Efficacy of intramuscular injections of biotin and dexpanthenol in the treatment of diffuse hair loss: A randomized, double‐blind controlled study comparing two brands

Abstract

Combination therapy with biotin and dexpanthenol is a well-known practice in preventing and treating hair loss, however, it is not well studied. In this study, we compared the efficacy of the 6-week treatment with two brands of biotin and dexpanthenol for the treatment of diffuse hair loss. Fifty eligible patients with diffused pattern hair loss, (41 women and 9 men) were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive either 6 weekly injections of dexpanthenol ampoule 250 mg/2 ml and biotin ampoule 5 mg/1 ml, manufactured by Pars Behvarzan or Bayer Company. Combing test, Standard scalp photography and trichoscan assessment were performed before the first treatment session and one and 8 weeks after the last one. Patients' satisfaction and drug adverse reactions were also recorded. One and eight weeks after the last treatment session, hair fall count and total hair density significantly improved in both groups (p-value <0.01 for hair fall count and 0.04 and 0.02, for hair density in Pars and Bayer groups, respectively). There was no significant difference between the two groups in any other trichoscan parameter, except for improvement in terminal/vellus hair ratio in the Bayer group in both follow up visits, compared to the Pars group (p-value = 0.02 and 0.033 for weeks one and eight). Six-week treatment with both brands of biotin and dexpanthenol was effective and safe in people with diffused pattern hair loss.

The formulation and in vitro evaluation of WS Biotin, a novel encapsulated form of D‐Biotin with improved water solubility for hair and skin treatment applications

“…Therefore, the potential benefits of biotin supplementation in hair growth would be expected to be mediated by the stimulation of this structure. In this regard, recent work supports the positive impact of biotin in hair growth and maintenance [5, 29], with the mechanism of action remaining unexplored. The results presented in this study not only reinforce this notion but also shed light on the molecular events underlying the hair growth‐promoting ability of biotin, which would be mediated by the upregulation of VEGF , FGF7 and IGF1 , in HFDPCs.…”

“…In this regard, some case reports support the beneficial effects of biotin supplementation in hair and nail disorders derived from inherited or acquired biotin deficiency [4]. Nonetheless, so far there is scarce scientific evidence showing the potential benefits of oral biotin supplementation in healthy subjects, except a recent report describing improvements in hair fall and hair density after 6 weeks of administration in individuals with unknown status of biotin deficiency [5]. Despite the molecular events which mediate the potential beneficial effects of biotin are yet to be elucidated, a great number of physicians recommend it for strengthening hair and nails and promoting its growth [6].…”