Efficacy of Off-Label Topical Treatments for the Management of Androgenetic Alopecia: A Review

Abstract

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is characterized by non-scarring follicle miniaturization. Despite the success of approved therapies, commonly reported side effects and the need for continual use has led to the investigation of alternative therapies. The aim of this paper is to critically review the success of off-label, topical monotherapies for treatment of AGA in men. A literature search was conducted to obtain randomized, controlled and blinded studies that investigated off-label, topical, monotherapies in male patients. Hair density, hair diameter and hair growth were used to evaluate treatment success. Fourteen off-label topical therapies were investigated among the 16 studies that met inclusion criteria. Nine off-label therapies were reported to produce a significantly greater improvement in hair restoration parameters (e.g., mean change from hair count and hair diameter) as compared to placebo (p<0.05 for all treatments). In two studies, procyanidin oligomers exhibited greater efficacy over vehicle with response to mean change in hair density (hairs/cm 2) (p s < 0.0001 at week 24). In conclusion, prostaglandin analogs and polyphenols, such as latanoprost and procyanidin oligomers, can improve hair restoration parameters in male AGA patients, possibly through targeting mechanisms proposed in the etiology of AGA. The current evidence suggests short term (24 weeks) use may provide benefit for hair loss patients; however, long-term efficacy and safety data are required.

Safety and efficacy of REGENDIL™ infused hair growth promoting product in adult human subject having hair fall complaints (alopecia)

“…In a recent review of the off-label topical treatments for AGA, it was concluded that prostaglandin analogues and polyphenols, such as latanoprost and procyanidin oligomers respectively, can improve hair growth possibly targeting proposed pathogenetic mechanisms of AGA. 18 AnaGain is another ingredient containing extract of edible organic pea sprouts that are a rich in biotin, L-arginine and isoflavones.…”

“…In the literature, there are few reports on the clinical efficacy of polyphenols among patients with AGA. In a recent review of the off‐label topical treatments for AGA, it was concluded that prostaglandin analogues and polyphenols, such as latanoprost and procyanidin oligomers respectively, can improve hair growth possibly targeting proposed pathogenetic mechanisms of AGA 18 …”

A randomized, single‐blinded, vehicle‐controlled study of a topical active blend in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia

“…In a recent review of the off‐label topical treatments for AGA, it was concluded that prostaglandin analogs and polyphenols, such as latanoprost and procyanidin oligomers, respectively, can improve hair growth possibly targeting proposed pathogenetic mechanisms of AGA. In two studies, procyanidin oligomers showed greater efficacy over the vehicle with response to mean change in hair density at week 24 ( P < .001) 16 …”

“…There are also other therapeutic options: laser hair combs (low‐level laser therapy), camouflage techniques, and surgical approaches including hair transplantation 11‐15 . Despite the success of approved therapies, commonly reported side effects and the need for continual use have led to the investigation of alternative therapies 16 . Consequently, there is an unmet need for new safe and effective agents.…”

“…[11][12][13][14][15] Despite the success of approved therapies, commonly reported side effects and the need for continual use have led to the investigation of alternative therapies. 16 Consequently, there is an unmet need for new safe and effective agents. The design of the study was that of a randomized, single-blinded, vehicle-controlled study.…”