Treatment of male androgenetic alopecia with topical products containing Serenoa repens extract

Abstract

The topical application of S. repens extract could be an alternative treatment in male pattern baldness in male patients who do not want or cannot tolerate the side-effects of standard medications, but the use of a concentrated S. repens product beyond 4 weeks may be necessary for sustained efficacy.

Saw Palmetto Extract Inhibits Metastasis and Antiangiogenesis through STAT3 Signal Pathway in Glioma Cell

“…In summary, we found that saw palmetto extract was an important phytotherapeutic drug against the human glioma through STAT3 signal pathway. Saw palmetto extract has been widely used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia and androgenic alopecia in clinic; the related adverse reactions included ejaculatory disorders, postural hypotension, dizziness, headache, gastrointestinal disorders, rhinitis, fatigue, and asthenia, but the side-effects were limited [ 30 , 31 ] except for children [ 32 ]. So, saw palmetto extract may be useful as an adjunctive therapeutic agent for treatment of individuals with glioma and other types of cancer in which STAT3 signaling is activated.…”

Alternative Medicine for Hair Loss

“…But, this improvement was lower than the group treated with finasteride (68% of patients) [62]. Satisfactory results were also observed after application of topical products containing S. repens extract for 24 weeks in male patients with AGA [65]. Recommended dose is 320 mg/day orally [63].…”

“…Side effects of S. repens are minimal. The most known side effects are related to gastric symptoms, although contact dermatitis, feeling of coldness, mild burning sensation, undesirable smell, itching, and acne are the reported adverse events after topical application [63,65,66].…”

“…Contact dermatitis was reported with onion juice in patients with AA, thus patients should be informed about skin irritation on the skin surface in contact with the onion juice (Figure 1) [53]. S. repens that can be used as both orally and topically may cause undesirable adverse effects such as mild stomach discomfort, contact dermatitis, feeling of coldness, mild burning sensation, undesirable smell, itching, and acne [63,65,66]. Vasovagal events, local infections, damage to internal organs, pneumothorax, spinal cord injury, and hepatitis B infection are some of the side effects that can be encountered after acupuncture therapy [116].…”

Complementary and Alternative Treatments for Alopecia: A Comprehensive Review

“…A study evaluating the hair growth effect of 3.3 mL topical SP serum applied for 4 weeks and 2 mL lotion for 24 weeks, in 50 men with AGA, demonstrated increased average and terminal hair counts at 12 and 24 weeks [71]. Although systemic SP has not demonstrated superiority to conventional systemic therapies, it does have clinical benefits and is an attractive alternative treatment for male AGA patients who are not interested in oral finasteride.…”