Meta-Analysis on the Efficacy and Safety of Traditional Chinese Medicine as Adjuvant Therapy for Refractory Androgenetic Alopecia

October 2019 in “ Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine ”

Qiang You, Lan Li, Xiao Ma, Tian Gao, Suqin Xiong, Yu-Fen Yan, Hao Fang, Fengqing Li, Hongping Chen, Youping Liu

traditional Chinese medicine androgenetic alopecia hair growth hair thickness hair loss TCM

Studysummary This meta-analysis found that traditional Chinese medicine may be an effective and safe adjuvant therapy for androgenetic alopecia, improving efficacy rates and symptom scores compared to conventional medicine.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

This document is a meta-analysis of various studies on the efficacy and safety of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) as adjuvant therapy for refractory androgenetic alopecia. The meta-analysis found that TCM can improve hair growth and thickness, and reduce hair loss in patients with androgenetic alopecia. However, the quality of the studies varied, and more high-quality studies are needed to confirm the effectiveness of TCM for this condition. Overall, TCM may be a safe and effective complementary therapy for androgenetic alopecia.

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Research cited in this study

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A Randomized, Double-Blind Controlled Study of the Efficacy and Safety of Topical Solution of 0.25% Finasteride Admixed with 3% Minoxidil vs. 3% Minoxidil Solution in the Treatment of Male Androgenetic Alopecia

research A Randomized, Double-Blind Controlled Study of the Efficacy and Safety of Topical Solution of 0.25% Finasteride Admixed with 3% Minoxidil vs. 3% Minoxidil Solution in the Treatment of Male Androgenetic Alopecia

43 citations , July 2018 in “Journal of The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

This study found that a topical solution combining 0.25% finasteride with 3% minoxidil significantly improved hair growth, as measured by hair density, diameter, and global assessment, in men with androgenetic alopecia, compared to 3% minoxidil alone, over 24 weeks without systemic adverse effects reported.

Hair Growth Effect of Traditional Chinese Medicine BeauTop on Androgenetic Alopecia Patients: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

research Hair Growth Effect of Traditional Chinese Medicine BeauTop on Androgenetic Alopecia Patients: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

5 citations , November 2016 in “Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine”

In this study, BeauTop treatment significantly increased hair growth in people with androgenetic alopecia compared to placebo, showing effectiveness without adverse reactions.

Superiority of Dutasteride Over Finasteride in Hair Regrowth and Reversal of Miniaturization in Men With Androgenetic Alopecia: A Randomized Controlled Open-Label, Evaluator-Blinded Study

research Superiority of Dutasteride Over Finasteride in Hair Regrowth and Reversal of Miniaturization in Men With Androgenetic Alopecia: A Randomized Controlled Open-Label, Evaluator-Blinded Study

33 citations , August 2016 in “Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology”

In this study of men with androgenetic alopecia, dutasteride was shown to be more effective than finasteride in increasing hair count and reversing hair miniaturization over 24 weeks, with both treatments displaying similar side effect profiles.

Effects of a Novel Finasteride 0.25% Topical Solution on Scalp and Serum Dihydrotestosterone in Healthy Men with Androgenetic Alopecia

research Effects of a Novel Finasteride 0.25% Topical Solution on Scalp and Serum Dihydrotestosterone in Healthy Men with Androgenetic Alopecia

42 citations , December 2015 in “International Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics”

This study found that applying a novel 0.25% finasteride solution to the scalp can effectively reduce scalp DHT levels in men with androgenetic alopecia, potentially reducing systemic side-effects.

Combined Treatment with Oral Finasteride and Topical Minoxidil in Male Androgenetic Alopecia: A Randomized and Comparative Study in Chinese Patients

research Combined Treatment with Oral Finasteride and Topical Minoxidil in Male Androgenetic Alopecia: A Randomized and Comparative Study in Chinese Patients

32 citations , June 2015 in “Dermatologic Therapy”

In this study, finasteride was found to be more effective than 5% minoxidil for treating male androgenetic alopecia in Chinese patients, with combination therapy showing the greatest improvement.

research Androgenetic Alopecia

18 citations , February 2014 in “PubMed”

This article reviews current diagnostic and treatment approaches for androgenetic alopecia but reports no new results, focusing on its progression and medical management options.

