rct
    2012

    Comparitive effectiveness of finasteride vs Serenoa repens in male androgenetic alopecia: a two-year study

    Rossi A

    Published in International Journal of Immunopathology and Pharmacology

    Methodology

    Two-year randomized comparative trial of Serenoa repens 320 mg/day versus finasteride 1 mg/day in men with mild-to-moderate androgenetic alopecia, assessed by investigator global photographic scoring.

    Key Findings

    Over two years, 38% of men taking Serenoa repens showed increased hair growth versus 68% of those taking finasteride; finasteride was more effective overall, particularly in more advanced androgenetic alopecia, while saw palmetto helped mainly milder cases.

    Conclusions

    38% of patients treated with Serenoa repens had an increase in hair growth, while 68% of those treated with finasteride noted an improvement.

    Limitations

    No placebo arm, subjective photographic assessment without standardised hair counts, limited blinding, and modest sample (n=100) across severity strata.

    Supplements Studied

    38% of patients treated with Serenoa repens had an increase in hair growth, while 68% of those treated with finasteride noted an improvement.

    Outcomes Measured

    Finasteride confirmed its efficacy.

    Finasteride acts in both the front area and the vertex, while Serenoa repens prevalently in the vertex.

    Only 38% of patients treated with Serenoa repens had an increase in hair growth, while 68% of those treated with finasteride noted an improvement.

    Over two years, 38% of men taking Serenoa repens showed increased hair growth versus 68% of those taking finasteride; finasteride was more effective overall, particularly in more advanced androgenetic alopecia, while saw palmetto helped mainly milder cases.

    Over two years, 38% of men taking Serenoa repens showed increased hair growth versus 68% of those taking finasteride; finasteride was more effective overall, particularly in more advanced androgenetic alopecia, while saw palmetto helped mainly milder cases.

    Related Health Concerns

    Study Details

    Year:2012
    Sample Size:100
    Duration:104 weeks
    Quality Score:5/10

    This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.