Efficacy of an Oral Ageratum Conyzoides Formulation on Increasing Hair Growth and Decreasing Hair Loss in Males and Females: A Randomised Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study

Abstract

Background Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is associated with the enzyme 5a-reductase and prostaglandin D2, both of which are increased in bald areas of the scalp. We previously demonstrated the safety and efficacy of a topical Ageratum conyzoides (A. conyzoides) formulation in improving hair growth and decreasing hair loss. Objective A follow-up 12-week double-blind, randomised clinical trial investigating the efficacy and safety of A. conyzoides extract in an oral formulation, in males and females over 18-years of age. Methods 250 mg of A. conyzoides or a placebo was supplemented daily over a 12-week period to 84 healthy males or females with hair loss. The primary outcome was hair growth assessed by measuring hair density using HairCheck®, and hairline recession. Hair loss was measured by the mean number of hairs lost in a one-minute combing test and hair/tug pull test. Other assessments included Norwood/Hamilton and Ludwig-Savin scales evaluating male and female pattern baldness, respectively. Biochemical and haematological parameters were also assessed, as change from baseline for each group. Results Twelve (12)-week daily supplementation of A. conyzoides resulted in a significant reduction in hairline recession compared to the placebo group. A trend towards significance was observed for hair density between groups, where hair density increased in the A. conyzoides group and decreased in placebo group from their respective baseline values. No significant differences were found in hair loss measures or the Norwood/Hamilton and Ludwig-Savin scales. A significant difference was found in the change from baseline for total prostaglandins between groups at week 12, with a decrease from baseline in the active group and an increase in the placebo group. In males, a significant difference in the change from baseline was seen for type-2 5a-reductase, with a decrease from baseline in the active group and increase in the placebo group. Conclusion These results demonstrate an improvement in hair growth following the 12-week oral supplementation of A. conyzoides extract., with mechanistic convergence.