiple medicinal plants, including Eclipta alba, Phyllanthus emblica, Bacopa monnieri, Allium cepa, Salvia rosmarinus, and Ginkgo biloba, demonstrating significant anti-alopecia activity through mechanisms such as inhibition of 5-α reductase, activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway, anti-inflammatory effects, immunomodulation, and enhancement of dermal papilla cell proliferation. Several phytoconstituents, including flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids, and phytosterols, were identified as key contributors to hair growth promotion.

CONCLUSION: This review highlights the significant therapeutic potential of medicinal plants and phytoconstituents in the management of alopecia through multiple molecular mechanisms. These findings support the development of plant-based therapeutics as safer and effective alternatives or adjuncts to synthetic treatments. However, further clinical trials and standardization studies are necessary to validate their efficacy and safety for clinical application.