Baldness: Comprehensive aspects and its reassuring remedies

Arghya Bhattacharya; Pronoy Mukherjee; Soumik Bhattacharjee; Dattatreya Mukherjee; Chanchal Koley; Bikram Dhara; Tanmay Sanyal

doi:10.52756/ijerr.2023.v32.007

Authors

Arghya Bhattacharya Department of Pharmacology, Calcutta Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology and Allied Health Science, Uluberia, Howrah, West Bengal-711316, India
Pronoy Mukherjee Department of Zoology, Rishi Bankim Chandra College, Naihati, West Bengal, India https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4901-0141
Soumik Bhattacharjee Department of Pharmacology, Gupta College of Technological Sciences, Asansol, West Bengal, India
Dattatreya Mukherjee Raiganj Government Medical College and Hospital, India https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7566-3843
Chanchal Koley Department of Pharmacology, Bengal College of Pharmaceutical Technology, Dubrajpur, West Bengal, India
Bikram Dhara Department of Microbiology, St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata, India
Tanmay Sanyal Department of Zoology, Krishnagar Government College, Krishnagar, West Bengal, India https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0046-1080

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.52756/ijerr.2023.v32.007

Keywords:

Baldness, Androgenetic baldness, DHT Blocker, Minoxidil, Nourishing support, Herbal remedies

Abstract

The medical term for baldness is alopecia. It refers to the condition where hair is lost from one or more areas of the body, commonly from the scalp. Balding can result from various factors, including genetic predisposition, environmental triggers, exposure to chemicals, medications, nutritional deficiencies, excessive stress, or prolonged illness. Depending on the pattern of hair loss and its underlying cause, alopecia is categorized into several types. Among these, androgenetic alopecia and alopecia areata are of primary concern. Presently, there are numerous synthetic treatments available for managing alopecia (both areata and androgenetic alopecia), including minoxidil, corticosteroids, zinc, dithranol, systemic cortisone, tretinoin, irritants, immunosuppressants, azelaic acid, and finasteride. However, these treatments often fail to provide satisfactory and long-lasting results for individuals with alopecia. Moreover, these synthetic products are associated with adverse effects, such as itching, redness, dermatitis, flaking, and irritation. Natural remedies have been explored to address the challenge of hair loss. A variety of herbs have demonstrated efficacy in managing alopecia. These natural remedies operate through mechanisms such as nutritional support, 5-?-reductase and DHT (dihydrotestosterone) inhibition, aromatherapy, and improved scalp blood circulation. Utilizing these natural treatments offers several advantages, including patient adherence, minimal side effects, easy accessibility, affordability, and diverse modes of therapeutic action for hair loss management. In this review, we highlighted the causes of alopecia and its promising, cost-effective treatments, which might significantly alter the lives of those impacted by baldness by providing them with a road to greater self-assurance, well-being, and quality of life.

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