Hair growth effect of traditional Chinese medicine BeauTop on androgenetic alopecia patients: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the treatment effects of BeauTop in alopecia by observing its effectiveness in improving androgenetic alopecia. Hair growth was observed using a dermatoscope and clinical photos, and was scored by three dermatologists. Dermatologists evaluated and selected suitable participants for this study using the Norwood scale or Ludwig scale. A total of 40 participants with androgenetic alopecia were recruited in this study, and 32 participants completed the 6-month trial. The results revealed that in the BeauTop treatment group, 9/17 participants (52.9%) showed increased hair growth. Changes in hair growth were as follows: No change, 47.1% patients; minimally improved, 5.9% patients; moderately improved, 29.4% patients; and significantly improved, 17.6% patients. In the placebo group, 2/15 participants (13%) showed increased hair growth. A Chi-square test was performed and attained a value of 0.01<P<0.025, indicating a significant difference between the treatment and placebo groups. In addition, blood tests indicated that BeauTop has minimal effects on dehydroepiandrosterone, testosterone and estradiol. This suggests that the mechanism of action of BeauTop varies from that of finasteride. Finasteride is an inhibitor of type II 5αR; BeauTop may enhance hair follicle activities via growth factor. The biochemical analyses of participants were normal in the treatment and placebo groups, and no adverse reactions were observed. The average white blood cell count (WBC) for the treatment group compared with the control group was significantly increased (6770/mm(3) vs. 7560/mm(3), respectively; P<0.014) at week 4, and significantly decreased at week 24 (6240/mm(3), P<0.493). In conclusion, BeauTop effectively improves male and female androgenetic alopecia.