Resveratrol, a naturally occurring compound found in the skins of grapes, berries, and red wine, has garnered significant attention for its potential health benefits, particularly in anti-aging and hair growth. As an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, resveratrol has shown promise in various areas of health, and new research suggests it might also play a role in slowing hair loss and promoting hair regrowth. This article will explore how resveratrol supplementation may help slow hair loss, particularly by its effects on prostaglandin D2 (PGD2), a molecule strongly linked to hair follicle miniaturization and androgenetic alopecia (male and female pattern baldness).
How Resveratrol Affects Hair Growth
Resveratrol’s role in promoting hair growth is largely tied to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and hormone-regulating properties. Hair loss, particularly androgenetic alopecia, is often driven by inflammation, stress, and DHT, all of which can disrupt the normal hair growth cycle and lead to follicle miniaturization.
Resveratrol works through several mechanisms to protect hair follicles and promote healthier hair growth:
Antioxidant Properties
Resveratrol helps neutralize free radicals, which cause oxidative stress. Oxidative stress can damage hair follicles and accelerate hair loss. By reducing oxidative damage, resveratrol creates a healthier environment for hair follicles, allowing them to continue producing hair.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Chronic inflammation is one of the leading contributors to hair loss. Resveratrol’s anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce inflammation in the scalp, protecting hair follicles from damage and potentially slowing down hair thinning.
DHT reduction
Resveratrol may help reduce the production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone responsible for shrinking hair follicles in androgenetic alopecia. By balancing hormone levels, resveratrol can slow the progression of hair loss.
This Role of Prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) in Hair Loss
One of the most intriguing aspects of resveratrol’s effect on hair growth is its ability to regulate prostaglandin D2 (PGD2), a lipid compound that plays a significant role in hair loss, especially in androgenetic alopecia.
PGD2 has been found in high levels in the scalps of individuals with male and female pattern baldness. It works by binding to the GPR44 receptor on hair follicles, inhibiting hair growth and pushing hair follicles into the resting (telogen) phase of the hair cycle. Over time, this leads to the miniaturization of hair follicles, making them incapable of producing thick, healthy hair.
Research has shown that reducing PGD2 levels or blocking its receptors can help prevent hair follicle miniaturization and encourage hair regrowth.
How Resveratrol Regulates PGD2
Resveratrol appears to regulate the production of PGD2 through its anti-inflammatory effects, specifically by inhibiting the enzyme cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). COX-2 is an enzyme involved in the inflammatory pathway and is responsible for producing PGD2. By inhibiting COX-2, resveratrol can potentially reduce PGD2 levels in the scalp, thereby preventing it from negatively affecting hair follicles.
We know from analysis of scalps that bald and balding scalps contain more PGD2
In addition, resveratrol’s antioxidant properties help mitigate the cellular damage that can lead to increased PGD2 production. By lowering PGD2 levels and blocking its harmful effects on hair follicles, resveratrol may slow the progression of hair loss and even promote hair regrowth in individuals with androgenetic alopecia.
Study Results on Resveratrol and Hair Growth
Though research specifically focusing on resveratrol’s effects on human hair growth is still emerging, several studies provide insight into how resveratrol might help combat hair loss by targeting inflammation and PGD2.
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A study published in Biochemical Pharmacology explored the anti-inflammatory and COX-2 inhibiting properties of resveratrol. The researchers found that resveratrol significantly reduced the production of inflammatory mediators, including PGD2, by inhibiting COX-2 activity.
Resveratrol’s ability to inhibit COX-2 and reduce PGD2 production offers a potential therapeutic strategy for conditions like androgenetic alopecia, where PGD2 plays a pivotal role in follicular miniaturization.
This study suggests that resveratrol’s capacity to lower PGD2 levels could help protect hair follicles from entering the resting phase prematurely, thereby slowing hair loss and promoting hair growth.
Study 2: Resveratrol and Hair Follicle Health
In a 2018 study published in The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, researchers examined the impact of resveratrol on hair follicle regeneration in mice. The study showed that resveratrol not only reduced inflammation but also promoted the growth of new hair follicles.
Topical application of resveratrol significantly improved hair regeneration in the tested subjects, indicating that resveratrol’s anti-inflammatory properties may foster a more favorable environment for hair follicle proliferation.
While this study was conducted on mice, it highlights the potential for resveratrol to stimulate hair growth by reducing inflammation and supporting follicle health.
