The effect of an oral product containing Amla fruit (Phyllanthus emblica L.) on female androgenetic alopecia: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Ethnopharmacological relevanceAmla (Phyllanthus emblica) fruit has been emphasized as a hair tonic in Traditional Persian Medicine (TPM) and recommended for hair loss orally and topically. Aim of the studyThis study aimed to investigate the effect of an oral product containing Amla fruit on Female Androgenetic Alopecia (FAGA). Materials and methodsThis study was a triple-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial. Sixty women with FAGA were randomly assigned into two groups of thirty. The intervention group received ten cc Amla syrup thrice a day for 12 weeks. The second group received a placebo with the same dose and duration. Hair growth parameters were analyzed using TrichoScan before and after 12 weeks of intervention. Physician and patient satisfaction were assessed using the CGI-I and PGI-I questionnaires, respectively. ResultsTwenty-seven participants in the intervention group and 25 in the placebo group completed the trial. Based on our findings, the anagen-to-telogen ratio increased significantly in the intervention group compared with the group who received placebo (F = 10.4, P = 0.002). Physician and patient satisfaction increased in the amla group compared with placebo at 12th weeks of intervention (P<0.001), (P<0.001). The formula had no remarkable side effects. Only one case of mild constipation was reported in one of the participants after one month of consuming Amla syrup. ConclusionThe results of this study demonstrated that Amla syrup could help treat androgenic hair loss in women and increase the anagen phase. Further studies are needed to evaluate this potential treatment for FAGA.