if any1 has access to this study can u please post it?
Mark M
Prager N. Bickett K. French N. Marcovici G.
Title
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to determine the
effectiveness of botanically derived inhibitors of 5-alpha-reductase
in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia
Source
Journal of Alternative & Complementary Medicine. 8(2):143-152, 2002
Apr.
Abstract
Background: Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is characterized by the
structural miniaturization of androgen-sensitive hair follicles in
susceptible individuals and is anatomically defined within a given
pattern of the scalp. Biochemically, one contributing factor of this
disorder is the conversion of testosterone (T) to dihydrotestosterone
(DHT) via the enzyme 5-alpha reductase (5AR). This metabolism is also
key to the onset and progression of benign prostatic hyperplasia
(BPH). Furthermore, AGA has also been shown to be responsive to drugs
and agents used to treat BPH. Of note, certain botanical compounds
have previously demonstrated efficacy against BPH. Here, we report the
first example of a placebo-controlled, double-blind study undertaken
in order to examine the benefit of these botanical substances in the
treatment of AGA.
Objectives: The goal of this study was to test botanically derived 5AR
inhibitors, specifically the liposterolic extract of Serenoa repens
(LSESr) and beta-sitosterol, in the treatment of AGA.
Subjects: Included in this study were males between the ages of 23 and
64 years of age, in good health, with mild to moderate AGA.
Results: The results of this pilot study showed a highly positive
response to treatment. The blinded investigative staff assessment
report showed that 60% of (6/10) study subjects dosed with the active
study formulation were rated as improved at the final visit.
Conclusions: This study establishes the effectiveness of naturally
occurring 5AR inhibitors against AGA for the first time, and justifies
the expansion to larger trials. [References: 31]
Publication Type
Article