Major Research Findings

Moringa oleifera Lam. is a plant that has been used for its therapeutic benefits in the Ayurvedic and Unani medical systems for centuries. 3 Recent research has shown that Moringa seed extract can reduce fat intake in healthy volunteers. 1 Moringa has been shown to have a variety of beneficial effects on the skin, including antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-atopic dermatitis, antipsoriatic, wound healing, herpes simplex virus treatment, photoprotective, and UV protective effects. 3 It is also used in a range of cosmeceuticals as a moisturizer, conditioner, hair growth promoter, cleanser, anti-wrinkle, anti-aging, anti-acne, scar removal, pigmentation control, and for skin infections, sores, and sweating. 3

Cold atmospheric microwave plasma (CAMP) has been shown to promote hair regeneration. 4 CAMP has been shown to stimulate dermal papilla cell proliferation and activate the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. 4 CAMP has also been shown to promote the interaction between dermal papilla cells and keratinocytes. 4

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has emerged as an effective autologous treatment for female androgenetic alopecia (F-AGA) in regenerative plastic surgery. 5 PRP has been shown to be effective for F-AGA compared to control groups. 5 PRP is considered a safe and effective alternative treatment for hair loss compared to Minoxidil and Finasteride. 13

PRP has been shown to be effective not only for AGA treatment but also for facial aesthetic improvement. 14 PRP showed increased hair density in AGA patients compared to placebo groups. 14 PRP is considered to be effective in treating acne scars and burns, in addition to conventional treatments. 14

Ozonated olive oil has been shown to be effective for lice removal. 6 Ozone has been suggested to have insecticidal effects on lice. 6

Conditioned media from umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stromal cells have been shown to be effective for hair regeneration. 7 Regenerative medicine may offer a non-drug, non-steroid, and non-invasive alternative to address male and female pattern hair loss, a global concern. 7

Introducing NIR-sensitive molecules into drug carriers can enhance the permeability of endosomes and endolysosomes, facilitating drug uptake into cells. 8 A nanosystem that induces endolysosomal escape with low cytotoxicity can be developed by mixing soybean phosphatides with IR-820, a NIR-sensitive molecule. 8

Cortisol in human nails can serve as a retrospective biomarker of chronic stress. 9 Cortisol in nails has been shown to correlate with saliva and hair. 9 While nail cortisol may be a potential biomarker of chronic stress, further research is needed. 9

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is triggered by male hormones (androgens). 10 AGA is caused by genetic predisposition and increased androgen levels. 10 Treatments such as Finasteride and Minoxidil are effective for AGA, but they come with side effects. 10 Topical formulations and natural products (nutrients, minerals, vitamins) are widely used to treat AGA to avoid systemic side effects of oral medications. 10

The envelope following response (EFR) has been proposed as a non-invasive marker of synaptopathy in animal models. 11 The amplitude of EFR is affected by the spread of basilar-membrane excitation and other coexisting sensorineural hearing deficits. 11 A derived-band EFR (DBEFR) technique has been introduced to improve the frequency specificity of EFR. 11 DBEFR has the potential to be a marker of sensorineural hearing loss. 11

Dietary supplements such as zinc, biotin, vitamin D, nicotinamide, and Polypodium are commonly recommended by dermatologists for treating skin, hair, and nail disorders. 12 The evidence for the safety and efficacy of these supplements is limited. 12 Nicotinamide has been shown to be effective in preventing nonmelanoma skin cancers. 12 Vitamin D may play a role in decreasing melanoma risk and progression in some individuals. 12 Polypodium may have a photoprotective effect. 12 Further research is needed to determine the safety and efficacy of dietary supplements. 12

Fenugreek is a traditional herbal medicine that has been used for centuries to treat hyperglycemia, muscle spasms, gastritis, constipation, edema, and other metabolic disorders. 2 Fenugreek has been shown to have lipid-lowering effects. 2

Benefits and Risks

Benefit Summary

Moringa has the potential to positively impact the health of the skin, hair, and nails. 3 Moringa has been shown to have a variety of beneficial effects on the skin, including antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-atopic dermatitis, antipsoriatic, wound healing, herpes simplex virus treatment, photoprotective, and UV protective effects. 3 It is also used in a range of cosmeceuticals as a moisturizer, conditioner, hair growth promoter, cleanser, anti-wrinkle, anti-aging, anti-acne, scar removal, pigmentation control, and for skin infections, sores, and sweating. 3

PRP has been shown to be effective not only for AGA treatment but also for facial aesthetic improvement. 14 PRP showed increased hair density in AGA patients compared to placebo groups. 14 PRP is considered to be effective in treating acne scars and burns, in addition to conventional treatments. 14

Risk Summary

Moringa is generally considered a safe herb, but there are potential side effects. 3 It's important for pregnant and breastfeeding women, individuals with certain medical conditions, and those taking medications to consult a doctor before using Moringa. 3

PRP is generally considered a safe treatment, but there are potential side effects. 14 PRP poses risks such as bleeding and infection. 14 PRP should be administered under the guidance of a doctor. 14

Comparison Between Studies

Commonalities Among Studies

Treatments like Moringa, PRP, and CAMP have been shown to be effective for hair regeneration and skin health. 3 4 14 These treatments may provide alternative options to conventional treatments. 3 4 14

Differences Among Studies

Moringa, PRP, and CAMP each exert their effects through distinct mechanisms, and the extent of their effects varies. 3 4 14 Moringa derives its effects from plant-based compounds. 3 PRP's effects are attributed to growth factors released from platelets. 14 CAMP's effects are driven by plasma-activated molecules. 4

Consistency and Inconsistencies in Findings

Moringa, PRP, and CAMP each exert their effects through distinct mechanisms, and the extent of their effects varies. 3 4 14 Further research is needed. 3 4 14

Cautions for Real-World Application

Moringa, PRP, and CAMP treatments vary in their mechanisms and effectiveness. 3 4 14 These treatments should be administered under the guidance of a doctor. 3 4 14

Limitations of Current Research

Research on Moringa, PRP, and CAMP treatments is still in its early stages. 3 4 14 Further research is needed. 3 4 14

Future Research Directions

Further research on Moringa, PRP, and CAMP treatments is required. 3 4 14 Large-scale clinical trials are necessary to validate the safety and efficacy of these treatments. 3 4 14

Conclusion

Moringa, PRP, and CAMP treatments show potential for hair regeneration and skin health. 3 4 14 These treatments may offer alternative options to conventional treatments, but further research is needed. 3 4 14