Korean J Dermatol.  2021 Feb;59(2):81-87.

The Efficacy and Safety of the Topical Application of Poly-Gamma Glutamic Acid Hydrogel Nanoparticle-Based Fermented Extract of a Medicinal Plant Solution for Androgenetic Alopecia: A Randomized Double-Blinded Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

• Lee SB
• Hwang HW
• Heo JH
• Lee SH
• Shin HT
• Byun JW
• Shin J
• Choi GS

Abstract

Background
Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common cause of hair loss in adults. Topical application of the fermented extract of medicinal plants promoted hair growth through stimulation of the telogen to anagen transition in a mouse model. However, controlled studies are necessary to evaluate the efficacy of the topical application of the fermented extract solution in humans.
Objective
We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of topical poly-gamma glutamic acid hydrogel nanoparticlebased fermented extract of a medicinal plant solution (PGA solution) in terms of the clinical improvements in patients with AGA.
Methods
This 24-week, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, single-center clinical trial enrolled 50 patients with AGA (36 men and 14 women); the participants were treated with either PGA solution or placebo twice daily for 24 weeks. Efficacy was evaluated by a phototrichogram (total hair count per 1 cm ² ), patient’s subjective assessments, and investigator’s subjective assessments of clinical improvements in overall hair regrowth. Any adverse reactions were reported during the study.
Results
At week 24, compared with baseline, the PGA solution group showed a significantly increased hair density compared to the placebo group (7.24±2.52/cm ² vs. 1.53±1.39/cm ² , p＜0.0001). The average hair density after 24 weeks was 129.90±23.04/cm ² and 115.32±20.35/cm ² in the PGA solution group and the placebo group, respectively. There was no adverse reaction over the 24-week period.
Conclusion
PGA solution may provide a safe and effective adjunctive treatment for patients with AGA.

Keyword

Androgenetic alopecia; Poly-gamma glutamic acid