Nutraceutical Supplement Effective for Male Hair Thinning
A groundbreaking study has highlighted the potential of a nutraceutical oral supplement in addressing male hair thinning. Conducted between July 2021 and October 2022, the randomized, double-blind, multi-center, placebo-controlled trial (NCT05339958) involved 85 men aged 21 to 61, focusing on those experiencing patterned hair loss due to various factors including hormones, stress, and aging.
Study Design and Participants
The trial divided participants into two groups: 52 men received the nutraceutical supplement, while 33 were given a placebo. The supplement, taken as four capsules once daily with food, contained a blend of saw palmetto, ashwagandha, vitamin E, curcumin, and other botanicals, vitamins, and minerals. Participants were evaluated at baseline, day 90, and day 180, with compliance checks on day 45 and day 135.
Key Findings
By day 180, significant improvements in hair growth and quality were observed in the nutraceutical group compared to the placebo group (p < 0.01). Specifically, 74% of the nutraceutical group reported improved hair growth and quality, versus 54% in the placebo group (p = 0.026). Additionally, the nutraceutical group showed better hair appearance and coverage according to the Men's Hair Growth Questionnaire (MHGQ) results.
Safety and Tolerability
The supplement was well-tolerated, with only six participants reporting mild gastrointestinal upset, evenly split between the two groups. No serious adverse effects were noted, and there were no changes in sexual function, as measured by the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX).
Conclusion and Future Directions
This study provides compelling evidence for the efficacy and safety of the nutraceutical supplement in treating male hair thinning. The authors suggest that future trials should incorporate phototrichograms to further quantify hair count and growth improvements. With hair loss affecting two-thirds of men over 35, this research offers a promising new treatment option that is both effective and easy to incorporate into daily routines.
References
- Bhatia N, Ablon G, Farris PK, Hazan A, Raymond I. A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of a Nutraceutical Supplement With Standardized Botanicals in Males With Thinning Hair. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2025;24(1):e16778. doi:10.1111/jocd.16778
