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

TLDR Chinese medicine may help hair growth and reduce hair loss in androgenetic alopecia.

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 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 , December 2018 in “Journal of The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

Finasteride and minoxidil mix works better for hair growth than minoxidil alone, with similar safety.

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 , January 2017 in “Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology”

Dutasteride is more effective than finasteride at increasing hair count and reversing hair thinning in men with hair loss, but both have similar side effects.

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

5 citations , January 2017 in “Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine”

BeauTop improves hair growth in androgenetic alopecia patients.

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

42 citations , January 2016 in “International Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics”

The 0.25% finasteride solution, when applied once a day, effectively reduces scalp DHT, potentially minimizing sexual side-effects linked to a systemic DHT reduction.

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

32 citations , September 2015 in “Dermatologic Therapy”

Finasteride and minoxidil together work best for male hair loss.

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 , March 2014 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Dutasteride 0.5 mg works better than finasteride and placebo for increasing hair in men with hair loss.

research Androgenetic Alopecia

18 citations , February 2014 in “PubMed”

Androgenetic alopecia is a common hair loss condition caused by testosterone effects on hair follicles, leading to thinner, shorter, and less pigmented hair, diagnosed using scalp dermoscopy and treated with topical minoxidil, antiandrogen agents, and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors.

research Androgenetic Alopecia: An Update

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

Minoxidil and finasteride effectively treat hair loss.

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

10 citations , December 2011 in “International Journal of Andrology”

Finasteride doesn't affect oral testosterone undecanoate, and high DHT levels may cause acne, prostate issues, and hair loss.

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 , November 2007 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

New 5% minoxidil foam effectively promotes hair growth and is safe for use.

research Finasteride Induced Depression: A Prospective Study

99 citations , October 2006 in “BMC clinical pharmacology”

Finasteride may cause slight depression and anxiety.

research Finasteride in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia

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

Finasteride effectively treats male pattern baldness, improving hair growth and density.

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

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

5% and 2% minoxidil solutions effectively promote hair growth and reduce hair loss, with 5% being slightly more effective but having more side effects.

research Finasteride in the Treatment of Alopecia

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

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 , September 2002 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

5% minoxidil works better for hair growth and density, with minor irritation.

research Allergic Contact Dermatitis to Topical Minoxidil Solution: Etiology and Treatment

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”

Finasteride and minoxidil are effective for hair regrowth, while treatments for alopecia areata have varying success and continuous treatment is necessary.

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.