Taking fenugreek extract daily led to ‘significant’ improvements in hair growth

This Morning: Dr Ranj discusses treatments for hair loss

Hair loss treatments are often invasive and expensive, which can be a deal-breaker for many people. That’s why the promise of natural solutions to reversing hair loss are far more appealing. The evidence can be patchy but some have yielded results.

Fenugreek seed extract, which derives from the small green, leafy herb originally from southern parts of Asia and the Mediterranean, has been linked to hair growth.

Like many natural products in this arena, the research is limited yet encouraging.

One human study in 53 people evaluated the effect of a 300-mg daily oral dose of fenugreek seed extract over the course of six months.

Over 80 percent of study participants who received the supplement exhibited significant improvements in hair growth and strength compared to those given a placebo.

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Additionally, an animal study found that the topical use of an herbal oil mixture that included fenugreek seed extract was effective at increasing hair growth and thickness.

Interestingly, this mixture was also slightly more effective than the commonly used, over-the-counter medication, minoxidil.

Minoxidil is commonly used to treat male pattern baldness – a permanent type of hair loss that usually runs in the family.

What is behind fenugreek’s hair growing-capabilities?

Fenugreek seeds are a rich source of iron and protein — two essential nutrients for hair growth.

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They also contain a unique composition of plant compounds, including flavonoids and saponins.

According to research, these compounds are presumed to induce hair growth due to their anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal effects.

Conventional remedies

There are an array of established treatments for hair loss, but most aren’t available on the NHS, so you’ll have to pay for them.

It is worth nothing that no treatment is 100 percent effective.

Some wigs are available on the NHS, but you may have to pay unless you qualify for financial help.

There are two types of wig you can opt for – synthetic and real-hair – and both come with pros and cons.

According to the NHS, synthetic wigs:

• Last six to nine months
• Are easier to look after than real-hair wigs
• Can be itchy and hot
• Cost less than real-hair wigs.

Real-hair wig, on the other hand, last three to four years and look more natural, but are are harder to look after than synthetic wigs and more costly.

Other hair loss treatments include:

• Steroid injection
• Steroid creams
• Immunotherapy
• Light treatment
• Tattooing
• Hair transplant
• Scalp reduction surgery
• Artificial hair transplant.

Some of these treatments may not be available on the NHS.

While you weigh up your options, your GP may be able to help you get some counselling.

As the NHS points out, losing hair can be upsetting – for many people, hair is an important part of who they are.

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