Encyclopedia · botanical
Green tea EGCG
EGCG, the main green tea catechin, grew human hair follicles in a dish, but there is no good human trial of it alone for hair loss.
What it is
EGCG is the most abundant polyphenol in green tea. It is sold in shampoos, serums and supplements.
How it works
EGCG promoted hair-follicle growth in cultured human follicles and papilla-cell proliferation through Erk and Akt signalling and a higher Bcl-2/Bax ratio, meaning less cell death. The paper cites earlier work suggesting selective 5-alpha-reductase inhibition (Kwon 2007).
What the studies show
- In ex vivo human follicles, cultured papilla cells and human scalp tissue, EGCG stimulated growth and proliferation. Kwon 2007
- A placebo-controlled trial of a multi-extract product (persimmon leaf, green tea and sophora fruit) exists, but it cannot isolate green tea.
How it's used in studies
Only lab concentrations have been tested. There is no verified topical dose in humans.
Side effects and safety
Topical use may cause minor irritation. High-dose oral green tea extract has been linked to liver injury in case reports, so drinking tea is fine but concentrated supplements deserve caution.
Bottom line
Weak evidence. Drinking tea is healthy but is not shown to regrow hair, and a topical EGCG product is a low-cost experiment, not a treatment. Discuss with a doctor before taking concentrated extracts.
Studies 1
Kwon OS et al. Human hair growth enhancement in vitro by green tea epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). Phytomedicine. 2007
Tested: EGCG
Result: Stimulated follicle growth and papilla-cell proliferation through Erk and Akt signalling and less cell death.
Read the study ↗Related
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