Abstract
Objectives: Plant extracts possessing specific constituents with anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, or 5α-reductase inhibitory properties are known to provide benefits against androgenetic alopecia (AGA) in men. A solid shampoo was formulated, and it contained a mixture of six different plant extracts that possess these beneficial properties against AGA. The improvement in AGA and changes in steroid concentrations were assessed after 4 months of formulated shampoo use. Methods: This study was conducted based on a randomized, placebo-controlled, and single-blind design. Hair-related variables and hair and saliva samples were collected bi-monthly in the treatment (n=48) and placebo (n=52) groups and at a single time point in the hairy controls (n=50). Results: The formulated shampoo was more effective on AGA than the placebo based on the hair shaft thickness and hair density in the receding hairline. The baseline hair cortisol and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) concentrations were significantly higher in the treatment and placebo groups than in the hairy controls. After 4 months, the hair steroid concentrations in the treatment group were reduced to those observed in the hairy controls, although the main effect of time on hair steroid concentrations was negligible in the placebo group. Salivary cortisol and DHT levels during the post-awakening period were comparable among the groups or assessment time points. Conclusion: The constituents of plant extracts included in the formulated shampoo would prevent hair loss, increase hair growth effects, and reduce hair cortisol and DHT concentrations without changes in the post-awakening salivary steroid levels in men with AGA.
Highlights
Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common type of hair loss in adult men, and it is characterized by the progressive loss of terminal hairs with a characteristic pattern distribution [1]
Plantderived products, such as extracts and essential oils, have been traditionally used to treat alopecia, and recent human studies have observed that hair growth is promoted and hair loss is reduced in men with AGA after the topical use of plant extracts and essential oils [7,8]
The hair cortisol and DHT concentrations at t0 among the examined groups were significantly different (F2,147=9.8, p
Summary
Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common type of hair loss in adult men, and it is characterized by the progressive loss of terminal hairs with a characteristic pattern distribution [1]. The adverse effects of finasteride have led to an increasing interest in alternative remedies that can prevent and treat AGA in men. Plantderived products, such as extracts and essential oils, have been traditionally used to treat alopecia, and recent human studies have observed that hair growth is promoted and hair loss is reduced in men with AGA after the topical use of plant extracts and essential oils [7,8]. A systematic review of cell culture and animal studies has suggested that the active constituents of plant extracts and essential oils may promote hair growth and inhibit hair loss through physiological changes in hair follicles and scalp skin, including the reduction of DHT formation by inhibition of 5α-reductase activity and modulation of hair growth stimulating and inhibiting factor expression, such as insulin-like growth factor-1, fibroblast growth factor, keratinocyte growth factor, and transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) [10]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical and Clinical Research
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
