A compound called ginsenoside Rf (G-Rf) from Korean ginseng may protect against hormonal hair loss, according to researchers at Sejong University. Their respective study findings were published in the journal Industrial Crops and Products (ICP).

In experiments on mice with androgenetic alopecia—the most common form of hair loss, the G-Rf significantly improved hair growth even when the hair follicle cycle was suppressed. The animals had an increase in the number and size of their hair follicles, and their hair itself became thicker. And tissue analysis showed that their hair follicles had restored their normal structure and activity.

Also, the researchers determined the mechanism of action of the substance. The G-Rf reduced the activity of androgen receptors—the proteins through which male hormones trigger the process of thinning and hair loss. The compound accelerated the destruction of these receptors in cells, thereby weakening the hormonal signals that lead to hair loss. This mechanism has not been previously described in hair loss research.

The researchers noted, however, that the results were obtained based on a preclinical model and have not yet been confirmed in human studies.

But the study shows that the G-Rf has the potential to be a basis for the development of natural remedies for hair loss prevention and scalp health.