Paul Clayton*, Ruchitha Venkatesh, Shama, Nathasha Bogoda, Silma Subah and Amanda Rao
Background: Alopecia affects both males and females and can cause significant psychological distress. Ageratum conyzoides, traditionally used to treat a multitude of conditions including skin disorders, gastrointestinal problems, headache and pneumonia, has been also found to have good efficacy in increasing hair growth and decreasing hair loss. Importantly, its good safety profile makes it advantageous over the current drug treatments for hair loss; Finasteride and Minoxidil, both of which are associated with adverse effects.
Objective: A 12-week double-blind, randomised, clinical trial investigated the efficacy and safety of a topical application of A. conyzoides in males and females over 18 years of age.
Methods: A. conyzoides topical gel of 0.5% strength was administered daily for 12 weeks to 80 otherwise healthy males and females over 18 years of age who self-reported hair loss. Hair growth was assessed by measuring hair density using HairCheck® and calculating the Hair Loss Ratio (HLR). Hair loss was assessed by the mean number of hairs lost during a one-minute combing test and a hair tugs or pull test. Other hair measures included the Hamilton-Norwood scale for men and Savin scale for women. Participants' quality of life was evaluated by self-assessment questionnaires. Biochemical and haematological parameters were also assessed.
Results: Our study found a significant increase in hair density and significant decrease in HLR following topical application of A. conyzoides. At 12 weeks, hair density in the A. conyzoides treated group was significantly higher and HLR was significantly lower than the placebo group. No significant changes were found in the one-minute combing test or hair pull test or assessment by the Hamilton-Norwood and Savin hair loss scales. Quality of life measures and biochemical and haematological parameters showed no significant changes throughout the study.
Conclusion: The results from our study demonstrate a net increase in hair growth following topical application of A. conyzoides.
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