How effective is garlic extract in the treatment of alopecia areata?

Hair loss treatments don’t inspire much confidence because the processes involved in hair loss are complex. Hair loss is often caused by the interaction of genetic and environmental factors.

Scientists are still trying to understand the mechanisms that cause this distressing condition for both men and women, however, several studies have found that a number of natural solutions can effectively target the specific causes of hair loss. One of the most surprising findings is the role that garlic extract can play in inhibiting alopecia areata.

Alopecia areata is known as an autoimmune condition, which means that the body’s immune system attacks healthy hair follicles, which leads to it greatly shrinking and slowing production significantly to the point where hair growth can stop.

According to the British Alopecia Areata Foundation, alopecia areata is characterized by one or more hairless, coin-sized patches on the scalp or other areas of the body.

A study published in the Kufa Medical Journal determined the effectiveness of topical garlic extract in the treatment of alopecia areata.

Ten patients with single or multiple patches of alopecia areata in the scalp area (for a total of 18 patches) were enrolled in the one-year study.

All patches were treated with topical garlic extract twice daily for two months and the final regrowth of coarse hair (thick, coarse, pigmented hair on the scalp) was assessed every two weeks.

All patients responded to treatment and started growing hair by the end of the second week in eight patches, within four weeks on seven spots and within six weeks on three spots.

The researchers concluded that garlic is an effective and quick topical treatment for alopecia areata. They noted that it was cheap, available, and had negligible side effects.

Source: Express