Hair Loss (Alopecia) Treatment using rosemary oil, peppermint oil, amla oil and saw palmetto: A students’ survey
1 College of Pharmacy, Howard University, Washington, D.C. 20059, USA.
2 Independent Researcher, 1409 Jackson Rd, Silver Spring, MD, 20904, USA.
Research Article
International Journal of Scholarly Research in Biology and Pharmacy, 2024, 04(02), 019–025.
Article DOI: 10.56781/ijsrbp.2024.4.2.0025
Publication history:
Received on 23 April 2024; revised on 03 June 2024; accepted on 06 June 2024
Abstract:
This paper reviews common herbs for preventing hair loss (alopecia) and surveys pharmacy students' knowledge and opinions on the subject. The literature review revealed that the herbs reviewed are scientifically proven to enhance hair growth and prevent loss. Rosemary oil, derived from Rosmarinus officinalis, is valued in traditional medicine for various benefits including its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and notably, its ability to promote hair growth similar to minoxidil. Peppermint oil, known for its main component menthol, enhances blood flow to the scalp, thereby stimulating hair regrowth and strengthening hair. Amla oil, from the Indian gooseberry, is rich in antioxidants and inhibits the 5ɑ-reductase enzyme, playing a role in preventing hair loss and promoting hair growth. Lastly, saw palmetto, used for its ability to prevent hair loss by inhibiting the conversion of testosterone to DHT, has shown promising results in improving hair density and reducing hair loss. Each of these oils offers unique benefits for hair health and growth, supported by various studies demonstrating their efficacy. The other goal of this research is to conduct a survey which was conducted among Howard University first-year professional pharmacy students. Thirty-nine participants completed the demographic questionnaire section. Thirty-four respondents answered 5 knowledge-based questions, while 33 to 34 completed the 5 opinion-based statements. The questions and statements were related to treatment of hair loss (alopecia) using natural remedies: rosemary oil, peppermint oil, amla oil, and saw palmetto. The knowledge-based questions were answered correctly by an average of 60% of the participants. The opinion-based questions were received with a positive response with at least 80% of participants agreeing or strongly agreeing with the statements regarding the potential benefits of the herbal remedies in hair thinning. There was minimal disagreement of potential benefits, ranging from 0 to 15% percent which indicates a more positive response towards the potential benefits of herbal remedies for hair loss.
Keywords:
Rosemary Oil; Peppermint Oil; Amla Oil; Saw Palmetto, Survey; First-year pharmacy students
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