Curcuma aeruginosa, a novel botanically derived 5α-reductase inhibitor in the treatment of male-pattern baldness: a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

• Published in: The Journal of dermatological treatment Vol. 23; no. 5; pp. 385 - 392
• Main Authors: Pumthong, Ganniga, Asawanonda, Pravit, Varothai, Supenya, Jariyasethavong, Vorapicha, Triwongwaranat, Daranporn, Suthipinittharm, Puan, Ingkaninan, Kornkanok, Leelapornpisit, Pimporn, Waranuch, Neti
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oslo Informa Healthcare USA on behalf of Informa UK Ltd 01.10.2012; Taylor & Francis
• Subjects: 5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors - therapeutic use; 5α-reductase inhibitor; Adult; alopecia; Alopecia - drug therapy; Biological and medical sciences; Curcuma; Curcuma aeruginosa; Dermatology; Double-Blind Method; Drug Therapy, Combination; Hair and nails disorders; Humans; Male; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; minoxidil; Minoxidil - therapeutic use; pattern baldness; Phytotherapy; Plant Extracts - therapeutic use; Vasodilator Agents - therapeutic use; Young Adult; Human; Monocotyledones; Skin disease; Vasodilator agent; Male; Minoxidil; Curcuma aeruginosa; Hair (head); pattern baldness; Treatment; alopecia; Scalp; Angiospermae; Piperidine derivatives; Placebo; Double blind study; Antihypertensive agent; Spermatophyta; Curcuma; 5α-reductase inhibitor; Androgenetic alopecia; Zingiberaceae
• ISSN: 0954-6634; 1471-1753; 1471-1753
• DOI: 10.3109/09546634.2011.568470

Abstract Background: Several botanically derived agents are available for the treatment of male-pattern baldness. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of 5% hexane extract of Curcuma aeruginosa, a botanically derived inhibitor of 5α-reductase and 5% minoxidil in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia. Methods: Eighty-seven men with androgenetic alopecia (AGA) were randomized to receive 5% Curcuma aeruginosa, 5% minoxidil, combination formulation (5% hexane extract of Curcuma aeruginosa + 5% minoxidil) or placebo, twice daily for 6 months. Efficacy was assessed by target area hair count, global photographic review as well as patients' subjective assessments of hair regrowth and hair shedding. Results: There were statistically significant improvements in global photographic review (p < 0.001), subjects' overall assessments of hair regrowth (p = 0.008), and hair shedding (p = 0.004) when the combination formulation was compared with placebo. Similarly, treatment with 5% minoxidil and 5% C. aeruginosa extract also led to some degrees of hair regrowth. There were no serious adverse events during and after the study. Conclusion: In men with hair loss in the vertex area of the scalp, the combination of 5% hexane extract of C. aeruginosa and 5% minoxidil slowed hair loss and increased hair growth.