Scalp Acupoint Catgut Embedding Combined With Topical 5% Minoxidil Tincture to Improve Male Androgenetic Alopecia: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

The study protocol describes a randomized controlled trial to assess the efficacy and safety of combining scalp acupoint catgut embedding (ACE) with topical 5% minoxidil tincture for treating male androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Seventy male participants will be randomly assigned to either the ACE group or a sham control group, both using minoxidil, over 24 weeks. The primary outcome is the change in target area hair count (TAHC). The trial aims to provide evidence for ACE's potential benefits in AGA treatment, addressing the lack of clinical research in this area. Limitations include its single-centre design and absence of a control group receiving established treatments.