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Review
. 2023 Dec 20;37(1):111-117.
doi: 10.1080/08998280.2023.2263829. eCollection 2024.

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

Promise Ufomadu  1
Affiliations
Review

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

Promise Ufomadu. Proc (Bayl Univ Med Cent). .

Abstract

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.

Keywords: Androgenetic alopecia; baldness; caffeine; hair; hair loss; melanin; pumpkin seed oil; rosemary; saw palmetto.

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Conflict of interest statement

The author reports no funding or conflicts of interest.

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