A Systematic Review on Clinical Evidence for Topical Metformin: Old Medication With New Application

December 2024 in “ Health Science Reports ”

Kimia Afshar, Sara Adibfard, Mohammad Hossein Nikbakht, Fereshte Rastegarnasab, Mahsa Pourmahdi‐Boroujeni, Bahareh Abtahi‐Naeini

topical metformin melasma hair regrowth wound healing acne vulgaris platelet-rich fibrin

This systematic review evaluates the clinical evidence for the use of topical metformin, traditionally an oral diabetes medication, in various human studies. A total of 30 articles were reviewed, focusing on its application in dentistry and dermatology. In dentistry, topical metformin has been effective in treating periodontitis, enhancing the benefits of platelet-rich fibrin for furcation-involved teeth, and improving osseointegration when used on dental implants. In dermatology, results for melasma treatment were inconsistent, but topical metformin showed promise in promoting hair regrowth, wound healing, and treating acne vulgaris, indicating its potential as a treatment option for these conditions.

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Research cited in this study

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research Treatment of Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia with Topical Metformin 10% Cream: Case Report and Literature Review

June 2024 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

Topical metformin 10% cream may help treat central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia.

research Hair Regrowth in Two Patients with Recalcitrant Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia After Use of Topical Metformin

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Topical metformin helped regrow hair in two women with a hard-to-treat scarring hair loss condition.

research Evidence-Based and Potential Benefits of Metformin in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Comprehensive Review

343 citations, December 2008 in “Endocrine Reviews”

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91 citations, November 2007 in “European journal of endocrinology”

Metformin helps with PCOS symptoms no matter the patient's initial insulin resistance or weight.

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research Melasma in Men

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