title: Curcuma aeruginosa, a novel botanically derived 5α-reductase inhibitor in the treatment of male-pattern baldness: a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Several botanically derived agents are available for the treatment of male-pattern baldness.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of 5% hexane extract of Curcuma aeruginosa, a botanically derived inhibitor of 5α-reductase and 5% minoxidil in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia.
  
  
  METHODS
  Eighty-seven men with androgenetic alopecia (AGA) were randomized to receive 5% Curcuma aeruginosa, 5% minoxidil, combination formulation (5% hexane extract of Curcuma aeruginosa + 5% minoxidil) or placebo, twice daily for 6 months. Efficacy was assessed by target area hair count, global photographic review as well as patients' subjective assessments of hair regrowth and hair shedding.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were statistically significant improvements in global photographic review (p < 0.001), subjects' overall assessments of hair regrowth (p = 0.008), and hair shedding (p = 0.004) when the combination formulation was compared with placebo. Similarly, treatment with 5% minoxidil and 5% C. aeruginosa extract also led to some degrees of hair regrowth. There were no serious adverse events during and after the study.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In men with hair loss in the vertex area of the scalp, the combination of 5% hexane extract of C. aeruginosa and 5% minoxidil slowed hair loss and increased hair growth.
authors.affiliation: Cosmetic and Natural Product Research Center, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand.
authors.forename: Ganniga
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Pumthong
authors.forename: Pravit
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Asawanonda
authors.forename: Supenya
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Varothai
authors.forename: Vorapicha
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Jariyasethavong
authors.forename: Daranporn
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Triwongwaranat
authors.forename: Puan
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Suthipinittharm
authors.forename: Kornkanok
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Ingkaninan
authors.forename: Pimporn
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Leelapornpisit
authors.forename: Neti
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Waranuch
mesh_terms: D058891:5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000328:Adult; D000505:Alopecia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D030024:Curcuma; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008914:Minoxidil / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014665:Vasodilator Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D058891:5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors; D010936:Plant Extracts; D014665:Vasodilator Agents; D008914:Minoxidil