Skip to main content
Evidence-Based Supplement Research
Evidence-Based Supplement Research
Pillser
Search
Sign UpLog In

Complementary and alternative supplements: a review of dermatologic effectiveness for androgenetic alopecia.

  • 2023-12-20
  • Proceedings (Baylor University. Medical Center) 37(1)
    • Promise Ufomadu

Study Design

Type
Review
Population
adult patients experiencing AGA
Methods
A review was conducted of the effectiveness of popular complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs) in adult patients experiencing AGA. A literature search was performed for the period of 1993 to 2023 using PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Cochrane.

Background

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a dermatologic condition with no current cure. Treatments such as minoxidil have been proven to be effective; however, the side effects can be unpleasant. As a result, the utilization of natural remedies for treatment has increased over the years. There is limited scientific evidence that addresses the efficacy of these supplements in combating AGA.

Methods

A review was conducted of the effectiveness of popular complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs) in adult patients experiencing AGA. A literature search was performed for the period of 1993 to 2023 using PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Cochrane.

Results

Natural ingredients like pumpkin seed oil, saw palmetto, melatonin extract, caffeine extract, and rosemary oil were effective in treating AGA either when compared to baseline or a definite AGA Western medication, such as minoxidil. These natural agents also presented minimal side effects.

Conclusion

Certain CAMs can be promising for hair loss treatment. There is a need for more scientific research to better explore the efficacy of currently identified CAMs in treating AGA.

Research Insights

  • Pumpkin→Improved Hair Growth

    Natural ingredients like pumpkin seed oil, saw palmetto, melatonin extract, caffeine extract, and rosemary oil were effective in treating AGA either when compared to baseline or a definite AGA Western medication, such as minoxidil.

    Effect
    Beneficial
    Effect size
    Small
  • Rosemary→Improved Hair Growth

    Natural ingredients like pumpkin seed oil, saw palmetto, melatonin extract, caffeine extract, and rosemary oil were effective in treating AGA either when compared to baseline or a definite AGA Western medication, such as minoxidil.

    Effect
    Beneficial
    Effect size
    Small
  • Saw Palmetto→Improved Hair Growth

    Natural ingredients like pumpkin seed oil, saw palmetto, melatonin extract, caffeine extract, and rosemary oil were effective in treating AGA either when compared to baseline or a definite AGA Western medication, such as minoxidil.

    Effect
    Beneficial
    Effect size
    Small

Adverse Events Reported

  • Saw Palmetto→Overall tolerability

    These natural agents also presented minimal side effects.

    Finding
    Reported
  • Pumpkin→Overall tolerability

    These natural agents also presented minimal side effects.

    Finding
    Reported
  • Rosemary→Overall tolerability

    These natural agents also presented minimal side effects.

    Finding
    Reported
Back to top