Cosmetology & Trichology ஜர்னல்

Ageratum Conyzoides L. Extract Inhibits 5α-Reductase Gene Expression and Prostaglandin D2 Release in Human Hair Dermal Papilla Cells and Improves Symptoms of Hair Loss in Otherwise Healthy Males and Females in an Open Label Pilot Study

Abstract

Paul Clayton, Ruchitha Venkatesh, Nathasha Bogoda, Silma Subah

Background: Hair loss is a debilitating condition often encountered by older adults. Common hair loss treatments such as Minoxidil and Finasteride are associated with potentially severe adverse effects. Ageratum conyzoides L., an annual herb shown to inhibit pathways associated with hair-loss is a potential safe and effective alternative treatment for hair loss. Objective: A pilot, open-label, randomized, parallel and in vitro study assessed the efficacy and safety of an Ageratum conyzoides formulation on hair loss. Methods: 28 otherwise healthy males and females over 18 years of age exhibiting pattern baldness received either a 0.5% or 1% strength A. conyzoides gel formulation to be applied topically twice per day for 8 weeks. Hair growth as measured by temporal recession distance and participants' quality of life was assessed by the Hair Distress Questionnaire. The effect of an A. conyzoides extract on gene expression of 5α-reductase and release of prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) in human Hair Dermal Papilla Cells (HHDPC) was also assessed to determine mechanisms of action. Results: Temporal recession in men reduced from 9.1 cm to 8.6 cm in the 1% group and from 8.6 to 7.5 cm in the 0.5% group. The normal distance in men without recession is between 6-6.5 cm. Among males, hair distress questionnaire scores fell by 6 and 3.6 points from baseline for the 0.5% and 1% product respectively. In the 1% treatment group, 64% of men and 100% of women reported an improvement in their hair loss symptoms. Over 65% of participants indicated a significant improvement in their hair related quality of life (p<0.05). In the in vitro study, the A. conyzoides extract significantly inhibited PGD2 release and 5 α-reductase type 1 expression in HHDPC. Conclusion: These results indicate that A. conyzoides may be an effective treatment option for facilitating hair growth and inhibiting hair loss. Abbreviations: AGA, Androgenetic Alopecia; PGDS, Prostaglandin D synthase; PGD2, Prostaglandin D2; HHDPC, Human Hair Dermal Papilla Cells; DHT, Dihydrotestosterone.