Efficacy of an Oral Ageratum Conyzoides Formulation on Increasing Hair Growth and Decreasing Hair Loss in Males and Females: A Randomised Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study.
Androgenetic alopecia is a partially genetically predetermined and progressive form of hair loss
that affects approximately 50% of men and women. In men this occurs largely
after puberty, the majority of women affected by female-pattern
baldness have reached menopause.
While chronic inflammatory stress may facilitate androgenic
alopecia, AGA is largely driven by the androgen dihydrotestosterone. Both DHT,
and the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone to DHT, 5α-reductase, are increased in the bald scalp.
Also elevated in bald scalp are prostaglandin D2 synthase
and its enzymatic product, prostaglandin
D2, indicating a relationship between hair loss and these components.
Hair loss can cause significant psychological distress to those affected and many seek
treatment to address it. The most commonly available topical treatments for AGA,
Finasteride and Minoxidil, are also available in oral
formulations which offer convenience but are generally less effective.
Finasteride is a type 2 5α-reductase inhibitor which reduces the conversion of testosterone
to DHT, thereby lowering levels of DHT in the scalp. While the mechanism of action of Minoxidil is
still largely unclear, it is
thought enhance hair cycling by shortening the telogen or resting phase of hair growth and
prolonging the anagen or active growth phase. Finasteride and Minoxidil have shown success as hair loss
treatments, but both are associated with adverse effects which constrain their long-term oral use.
Trichol Cosmetol Open J. 2023; 6(1): 1-6. doi: 10.17140/TCOJ-6-119
