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.
15 citations,
August 1999 in “Archives of Dermatology” 25 citations,
July 1994 in “Journal of dermatological science” Testosterone affects hair follicles differently across body sites, with beard hair follicles showing more activity of a specific enzyme and presence of androgen receptors compared to scalp hair.
55 citations,
March 1990 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism” Finasteride may treat baldness but less effective for those with 5α-reductase deficiency.
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.
15 citations,
November 2015 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology” Botanicals like green tea extract show potential for hair growth, but more research is needed.
June 2001 in “International Journal of Cosmetic Surgery and Aesthetic Dermatology” Finasteride improves hair growth in men with androgenetic alopecia.
47 citations,
August 2016 in “Fitoterapia” Some herbs and their components might help treat hair loss by affecting various biological pathways, but more research and regulation are needed.
6 citations,
June 2011 in “Pharmacognosy Journal” Many products for hair re-growth exist, but a perfect treatment without side effects has not yet been found.
3 citations,
November 2018 in “Journal of cellular physiology” Serenoa repens and N-acetyl glucosamine/milk proteins complex may help with hair growth and prevent hair loss.
