Ageratum Conyzoides L. has traditionally been used in the Caribbean for prostate and urinary health. However, the pilot, open-label, randomized, parallel and in vitro study published in the Journal of Cosmetology and Trichology assessed the efficacy and safety of the hair loss formulation with results showing it as an effective treatment option.
“Hair loss is a billion-dollar industry with projections showing continued growth,” said Chase Shryoc, Vice President of Sales & Business Development for Gencor. “This is an exciting next step for Gencor as we launch our first innovation in the cosmetology market.”
Study
The study was aimed to determine the effect of an Ageratum conyzoides extract on the gene expression of 5α-reductase, the enzyme that converts testosterone to Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a major driver of AGA, or androgenetic alopecia (pattern hair loss) along with another likely cause, the release of Prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) in Human Hair Dermal Papilla Cells (HHDPC).
28 healthy male and females over 18 years of age that were exhibiting pattern baldness received either a 0.5% or 1% strength A. conyzoides gel formulation to be applied topically twice per day for 8 weeks.
Hair growth was measured by temporal recession distance and the participants’ quality of life was assessed by the Hair Distress Questionnaire.
Results
Temporal recession in men reduced from 9.1 to 8.6 cm in the 1% group and from 8.6 to 7.5 cm in the 0.5% group, where normal distance in men without recession is 6-6.5 cm. Although this was not a significantly different result from baseline (p=0.084), it did indicate a trend towards significance. Due to a small sample size, the scores of female participants were not included.
Results showed that 64% of men and 100% of women self-reported an improvement in their hair loss symptoms associated with the application of the A. conyzoides gel formulation. In addition, Gencor reports that the A. conyzoides extract significantly inhibited PGD2 release and 5α-reductase type 1 expression in HHDPC.
Future of HairAge Vitae
Maggie McNamara, Marketing Director, Gencor, told us, “We are extremely confident that HairAge Vitae will do very well as it is a very effective ingredient, performed exceptionally well in the trials and we have only had positive feedback from those trying it out.”
Gencor does plan to expand and verify their finding with additional studies and clinical research regarding the A. conyzoides formulation.
“We couldn’t be happier with the results from these studies,” said Shryoc. “We are encouraged by what we have seen and are excited to continue research in this area.”
Source: Journal of Cosmetology and Trichology
ISSN: 2471-9323
“Ageratum Conyzoides L. Extract Inhibits 5?-Reductase Gene Expression and Prostaglandin D2 Release in Human Hair Dermal Papilla Cells and Improves Symptoms of Hair Loss in Otherwise Healthy Males and Females in an Open Label Pilot Study”
Authors: P. Clayton et al.
