Does green tea extract work against hair loss?
Table of contents
- What is green tea extract?
- Why does it work against hair loss?
- What does science say?
- Where can I get green tea extract?
- Conclusion: Dietary supplements with green tea extract can help against hair loss
What is green tea extract?
Green tea extract is extracted from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, which is also used to make green tea. The extract contains a higher concentration of polyphenols than a cup of green tea because it is made from a larger amount of leaves.
Green tea contains polyphenols, a type of valuable antioxidant, and flavonoids found in many plants, offering numerous health benefits. Green tea specifically contains epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), which is considered the most active polyphenol in green tea.
Green tea extract is available in various forms , including capsules, powder, and liquid extract. It is often used as a dietary supplement because of its numerous health benefits, including improving cognitive function, lowering blood pressure, and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
Why does it work against hair loss?
Green tea extract contains numerous compounds that may have a positive effect on hair health. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), the most active polyphenol in green tea, is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent that may help protect the scalp from inflammation and free radical damage . Scalp inflammation can damage hair follicles and disrupt the hair growth cycle, which can lead to hair loss.
Additionally, green tea extract can help balance hormone levels and reduce the production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) . DHT is a hormone that can be responsible for hair loss in both men and women. When DHT binds to hair follicles, it can cause them to shrink and disrupt the hair growth cycle.
In addition, the flavonoids in green tea extract can reduce the effects of prostaglandin D2 , which scientists suspect exacerbates androgenetic alopecia.
What does science say?
A 2016 study published in the journal Phytomedicine showed that topical application of green tea extract significantly improved hair growth in men suffering from androgenetic alopecia (hereditary hair loss). Participants who applied a solution containing 3% green tea extract to their scalp had significantly more hair after six months compared to those who applied a placebo solution.
A 2007 study published in the Journal of the National Medical Association examined the effects of green tea extract on mice predisposed to androgenetic hair loss. The results showed that the mice receiving green tea extract exhibited a significant increase in hair growth compared to control mice.
Another 2012 study published in the International Journal of Trichology examined the effects of green tea extract on human hair follicles in vitro. The results showed that green tea extract can promote hair growth and prolong the duration of the anagen phase , the growth phase of the hair cycle.
These promising results suggest that green tea extract may be an effective and natural way to help with certain types of hair loss and promote hair growth. However, further studies are needed to confirm the long-term effects of green tea extract on hair growth and its effectiveness in various forms of hair loss.
Where can I get green tea extract?
If you want to use a green tea extract treatment to combat hair loss and strengthen your hair roots, there are several ways to do so. One option is to take green tea extract in supplement form . There are also shampoos and conditioners on the market that contain green tea extract to promote hair growth.
However, it's important to remember that green tea extract isn't suitable for everyone. People with sensitive scalps or a tea allergy should avoid applying green tea extract directly to bald patches on their scalp.
Before using green tea extract as a dietary supplement, you should consult your doctor, especially if you are already taking medication or have a specific medical condition. It's also important to purchase only high-quality products from trusted sources and adhere to the recommended dosage to avoid unwanted side effects.
Conclusion: Dietary supplements with green tea extract can help against hair loss
In summary, green tea extract can be a promising natural method to prevent hair loss and promote hair growth.
Green tea extract contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that can help reduce inflammation and damage to the scalp. It may also help balance hormone levels and reduce the production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which can be responsible for hair loss.
There are several studies suggesting that green tea extract may improve hair growth in androgenetic alopecia. However, further research is needed to confirm its long-term effects on hair growth and effectiveness in other types of hair loss .
Green tea extract is also available in the dietary supplement developed by Dr. Balwi, the medical director of Elithair , and can be used to treat hair loss.
