Abstract

GOMEZ GRAU, E; LLADOS SEVILLA, M; MIRA, J  and  VIVANCOS, F. Effectiveness of a dietary supplement with serenoa serrulata and tocotrienol-tocopherol against female androgenetic alopecia and telogen effluvium: Report of a pilot study. Rev. argent. dermatol. [online]. 2015, vol.96, n.1, pp.43-55. ISSN 1851-300X.

Introduction: female androgenetic alopecia (FAGA) and telogen effluvium (TE) are common causes of hair loss in women. A known fact in these types of alopecia is the increased activity of 5a-reductase which reduces testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, accelerating hair cycle and shortening its duration. Serenoa serrulata is a plant species whose components have an inhibitory effect on 5a reductase. Objective: the main objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and tolerance against female alopecia of a food supplement with Serenoa serrulata extract, L-cystine, tocotrienol-tocopherol complex, iron, zinc, and vitamins H, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 and B12 administered daily for six months. Material and Methods: single-center, open-label, non-randomized, single-blind, 180-days pilot study conducted in women with FAGA or TE. The study assessed the macroscopic appearance of the hair, hair density by microphotograph, the anagen / telogen ratio (A/T) by trichogram, and the number of detached hair by combing and wash tests. Self-assessment survey of the results was performed. Results: the mean age of participants (n = 10) was 40 ± 15.5 years. FAGA and ET had an evolution of 4.5 ± two years and three months, respectively. After treatment the participants had an average increase of 6.9% in the proportion of hairs in anagen phase, and the mean A/T ratio increased to 3.3. Eighty percent or patients showed an increased capillary density at study end. After three months, all participants had a mean reduction of hair loss of 56% vs baseline. Ninety percent perceived a greater or equal amount of hair at the end of the study and 80% noticed it stronger. No adverse effects induced by treatment were observed. Conclusions: the good results of the analyzed variables suggest a therapeutic benefit against FAGA and ET. Additional research is warranted to confirm the observed data.

Keywords : Female androgenetic alopecia; Telogen effluvium; Serenoa serrulata; 5a-reductase; Tocotrienol-tocopherol.