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research A Randomized, Active- and Placebo-Controlled Study of the Efficacy and Safety of Different Doses of Dutasteride Versus Placebo and Finasteride in the Treatment of Male Subjects with Androgenetic Alopecia

97 citations , January 2014 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This study found that dutasteride increased hair growth and restoration in men with androgenetic alopecia more effectively than finasteride and was well tolerated over 24 weeks.

research Androgenetic Alopecia: An Update

88 citations , January 2013 in “Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology”

This article reviews recent advancements in understanding and treating androgenetic alopecia, focusing on new genetic insights, stem cell roles, and diagnostic tools, without reporting new clinical results.

research Steady-State Pharmacokinetics of Oral Testosterone Undecanoate with Concomitant Inhibition of 5α-Reductase by Finasteride

10 citations , October 2010 in “International Journal of Andrology”

In this study, co-administration of finasteride with oral testosterone undecanoate in young men with induced hypogonadism had no significant effect on serum testosterone or dihydrotestosterone levels, likely due to TU's unique absorption route.

A Multicenter, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Clinical Trial of a Novel Formulation of 5% Minoxidil Topical Foam Versus Placebo in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Men

research A Multicenter, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Clinical Trial of a Novel Formulation of 5% Minoxidil Topical Foam Versus Placebo in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Men

142 citations , August 2007 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This study found that a new 5% minoxidil foam formulation significantly increased hair counts and improved hair loss condition in men with androgenetic alopecia over 16 weeks compared to placebo.

research Finasteride Induced Depression: A Prospective Study

99 citations , October 2006 in “BMC clinical pharmacology”

This preliminary study suggests that finasteride might cause depressive symptoms, indicating the need for cautious prescription in patients at high risk for depression.

research Finasteride in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia

62 citations , April 2004 in “Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy”

This article reviews the use of finasteride for treating male pattern hair loss, highlighting its mechanism of action in reducing DHT and noting its safety profile with some common adverse effects.

research A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial of 5% and 2% Topical Minoxidil Solutions in the Treatment of Female Pattern Hair Loss

219 citations , March 2004 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

In this 48-week trial, 5% topical minoxidil was more effective than both 2% minoxidil and placebo in promoting hair growth in women with female pattern hair loss, with notable improvements in nonvellus hair count and hair growth assessments.

research Finasteride in the Treatment of Alopecia

1 citations , January 2004 in “Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy”

This paper reviews finasteride's role and efficacy in treating male pattern hair loss, finding significant improvements in hair growth and density with a favorable safety profile, though some side effects were noted.

A Randomized Clinical Trial of 5% Topical Minoxidil Versus 2% Topical Minoxidil and Placebo in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Men

research A Randomized Clinical Trial of 5% Topical Minoxidil Versus 2% Topical Minoxidil and Placebo in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Men

269 citations , August 2002 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This study found that 5% topical minoxidil significantly increased hair regrowth and improved psychosocial perceptions of hair loss in men with androgenetic alopecia compared to 2% topical minoxidil and placebo over 48 weeks.

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123 citations , February 2002 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Minoxidil can cause skin allergy; use alternative solvents or treatments if allergic.

research Hair Regrowth

118 citations , April 1998 in “Dermatologic Clinics”

This review discusses the advancements in understanding and treating androgenetic alopecia and alopecia areata but reports no clinical findings; the authors emphasize the need for further research on molecular control mechanisms.

research Contact Dermatitis in Reaction to 2% Topical Minoxidil Solution

23 citations , April 1991 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Minoxidil solution can cause skin irritation and allergies in some users.