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

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine, primarily for its supposed benefits to general health, longevity, and immune function. Its application for hair loss or thinning is not prominent in classical texts, but some traditional and folk practices have suggested its use for supporting healthy hair and scalp. The reasoning is typically based on the belief that reishi can help balance internal energy, reduce stress, and improve blood circulation—factors thought by some traditional medicine systems to impact hair health.

Scientific evidence directly supporting reishi mushroom’s efficacy for hair loss or thinning is minimal. Some preclinical studies have suggested that reishi extracts may have anti-androgenic effects, which could theoretically help with androgenic alopecia (a common form of hair loss). For example, certain compounds in reishi may inhibit 5-alpha reductase, an enzyme that converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone implicated in hair follicle miniaturization. However, these effects have been observed mainly in laboratory or animal studies, and robust human clinical trials are lacking.

Overall, while reishi is traditionally valued for broad health benefits, its specific use for hair loss is based more on extrapolation and limited traditional practice than on strong scientific or historical evidence. The current body of evidence supporting reishi for hair loss or thinning is weak and preliminary.

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