Using Dong Quai as a hair loss remedy

Today we look at the natural Chinese herb Dong Quai. This herb has been used traditionally in China to prevent the hair loss and graying that come with age. The exact mechanism is unknown, but may be related to a mild estrogenic effect.



Dong Quai contains phytoestrogens that have been known to stabilize and even reverse genetic hair loss. Scientists believe phytoestrogens work by blocking androgen-receptor sites and reduce the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, or DHT. Androgens are produced by the male sex organs and are a major factor in inherited baldness.

Dong Quai is believed to be nontoxic. Allergic reactions and mild gastrointestinal distress have been noted in a small percentage of people using Dong Quai. In some cases, Dong Quai can cause sensitivity to sun. One case report has shown Dong Quai to interact with Coumadin (warfarin), increasing the risk of bleeding. Safety in young children, pregnant or nursing women, or those with severe liver or kidney disease is not known. Although it is not certain, conceivably, Dong Quai could interact with any blood-thinning products, natural or otherwise. If you are taking Coumadin, heparin, Trental, or aspirin, you could be at risk for increased bleeding when using Dong Quai.


Clinical Research: I counld not find any clinical study that provides evidence that Dong Quai actually cures hair loss.

Price: You can get 50 capsules for around $10.00

Summary: Ancient Chinese secret. Only your neighborhood Asian doctor really knows if the stuff works. So use it at your own risk.

Combat hair loss with anti-inflammatories

Corticosteroids - Corticosteroids are used for the treatment for alopecia areata. In mild cases of alopecia areata, a corticosteroid cream is applied only to the regions of hairloss. An alternative treatment is the intralesional injection of corticosteroids into the inflamed patches of scalp. A corticosteroid such as triamcinolone or kenelog is injected, approximately once per month, below the skin near the hair follicle. This treatment is often used for eyebrow hair loss.


Systemic corticosteroids are often prescribed if the hairloss is widespread. The drugs are administered by injection into the muscle of the buttock or arm once every four to six weeks. Sometimes this treatment brings a spontaneous recovery and the treatment is stopped as the hair returns. Oral cortisone is sometimes given by tablets but has all the side effects of injections.

Short term effects are weight gain, mood changes and acne. Long term treatment with corticosteroids causes thinning of the skin and scalp damage, immune system suppression, increased cancer, bone degeneration, and cataracts. Folligen may be tried as an alternative to steroid use. Folligen is very safe and has anti-inflammatory actions as well a scalp repair properties.






Cyclosporin - is an immunosuppressive drug used in organ transplants to prevent the body from rejecting the new organ. It is used topically in the treatment of immune-associated severe skin conditions. In humans, cyclosporin is very effective orally (80% positive hair growth response) but only marginally effective (20%) when used topically for aiding hair growth. It promotes hair growth in animal models and promotes human hair growth in vitro.

Like corticosteroids, it has toxic side effects such as renal toxicity when used long term and a generally poor choice for as a hair treatment.

And last

FK506 is an new immunosuppressant, like cyclosporin, used to prevent organ rejection. It is in a class of drugs similar to cyclosporin. When applied in a topical ointment, it is more effective in stimulating hair growth than cyclosporin. It is a strong immunosuppressant and its safety in long term use for hair growth is questionable. It may produce neural damage.


My advice is stay away from these. The health risks are far greater than the benefits. A good option is RK19. It's a combination of FDA regulated high potency vitamins and an anti-inflammatory. No side effects. And you are guaranteed to see results or your money back.