EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF TOPICAL PURE SAW PALMETTO (SERENOA REPENS) EXTRACT LOTION IN ANDROGENETIC ALOPECIA

Abstract

This open-label study evaluates the efficacy and safety of a lotion containing pure Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens) extract in treating androgenetic alopecia (AGA) in 20 male participants. The participants applied the lotion twice daily over a 12-week period. Hair counts and global photographic assessments were conducted at baseline and during follow-up visits at weeks 4, 8, and 12. Statistical analysis showed a significant increase in mean hair count from 49.8 at baseline to 55.9 by week 12. Additionally, participant satisfaction scores rose over time, with 83% of participants reporting high satisfaction by the study’s conclusion. Importantly, no adverse effects were observed, supporting the lotion's safety. The study concludes that pure Saw Palmetto extract lotion is an effective and well-tolerated treatment for male AGA, though further research with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods is recommended.