Spicy findings: Mix of peppers and turmeric as effective as minoxidil in treating hair loss – study
A team based in China has found that a concoction of capsaicin, piperine, and curcumin compounds was as effective as minoxidil in treating alopecia areata.
Researchers from the Shanghai General Hospital’s department of dermatology and the Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of medicine studied the efficacy of a treatment containing capsaicin, curcumin, and piperine against minoxidil, a conventional treatment for alopecia areata.
Capsaicin, curcumin, and piperine are compounds derived from chilli peppers, turmeric and black pepper respectively.
Alopecia areata is a common condition that accounts for 25% of hair loss in patients and can occur at a range of ages. It is usually characterised as a single or several round, oval or irregular hair loss areas.