What if a simple ingredient already present in your kitchen was hidden behind the next anti-hair loss innovation? A team of researchers has just highlighted an everyday product which, associated with a well-known treatment, would have promoted regrowth in animal models. Enough to arouse the curiosity of all those who monitor the quantity of hair in the brush every morning.
Stevia, this kitchen ingredient that helps in the fight against hair loss
The ingredient in question is none other than stevia, this South American plant used as a natural sweetener to replace sugar in coffee, tea or homemade pastries. In the study relayed by the , the researchers are not interested in the raw leaf, but in one of its compounds, stevioside, extracted from stevia and already used in the food industry for its sweetening power.
According to the authors, this stevioside acts on the cells involved in hair growth. The idea is to transform this sweetener into a real cosmetic active ingredient, capable of supporting traditional hair loss treatments. And then, the symbol speaks to consumers: a plant ingredient, already well established in everyday life, which could tomorrow join hair care formulas in search of more natural options.
What does the study show about stevia, minoxidil and hair regrowth?
To test this potential, researchers combined stevioside with minoxidil, a reference drug for androgenetic alopecia. The duo was integrated into dissolving microneedle patches, applied to the skin to better penetrate the treatment into the scalp. On a technical level, these microneedles create tiny channels that facilitate the passage of active ingredients to the hair follicles. According to data relayed by several media, stevioside would also improve the solubility and skin absorption of minoxidil, which would reinforce its potential effectiveness.
Result, the authors of the study report that according to the study cited by the magazine. A figure that is enough to make those who see their hair thinning dream. But we must keep in mind an essential point: these tests were carried out on mice, in an experimental model of alopecia, and not on humans.
Hair loss: what you can do while waiting for stevia-based treatments
On the other hand, this discovery does not mean that sprinkling your scalp with stevia is enough to stop hair loss. The specialists point out that the study concerns a very precisely dosed microneedle patch, combining stevioside and minoxidil, under strictly controlled conditions. Before imagining serums or lotions based on stevia in pharmacies, it will be necessary to verify the effectiveness in humans, evaluate skin tolerance and determine the correct concentrations for use on panels of volunteers. In the event of significant hair loss, the first step is to consult a dermatologist, rather than improvising homemade recipes.
While waiting for possible hair products enriched with stevioside, treatment is still based on proven solutions: minoxidil available in pharmacies, certain treatments prescribed on a case-by-case basis, and the assessment of internal factors such as iron, zinc or vitamin deficiencies. On the beauty side, densifying treatments, scalp massages or well-designed hairstyles can also help visually restore volume. The stevia trail, above all, offers another perspective for future treatments combining science, naturalness and respect for the scalp.
FAQs on Stevia and Hair Loss
Can stevia really help with hair loss?
A preclinical study showed that stevioside, a compound extracted from stevia, combined with minoxidil in a microneedle patch, promoted hair regrowth in mice. This is a promising avenue, but there is not yet proof of effectiveness in humans.
Can I put cooking stevia directly on my scalp?
No, the study focuses on a purified form of stevioside included in an experimental medical device, and not on stevia powder or drops sold as a sweetener. Applying cooking stevia to the head has not shown any effect against hair loss and may irritate the skin.
Will eating more stevia make my hair grow back?
Stevia ingestion as a sugar substitute has not been studied for hair regrowth. The available work only concerns the local application of stevioside with minoxidil in animal models.
What treatments already exist for hair loss?
Today, the most used options are local minoxidil, certain medications prescribed by a doctor depending on the type of alopecia, and sometimes techniques such as hair transplantation. A dermatological opinion remains essential to adapt the treatment to each situation.
When should you consult for hair loss?
If the loss sets in, suddenly increases, or is accompanied by patches, itching or pain of the scalp, an appointment with a dermatologist is recommended in order to identify the cause and avoid wasting time with unsuitable solutions.
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