A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial to Determine the Effectiveness of Botanically Derived Inhibitors of 5-Alpha-Reductase in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia
April 2002
in “Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine”
TLDR Plant extracts effectively reduce hair loss and increase growth, offering a safe alternative treatment.
A study conducted 21 years ago aimed to test the effectiveness of botanically derived inhibitors of 5-alpha-reductase (5AR) in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia (AGA). The study focused on two plant extracts, LSESr and ß-sitosterol, which have been shown to inhibit key hormonal processes associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The study included males between 23 and 64 years of age with mild-to-moderate AGA. The results showed that the botanically derived inhibitors were effective in reducing hair loss and increasing hair growth, with no significant adverse effects. The study suggests that these plant extracts may offer a safe and effective alternative to pharmaceutical agents for the treatment of AGA.
View this study on liebertpub.com →
Cited in this study
research Finasteride, 1 mg (Propecia), Is the Optimal Dose for the Treatment of Men With Male Pattern Hair Loss
research Mechanism of action of androgen in hair follicles
research C19and C215β/5αMetabolite Ratios in Subjects Treated with the 5α-Reductase Inhibitor Finasteride: Comparison of Male Pseudohermaphrodites with Inherited 5α-Reductase Deficiency*
Finasteride may treat baldness but less effective for those with 5α-reductase deficiency.
research Quantitative assessment of 2% topical minoxidil in the treatment of male pattern baldness
The study tested a hair treatment and found it can help grow hair, but won't stop baldness. It's safe and works well, but needs more testing.
Related
research A Risk-Benefit Assessment of Treatment with Finasteride in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
research FINASTERIDE INHIBITS 5?-REDUCTASE ACTIVITY IN HUMAN DERMAL FIBROBLASTS: PREDICTION OF ITS THERAPEUTIC APPLICATION IN ANDROGEN-RELATED SKIN DISEASES
Finasteride helps treat skin issues like acne and baldness by blocking testosterone conversion.
research Effect of finasteride, a 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor, on serum gonadotropins in normal men.
Finasteride doesn't affect hormone levels in normal men.