A DOUBLE-BLIND RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED CLINICAL TRIAL COMPARING PLANT-BASED SERUM CONTAINING SAW PALMETTO VS 2% TOPICAL MINOXIDIL IN FEMALE PATTERN HAIR LOSS

Abstract

Background: Female pattern hair loss (FPHL) is a common hair disorder among women that can negatively affect quality of life. This study compared the efficacy and safety of a plant-based serum containing saw palmetto with 2% topical minoxidil in women with FPHL. Methods: This 12-week, double-blind, randomized controlled trial included 26 women with FPHL, randomly assigned to receive either saw palmetto serum (n=13) or 2% topical minoxidil (n=13), applied twice daily. Mean hair count and hair shaft diameter were assessed at baseline and weeks 4, 8, and 12. Global photographic assessment, participant satisfaction, and adverse events were also evaluated. Results: Both groups demonstrated significant increases in mean hair count and hair shaft diameter from baseline to week 12 (both p < 0.001). In the saw palmetto group, mean hair count increased from 84.02 ± 6.61 to 90.56 ± 6.64 hairs/cm², while hair shaft diameter increased from 70.27 ± 4.87 to 76.12 ± 4.60 μm. In the minoxidil group, hair count increased from 88.48 ± 9.32 to 95.76 ± 8.89 hairs/cm², and hair shaft diameter increased from 70.38 ± 4.57 to 76.18 ± 3.58 μm. No significant between-group differences were observed in hair count, hair shaft diameter, photographic assessment, or participant satisfaction. No adverse effects were reported. Conclusions: The saw palmetto serum significantly improved hair count and hair shaft diameter over 12 weeks. It may represent a well-tolerated botanical treatment option for FPHL.