“This Isn’t Folklore; It’s Pharmacology”: Centuries-Old Traditional Medicine Could Be a Game-Changer for Hair Loss

New studies involving a traditional Chinese medicinal root, long believed to promote hair growth, have drawn attention from scientists for its potential in treating common hair loss.

Polygonum multiflorum, often known in China as Ho-shou-wu or He shou wu, and with common English names such as tuber fleeceflower or Chinese knotweed, is a vining herbaceous perennial that has long been used as a traditional medicine. For centuries, it has been believed to be useful in combating early graying and common hair loss, among other uses.

However, new studies are now offering support for the centuries-old beliefs about this medicinal root, revealing that Polygonum multiflorum’s use as a hair treatment for more than a thousand years is backed by modern scientific evidence.

The new findings were featured in a recent review that was accepted for publication in the Journal of Holistic Integrative Pharmacy.

From Folklore to Pharmacology

“Our analysis bridges ancient wisdom and modern science,” according to Han Bixian, the first author of the recent review.

Han and his colleagues found that a deep review of the available literature, beginning with ancient records dating back to the Tang Dynasty, “described effects that align perfectly with today’s understanding of hair biology.”

Adding to their historical review, the research team behind the study found corroboration of traditional uses of Polygonum multiflorum in the clinical literature and in modern lab studies. To their amazement, Han and his colleagues found that modern clinical data closely matched the historical writings on the herb and its uses.

Multiple Medicinal Uses

In addition to slowing hair loss, the Chinese herb also appears to show promise in restoring hair color near the onset of graying. In terms of how it works, Polygonum multiflorum appears to block hormones commonly reported in the medical literature to be associated with hair shrinkage, supporting hair follicle growth by promoting blood flow to the scalp and protecting and enhancing natural regrowth processes.

The recent review holds promise for the use of this traditional herb as a hair loss treatment, since most prescribed hair loss medications today only affect a single biological pathway. By contrast, Polygonum multiflorum appears to act differently, influencing several processes simultaneously.

Notably, Polygonum multiflorum appears to minimize effects associated with dihydrotestosterone, the hormone scientists have determined plays a significant role in hair follicle shrinkage. In addition to slowing this process, the traditional herb appears to protect hair follicles at the cellular level and prolong their lifespans.

Fundamentally, as opposed to merely slowing the effects of hair loss, Han and his colleagues’ review appears to support the idea that Polygonum multiflorum may help to facilitate hair regeneration.

Although additional testing will be required to ensure there are no significant side effects from its use, Han says existing data already seems to support this, as long as it undergoes preparations well known from its many centuries of use.

“When properly processed—a key step in traditional preparation—the herb shows a favorable safety profile, making it more acceptable to patients wary of side effects like sexual dysfunction or scalp irritation linked to current medications,” Han and his coauthors write in their recent review.

The team’s review showcases not only the science that potentially supports this promising medicinal herb but also reveals how traditional knowledge, often relegated to folklore or traditional beliefs, could play a more important role in advancing modern approaches to treating a range of conditions.

“Modern studies now confirm that this isn’t folklore; it’s pharmacology,” Han says.

The team’s review, “Research progress on the application of Pleuropterus multiflorus in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia,” was recently featured in the Journal of Holistic Integrative Pharmacy.

Micah Hanks is the Editor-in-Chief and Co-Founder of The Debrief. A longtime reporter on science, defense, and technology with a focus on space and astronomy, he can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on X @MicahHanks, and at micahhanks.com.