Treatment of male androgenetic alopecia with topical products containing Serenoa repens extract
Wessagowit V, Tangjaturonrusamee C, Kootiratrakarn T
Published in Australasian Journal of Dermatology
Methodology
Pilot, prospective, open, within-subject comparison of topical Serenoa repens products over 24 weeks in men aged 20-50 with androgenetic alopecia; no placebo control
Key Findings
Average total and terminal hair counts increased at weeks 12 and 24 versus baseline, with gains levelling off after the concentrated product was stopped at week 4; side effects were limited.
Conclusions
Topical Serenoa repens may be an alternative for men who cannot tolerate standard 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, but the evidence is preliminary.
Limitations
Open-label pilot without placebo or randomised control group, small sample, short duration, and topical rather than oral administration.
Supplements Studied
The average hair count and terminal hair count increased at weeks 12 and 24 compared to baseline
Outcomes Measured
The average hair count and terminal hair count increased at weeks 12 and 24 compared to baseline. Some of these positive results levelled off at week 24
Study Details
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Disclosures
Funding
Not reported
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