P10.141 Effectiveness of Serenoa Repens on Androgenetic Alopecia

C. Fasulo¹, A. Linguiti², L. Bosco³, P. Morganti⁴, R. A. Satriano

^{1, 2, 3} BIOMEDICAL Trichology and Dermathology Clinic – Battipaglia Italy ⁴ Secretary General of the International Society of Cosmetic Dermatology (ISCD) Cosmetic Dermatology, II University of Naples - Italy

Background: Androgenetic Alopecia is the most frequent hair disease affecting preeminently men but rapidly increasing in women. It can affect any body region, preferring, however, the scalp and beard area.

Aim:  The aim of this double blind study  was to evaluate the activity performed  by 3 different cosmetic formulations especially  enriched with Serenoa repens extract with a known quantity of total sterols on the hair growth and sebum secretion.

Methods: Voluntary subjects, 34 men and 28 women, aged between 18 and 48 years were divided into 3 groups using the products for 3 months. The first group used all 3 products enriched with Serenoa repens extract; the second of all 3 products (placebo free of Serenoa repens extract); and the third group used shampoo and lotion enriched with Serenoa repens extract, but dietary supplement placebo. Trichogram, Phototrichogram and computerized analysis of the scalp (Sebumetry, Ph-metry, hydration) as well as macroscopic photos, have been practiced on each subject of the 3 groups before, during and after the 3 month treatment.

Results: The results, evaluated clinically and by laboratory tests, showed a significant  (p< 0.05) 35% hair increase both on number and mass, and a contemporary 67% decrease of (p< 0.05)  superficial sebum in the 1^st group. Group 3 reveled a hair increase of 20% (p< 0.05) with a contemporary decrease of seborrhea (35% p< 0.05). Group 2 had no results.

Conclusion: In accordance also with other authors, this study confirms the effectiveness of Serenoa repens extract on hair baldness such as androgenetic alopecia, especially when  connected with 5a reductase activity.