Evidence supporting the use of: Lycium
For the health condition: Hair (loss or thinning)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Lycium (commonly known as goji berry or wolfberry) has a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for promoting general vitality, nourishing the liver and kidney, and supporting hair health. In TCM theory, hair thinning or loss is often attributed to deficiencies in kidney and liver function, and Lycium berries are prescribed as part of herbal formulas to "nourish the blood" and "replenish essence," which are believed to benefit hair growth and quality. Historical texts such as the "Shennong Bencao Jing" mention Lycium as a tonic for improving appearance, which may extend to hair health.

From a scientific perspective, there is limited direct evidence supporting Lycium's efficacy for hair loss or thinning. Some contemporary studies have highlighted Lycium's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and its potential to improve circulation and cellular health. However, these studies do not specifically address hair growth or hair loss in human subjects. The traditional use is therefore not strongly supported by high-quality clinical trials or mechanistic studies directly linking Lycium with improvements in hair density or prevention of hair loss.

In summary, the use of Lycium for hair health is rooted primarily in traditional medicine, with anecdotal and theoretical support rather than robust scientific validation.

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