Stevia May Enhance Hair Loss Treatment, Research Suggests
New research from Australia indicates that an extract found in the sweetener stevia could considerably improve the effectiveness of minoxidil, a common treatment for hereditary hair loss.
Minoxidil, frequently enough prescribed for pattern baldness and available in foam or tablet form, works by stimulating hair follicles to promote new growth.Researchers have discovered that combining minoxidil with a specific stevia extract appears to boost the drug’s absorption, leading to even greater stimulation of these follicles. This finding emerged from tests conducted on mice, where a patch delivering both substances showed promising results.
Dermatologist Kadouch, who regularly treats patients with hair loss, notes the potential benefit for those experiencing hereditary baldness – a condition affecting both men and women. He distinguishes this type of hair loss from cases involving localized bald spots. While minoxidil is already a well-established treatment, the study suggests stevia could enhance its impact.
“The idea isn’t crazy at all,” kadouch commented, acknowledging the potential of improved drug absorption. However, he emphasizes the research is still in its early stages.”It’s been tested in the lab, and much more work is needed before it can be considered a clinically viable option.”
The researchers delivered the stevia-minoxidil combination via dissolvable microneedles applied to the scalp, a delivery method Kadouch finds warrants further examination. He believes additional research is “absolutely recommended” to fully understand the potential and optimal request of this combined approach.
