Saw Palmetto For Androgenetic Alopecia Treatment

Androgenetic alopecia is the most common kind of alopecia, which is caused by the effects of testosterone on the hair and the progressive miniaturisation of the hair follicles through receptors whose number and activity are genetically determined. Seborrhea, fatty pityriasis, and other androgen-related conditions happen simultaneously with the ageing and gradual miniaturisation of hair caused by dihydrotestosterone. However, some reasons accelerate or worsen the evolution of AGA. Irritant capillary dermatitis, capillary dermatoses of different kinds, states of anxiety, stress, deficiencies (iron deficiency anaemia, low protein diets), endocrine alterations, and menopause... are situations that tend to aggravate and reveal a situation of mass loss. The assessment of AGA states follows the criteria of the Hamilton-Norwood scale and the Ludwig scale. Additionally, the study used Trichogram, phototricogram, Sebometer, Corneometer (hydration) of the scalp. We present a prospective study in a cohort of 20 patients affected by AGA, who followed oral and topical treatment with saw palmetto over 6 months. A package of saw palmetto gelatinous capsules, a shampoo, and a hair lotion are given to each patient when they are admitted. After 30, 90, and 180 days of treatment, the patients were seen, photographed, and assessed using a questionnaire that was completed by the patient and the physician.

Let's discuss the study in detail:-

Goals: To elevate the efficacy of saw palmetto shampoo, lotion, foam, and capsules in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia in actual medical settings.

Inclusion Criteria: AGA criteria ranging from II to IV on the Hamilton/Ebling scale in both men and women.

Exclusion Criteria: 

• Women exhibiting biological or clinical hyperandrogenism (hirsutism, severe acne, fluent seborrhea, polycystic ovarian syndrome, etc.)
• Extreme general disease conditions (such as decompensated diabetes, severe heart disease, deficiency syndrome, neoplasia, inflammatory bowel disease, and genetic changes to capillary structure).
• Involvement in any previous three-month hair therapy assessment studies.
• Other topical or oral alopecia therapies (such as finasteride, minoxidil, seborregulators, and oral vitamin supplements)
• Pregnancy, an abortion, or a general anesthesia-assisted surgical procedure during the last three months.

Valuation Method

• Clinical controls at the start of treatment, 60 days into treatment, and 120 days into treatment.
• Clinical controls at the beginning of treatment, at 60, and 120 days of treatment.
• Survey on the satisfaction of patients with their appearance and symptoms.
• Questionnaire regarding the doctor's objective evaluation. oral vitamin supplements, sebum regulators, minoxidil, etc.

Findings

Out of 20 patients. 6 patients who were part of the trial did not show up for the controls. Hence, of the remaining 14, the clinical evolution and tolerance to treatment were assessed according to the medical questionnaire, as well as cosmetic satisfaction, tolerance and subjective evolution according to the patient questionnaire. 54 years is an average Age. The study's average alopecia degree was III. During every control session, the patients underwent a clinical assessment and answered a questionnaire regarding their level of hair cosmetic satisfaction and pruritus were assessed. Also noted was the degree of seborrhea, hair fragility, and hair resistance and volume, on a scale from 0 to 3. Every patient had an evolutionary image taken. In 73% of cases, there is a noticeable decrease in hair seborrhea, scalp peeling, and hair fragility.

The female patients in the cohort under study showed a greater decline in the rate of hair loss. There was very high satisfaction with the cosmeticity and application ease of the hair lotion or foam. There were no signs of adverse reactions to oral therapy.

In the male group, there was less variation in the degree of AGA alopecia. It was more noticeable in the female group to see improvements in volume, capillary resistance, and hair loss.

Discuss

Tests have been conducted on Saw Palmetto extracts. Throughout history, saw palmetto extracts have been used to treat diseases associated with high DHT by blocking 5-alpha reductase. As said above, androgenetic alopecia is linked with the testosterone level of the body. Saw palmetto blocks the reductase and saves the testosterone level in the body. Hence, this study's combination of oral and topical use of saw palmetto shows the product's safety and tolerability as well as a high level of patient satisfaction. Well, the result varies from person to person. Short-term results show a marked improvement in seborrhea and capillary fragility together with a reduction in the rate of hair loss. To illustrate the impact on the pilosebaceous unit's miniaturisation, we will have to wait for the findings of long-term investigations. Owing to the saw palmetto capsules, when taken one capsule daily, their use as a treatment for both AGA and deficiency and sporadic alopecia constitutes an effective alternative without risks of side effects or systemic hormonal alterations. Its usage, either alone or in conjunction with other treatments, is justified in cases of quickly growing alopecia due to the considerable reduction in seborrhea and rise in capillary resistance. Particularly in the female group, the hair lotion and the saw palmetto foam have demonstrated excellent tolerability and beauty outcomes. It is an excellent alternative that is well-accepted by the patient as a supplement to oral treatment. It works particularly well when combined with shampoo and leaves no residues or odours that could lower therapeutic compliance. It also functions as a mild topical vasodilator, antipruritic, and regulator of sebum.

Over six months, this study has validated the AGA's good tolerance and happiness with it. To illustrate the extent of long-term improvement in AGA, a lengthier investigation is needed. However, in addition to being a therapeutic resource for female AGA, the use of oral and/or topical Saw palmetto as a treatment for non-scarring alopecia, particularly linked with seborrhea, erythema, scaling, and capillary fragility, should be considered extremely beneficial.