Hair growth promotion by extracts of inula helenium and caesalpinia sappan bark in patients with androgenetic alopecia: A pre-clinical study using phototrichogram analysis

Inula helenium (IH) is known to possess antifungal, anti-bacterial, anti-helminthic, and antiproliferation activities. Caesalpinia Sappan (CS) is known to reduce inflammation and improve blood circulation. Based on their folkloric use, these plants are expected to be promising candidates for promoting hair growth and preventing hair loss. Moreover, these plants are rich sources of certain phytochemicals, which have been reported to promote hair growth. In this clinical trial, we investigate the efficacy of a scalp shampoo formulated by mixing extracts of IH and CS in preventing hair loss and promoting hair growth in patients with androgenetic alopecia. Using a phototrichogram (Folliscope 2.8, LeadM, Korea), we compared the hair density and total hair counts in patients receiving the scalp shampoo at baseline, and at 8, 16, and 24 weeks after use of the shampoo. We found a statistically significant increase in the total hair count in the test group (n = 23) after 16 and 24 weeks of using the scalp shampoo (2.17 n/cm² ± 5.72, p < 0.05; and 4.30 n/cm² ± 6.37, p < 0.01, respectively) as compared to the control subjects. Based on the results of this clinical study, we conclude that the IH and CS extract complex is a promising remedy for preventing hair loss and promoting hair growth.