A Pilot Study to Evaluate the Therapeutic Effect of Dihydroartemisinin on Female Androgenetic Alopecia

What this Trial Is About

This clinical trial focuses on female adults aged 18 to 40 with Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA), a common form of hair loss. Researchers aim to evaluate whether dihydroartemisinin (DHA), taken orally, can increase the number of terminal hair follicles in the vertex area of the scalp. The study compares the effects of combining oral DHA with topical minoxidil against using topical minoxidil alone to understand if DHA helps improve AGA symptoms. Participants in the study will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: one group will receive oral DHA at a dose of 20 mg three times daily along with daily topical minoxidil 5%, and the other group will use topical minoxidil 5% alone. Both treatments will be administered for six months (180 days). The study is conducted as a single-blind trial, meaning either the participant or the researcher does not know which treatment is given, and includes monthly clinic visits for monitoring. During the study, participants will visit the clinic once a month for checkups and tests. Researchers will measure changes in terminal hair follicle counts and hair density in the vertex and frontal scalp areas from the start to the end of treatment. They will also monitor serum testosterone levels. The main outcome measured is improvement in terminal hair follicles in the vertex area after 180 days of treatment. The study will continue until December 2026, with careful monitoring throughout the six-month treatment period.

Efficacy of Dihydroartemisinin for Treating Female Androgenetic Alopecia