The effectiveness of the hair-restorer "Dabao" in males with alopecia androgenetica. A clinical experiment.

Abstract

In a randomized, double-blind trial the effectiveness of 6 months' use of a Chinese herb extract (Dabao) as a hair-restorer was studied on 396 males with alopecia androgenetica. The effect was evaluated by nonvellus hair counts, participants' opinions and a panel's judgement of a photo-report. Twenty-three participants withdrew prematurely from the study. In both the Dabao and placebo groups an increase in the amount of hair was observed; 133 and 109 hairs on a 5 cm2 marked area, a difference of 24 hairs (p = 0.03, one-sided). Participants as well as the panel reached a similar conclusion. Regarding cosmetic effect, 42% of the participants in the Dabao group and 37% in the placebo group reported positive results. The average panel score for the cosmetic result on a scale of -10 to +10 was 0.46 in the Dabao and 0.21 in the placebo group, a difference of 0.24 (p = 0.04, one-sided). It appears from our study that, although the cosmetic effect over 6 months is modest, Dabao does have a certain effect on the growth of nonvellus hair.

• Authors: A G Kessels, R L Cardynaals, R L Borger, M J Go, J C Lambers, J A Knottnerus, P G Knipschild
• Journal: Journal of clinical epidemiology (J Clin Epidemiol) Vol. 44 Issue 4-5 Pg. 439-47 ( 1991) ISSN: 0895-4356 [Print] United States
• PMID: 2010788 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Dabao
• Drugs, Chinese Herbal

Topics

• Administration, Topical
• Adult
• Alopecia (drug therapy)
• Double-Blind Method
• Drugs, Chinese Herbal (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Hair (growth & development)
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Patient Compliance