Efficacy and safety of a dietary supplement containing a lipid co-extract from Serenoa repens and Pygeum africanum for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia (AGA) in women. Results of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial

Abstract

Background: Few clinical trials have assessed the usefulness of Serenoa repens and Pygeum africanum for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Purpose: To assess the efficacy of a dietary supplement (RJ-SP4AGA) containing a lipid co-extract from Serenoa repens and Pygeum africanum in post-menopausal women with AGA. Methods: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was performed in post-menopausal women with AGA, who received RJ-SP4AGA capsules or placebo capsules (two capsules/day during 16 weeks). At baseline, after 8 and 16 weeks, a phototrichogram analysis (anagen and telogen hair), a pull test (hair resistance to traction) and tolerability assessments were performed. Results: A total of 40 Caucasian women were included, with a mean age of 58 years. After 16 weeks of treatment with RJ-SP4AGA capsules, anagen hair significantly increased and telogen hair significantly decreased (as mean %), with significant differences in comparison with placebo (p< 0.001). Hair resistance to traction also increased after 8 and 16 weeks in both groups. The RJ-SP4AGA capsules were well tolerated during treatment. Conclusions: The dietary supplement RJ-SP4AGA capsules is useful in reverting the signs of AGA in post-menopausal women.