Relative Efficacy of Conventional Monotherapies and Select Nonconventional, Over-The-Counter Products for Male Androgenetic Alopecia: A Network Meta-Analysis Study

This network meta-analysis compared the efficacy of conventional monotherapies, such as oral finasteride and topical minoxidil, with select nonconventional, over-the-counter products for male androgenetic alopecia (AGA) using data from 25 studies. The study found that dutasteride 0.5 mg (oral) was the most effective treatment, with a SUCRA value of 95.8%. Both conventional and some alternative treatments, like rosemary and saw palmetto, showed promise, though evidence quality varied. The study emphasized the need for further research to validate alternative treatments and highlighted that genetic factors might affect the response to treatments like minoxidil. Overall, dutasteride and minoxidil were particularly effective in increasing hair density.