Curcuma Aeruginosa, A Novel Botanically Derived 5α-Reductase Inhibitor In The Treatment Of Male-Pattern Baldness: A Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study

The study, conducted on 87 men with androgenetic alopecia, assessed the effectiveness of a 5% hexane extract of Curcuma aeruginosa, a plant-derived 5α-reductase inhibitor, against male-pattern baldness. Participants were randomized to receive either the extract, 5% minoxidil, a combination of both, or a placebo, applied twice daily for 6 months. The combination treatment showed statistically significant improvements in hair count, global photographic review, and participant assessments of hair regrowth and shedding compared to the placebo. The study concluded that the combination of C. aeruginosa extract and minoxidil was effective in slowing hair loss and promoting hair growth, with no serious adverse events reported. However, the study had limitations such as a small sample size and did not evaluate hair weight and diameter. Further research was recommended to investigate different doses and formulations.