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 ”

Nelson Prager, Karen Bickett, Nita French, Geno Marcovici

5-alpha-reductase androgenetic alopecia liposterolic extract of Serenoa repens ß-sitosterol 5AR inhibitors 5AR AGA LSESr beta-sitosterol saw palmetto

TLDR Natural 5AR inhibitors effectively improve mild to moderate hair loss in men.

This study aimed to test the effectiveness of botanically derived inhibitors of 5-alpha-reductase (5AR) in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia (AGA). The liposterolic extract of Serenoa repens (LSESr) and ß-sitosterol were tested on males between the ages of 23 and 64 years of age, in good health, with mild to moderate AGA. The results showed a highly positive response to treatment, with 60% of study subjects dosed with the active study formulation rated as improved at the final visit. This study establishes the effectiveness of naturally occurring 5AR inhibitors against AGA for the first time, and justifies the expansion to larger trials.

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Research cited in this study

4 / 4 results

research Finasteride, 1 mg (Propecia), Is the Optimal Dose for the Treatment of Men With Male Pattern Hair Loss

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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

31 citations , January 1989 in “Clinical and Experimental Dermatology”

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.

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