What it is

Red ginseng is steamed, dried Panax ginseng root. Hair products use extracts, oil or ginsenosides.

How it works

Topical red ginseng oil moved mouse follicles from rest into growth and raised follicle density, with linoleic acid and beta-sitosterol appearing to contribute (Truong 2021). Other lab and mouse work suggests ginseng compounds inhibit 5-alpha-reductase and protect follicles from chemotherapy-induced early catagen, but those papers were not checked in full.

What the studies show

In mice, 21 days of topical red ginseng oil produced early anagen and higher follicle density. Truong 2021
In the only human trial, a 24-week blend of biochanin A, acetyl tetrapeptide-3 and ginseng gave a terminal hair gain of 8.3% versus 8.7% with 3% minoxidil in 32 people. Ginseng's own contribution cannot be isolated, and there was no placebo arm. Lueangarun 2020

How it's used in studies

Mouse studies applied it topically. The one human trial used a multi-ingredient solution twice daily.

Side effects and safety

Topical use rarely causes problems. Oral ginseng can interact with blood thinners and diabetes medicines and may cause insomnia, so ask a pharmacist.

Bottom line

Weak evidence: interesting animal data but no human proof for ginseng alone. Discuss with a doctor before taking it by mouth, especially with other medicines.

Studies 2

Truong VL et al. Red ginseng oil promotes hair growth and protects skin against UVC radiation. J Ginseng Res. 2021

Design: animal
Duration: 21 days
Who: mice

Tested: topical red ginseng oil

Result: Moved follicles from rest into early anagen and raised follicle density.

Read the study ↗

Lueangarun S, Panchaprateep R. An herbal extract combination (biochanin A, acetyl tetrapeptide-3, and ginseng extracts) versus 3% minoxidil solution for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia: a 24-week prospective, randomized, triple-blind, controlled trial. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2020

Design: rct
People: 32
Duration: 24 weeks
Who: men and women with mild to moderate androgenetic alopecia

Tested: 1 mL twice daily of biochanin A, acetyl tetrapeptide-3 and ginseng blend vs 3% minoxidil, no placebo arm

Result: Terminal hair count rose 8.3% with the blend vs 8.7% with minoxidil, no significant difference; no local reactions with the blend, one eczema case with minoxidil.