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

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Synopsis

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

Phlorotannins are polyphenolic compounds found primarily in brown seaweeds (e.g., Ecklonia cava, Fucus vesiculosus). Their use for supporting or treating hair loss and thinning has some basis in recent scientific investigation, rather than traditional use. Laboratory and a few small clinical studies have shown that phlorotannins may exert beneficial effects on hair growth by inhibiting 5α-reductase, the enzyme that converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT)—a hormone linked to androgenetic alopecia (pattern hair loss). Additionally, phlorotannins exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which could theoretically support scalp health and hair follicle function.

One in vitro study demonstrated that phlorotannins could stimulate proliferation of human dermal papilla cells, which play a crucial role in hair growth. A small pilot clinical trial (n=39) reported that a topical formulation containing Ecklonia cava extract improved hair density and thickness over 16 weeks, but this study was limited by its size and lack of robust controls.

Overall, while preliminary scientific evidence suggests potential for phlorotannins to support hair growth or reduce hair loss, the quality and quantity of human clinical research is limited. There is no long-standing traditional use of phlorotannins for hair loss, and current evidence is not strong enough to support routine clinical recommendation. More robust, large-scale clinical studies are needed to validate these early findings.

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