Could this sweetener regrow your hair? Scientists say stevia boosts hair loss treatment effectiveness

How to stop hair loss: Stevia, a simple plant already used in your morning tea, might soon be part of a future where regrowing hair is a little sweeter and a lot more effective (Image: Pexels)

Hair loss treatment without lasers or lab chemicals? Is it possible to stop hair fall just with a pinch of plant-based sweetness? It sounds more like wishful thinking, but according to recent research, a compound from the humble Stevia plant could be a game-changer.

Researchers in Australia have uncovered that stevioside, a natural sweetener, helps minoxidil, the world’s go-to baldness treatment, work significantly better by allowing it to sink deeper into the scalp.

Benefits of Stevia: From sweetener to scalp saviour

For years, men and women battling androgenetic alopecia, commonly known as male or female pattern baldness, have turned to minoxidil. It’s one of the few approved treatments that can spark some hope in the mirror. Nevertheless, minoxidil doesn’t absorb well through the skin. It’s like owning a powerful car with flat tyres, there’s potential, but the journey’s slow and bumpy.

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In a study published in Advanced Healthcare Materials, scientists crafted a dissolvable patch combining minoxidil and stevioside. When applied to bald patches in mice, this sweet duo worked wonders, kicking hair follicles back into gear and stimulating new growth.

Dr Lifeng Kang from the University of Sydney, who co-led the study, believes this discovery may open up new, natural routes for treating baldness, routes that are not only more effective but also safer and more convenient.

Minoxidil, while effective, often frustrates users with its long wait times and hit-or-miss results. The drug’s difficulty in penetrating the skin is a major barrier. Enhancing its absorption could shorten that waiting game,  and that’s precisely where stevia steps in.

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Why minoxidil needs a boost

• Low absorption: Minoxidil struggles to pass through the skin due to poor water solubility.
• Delayed results: Users may wait months to see any change, if at all.
• Inconsistent effects: Success varies widely from person to person.
• Overuse risks: More frequent application can increase side effects like irritation.
• Natural boosters help: Stevioside may allow better results with lower doses.

FAQs on How to Stop Hair Loss

1. Can hair loss be treated without lasers or chemicals?

Yes, recent research suggests that a compound from the Stevia plant, stevioside, can enhance minoxidil’s effectiveness, offering a natural alternative.

2. How does stevioside help in stopping hair loss?

Stevioside helps minoxidil penetrate deeper into the scalp, making it more effective in treating baldness by stimulating hair follicle growth.

3. What are the main benefits of using Stevia for hair loss?

Stevia not only aids minoxidil absorption but also promises safer, more convenient, and potentially more effective treatment options for hair loss.

4. Why does minoxidil need a boost for better results?

Minoxidil’s poor water solubility hampers its skin absorption, leading to delayed and inconsistent results, which stevioside can improve.

5. Are there any risks associated with minoxidil use?

Yes, frequent application can cause side effects like irritation. Enhanced absorption with stevioside may help achieve better results with lower doses, reducing these risks.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for a specific health diagnosis