Study 3: PGD2 Inhibition and Hair Regrowth
Although this study did not focus directly on resveratrol, research published in Science Translational Medicine identified PGD2 as a key player in androgenetic alopecia. The study found that elevated PGD2 levels in the scalp of balding men directly contributed to hair follicle miniaturization and hair loss.
Blocking the effects of PGD2 or reducing its production could offer a new approach for treating androgenetic alopecia and promoting hair regrowth.
Given resveratrol’s ability to inhibit PGD2 production through COX-2 inhibition, this study supports the idea that resveratrol could play a key role in preventing hair loss caused by elevated PGD2 levels.
How to Use Resveratrol for Hair Growth
Resveratrol can be taken as a dietary supplement or applied topically as part of a hair care routine. While human studies on resveratrol for hair growth are still in early stages, many individuals incorporate resveratrol supplements as part of an overall strategy to combat hair loss.
• Oral Supplementation: Resveratrol supplements are widely available in capsule or tablet form. Doses typically range from 200 to 500 mg per day, though it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.
• Topical Application: Some hair care products include resveratrol as an active ingredient due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Alternatively, resveratrol powder can be mixed with a carrier oil (such as coconut or jojoba oil) and applied directly to the scalp to potentially improve follicle health and reduce PGD2 production.
Resveratrol supplements ordered by price per mg
Resveratrol supplements are expensive, so this is a handy list:
NOW Natural Resveratrol 200 mg Vcaps
$0.15 per mg
$35.52
A dietary supplement with cardiovascular support, red wine extract for antioxidant benefits.
PURELY Beneficial Resveratrol 1450
$0.18 per mg
$45.00
High-potency resveratrol blend with green tea and grape seed extract for inflammation support.
Renue by Science LIPO Trans-Resveratrol
$0.20 per mg
$59.95
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Liposomal formula for maximum bioavailability, third-party tested for purity.
Garden of Life Heart Resveratrol Supplement
$0.22 per mg
$33.00
Whole-food formula with antioxidants, supporting heart health and cellular aging.
aSquared Nutrition Pure Resveratrol
$0.23 per mg
$39.99
Pure trans-resveratrol for immune and cardiovascular support, vegan formula.
NatureBell Resveratrol Supplement
$0.25 per mg
$49.99
High-potency, 1000mg per serving, non-GMO, promoting healthy aging and heart health.
BRI Nutrition Resveratrol Extra Strength
$0.26 per mg
$29.99
Extra-strength formula with green tea and acai for enhanced antioxidant effects.
Toniiq Ultra High Strength Resveratrol
$0.27 per mg
$43.99
Third-party tested, ultra-high strength with 98% pure trans-resveratrol for bioavailability.
Vital Nutrients Resveratrol 200mg
$0.30 per mg
$54.00
200mg capsules with antioxidant properties, produced in FDA-certified facilities.
Nature’s Way Resveratrol Complex
$0.32 per mg
$28.00
Combines resveratrol with red wine and Japanese knotweed extracts for potent antioxidants.
Double Wood Supplements Resveratrol
$0.35 per mg
$29.95
Trans-resveratrol capsules, gluten-free, non-GMO, made in the USA.
We Like Vitamins Resveratrol
$0.38 per mg
$33.99
Pure and potent formula with high-quality resveratrol, free from fillers.
Doctor’s Best Trans-Resveratrol
$0.40 per mg
$20.00
Promotes cardiovascular health with pure resveratrol sourced from Japanese knotweed.
Jarrow Formulas Resveratrol
$0.42 per mg
$25.00
200mg formula with antioxidants to support healthy aging.
Life Extension Optimized Resveratrol
$0.44 per mg
$24.00
Enhanced blend for longevity, with quercetin for added antioxidant support.
Conclusion
Resveratrol offers a promising natural approach to slowing hair loss and promoting hair growth by reducing inflammation, lowering oxidative stress, and regulating the production of PGD2—a key player in androgenetic alopecia. While more human studies are needed to fully confirm its effectiveness, current research indicates that resveratrol’s ability to inhibit COX-2 and reduce PGD2 levels could make it an effective supplement for individuals dealing with hair thinning or loss.
By incorporating resveratrol as part of a broader hair care and health regimen, individuals may be able to slow down hair loss and support healthier hair growth over time.
Does this apply to women too?
It would be good if you could give us a link to this item instead of waffling on about this, that and the other
Thanks for reminding me Liz. I’ve added the products now.
All the best,
Chris