Medicinal plants used in Mexico for the treatment of alopecia

Abstract

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), an androgenic hormone, is a sex steroid produced in the gonads. The target sites of DHT and testosterone are similar. Excess of DHT causes miniaturization of hair reducing the anagen phase and increasing the telogen phase leading to hair loss. Normally up to ten percent of testosterone in the body irreversibly gets converted into DHT by the action of enzyme 5‐alpha‐reductase. Inadequate blood flow to the scalp can also be another reason for hair loss encountered due to lower oxygen and nutrients reaching it. Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) occurs due to hormonal imbalance affects both sexes; in males, it leads to major hair loss. Conventional drugs such as minoxidil and finasteride are widely used for the treatment; however, several drawbacks such as allergic contact dermatitis, burning, ejaculation disorder, and decreased libido are reported. This review presents a general description of studies plants used in Mexico for the treatment of alopecia.