Improvement of Alopecia and Decreases in Hair Cortisol and Dihydrotestosterone Concentrations After the Topical Use of Plant Extracts in Men With Androgenetic Alopecia

The study, a randomized, placebo-controlled, single-blind trial with 48 men in the treatment group and 52 in the placebo group, found that a solid shampoo containing six plant extracts significantly improved hair shaft thickness and hair density in men with androgenetic alopecia (AGA). After 4 months, hair cortisol and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) concentrations in the treatment group were reduced to control levels, while salivary cortisol and DHT levels remained unchanged. The findings suggested that the plant extracts could prevent hair loss, promote hair growth, and reduce hair cortisol and DHT concentrations without affecting salivary steroid levels.