A traditional Chinese herbal remedy used for more than 1,000 years is emerging as a promising candidate in the search for better hair loss treatments.
A new scientific review has highlighted Polygonum multiflorum, a root long used in traditional Chinese medicine, as a potential therapy for androgenetic alopecia, the most common form of hair loss in men and women.
Commonly known as male or female pattern baldness, the condition develops gradually as hair follicles shrink and begin producing thinner, weaker strands before growth slows or stops.
The review suggests the herb could stand out because it may work through several biological pathways at once, unlike current treatments that usually target one main mechanism.
Existing options such as finasteride and minoxidil can help some patients, but they are not suitable for everyone. Finasteride targets hormones linked to follicle shrinkage, while minoxidil is applied to the scalp to encourage growth. Both, however, have drawn concerns over side effects, including sexual problems in some finasteride users and scalp irritation linked to minoxidil.
Researchers say Polygonum multiflorum may offer a broader approach. According to the review, the herb could help reduce the effects of dihydrotestosterone, the hormone strongly associated with pattern hair loss. It may also help prevent early death of follicle cells, improve blood flow to the scalp, and activate key growth and repair signals such as the Wnt and Shh pathways, which are closely tied to hair regeneration.
The review’s authors say these overlapping effects make the herb especially interesting as a possible future treatment. Rather than simply slowing hair loss, it may help create conditions that support actual regrowth.
The study also found that ancient descriptions of the herb’s benefits appear to align with modern understanding of hair biology. Researchers compared historical herbal records with laboratory findings, clinical observations, and modern biological evidence to explore where the two matched.
Still, the findings come with an important warning. Researchers stressed that proper preparation matters, noting that Polygonum multiflorum is traditionally processed before use. That step is believed to affect both its safety and effectiveness.
They also cautioned that more clinical testing is still needed. Much of the current evidence comes from lab studies, historical records, and limited clinical reports, meaning large human trials will be necessary before the herb can be considered a proven treatment for hair loss.
Even so, the review points to growing scientific interest in traditional medicine as a source of new therapies. For millions dealing with hair loss, that means an ancient root may one day help shape a modern solution.
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