A new double-blind, randomised, placebo‐controlled study has revealed a natural, safe and effective path for women who face hair thinning, a condition commonly experienced in menopause.
The new study, conducted with menopausal women, found oral intake of Pycnogenol (registered trademark) to significantly increase hair density, decrease transepidermal water loss in scalp skin and optimise resting flux of the scalp. The researchers’ conclusions show Pycnogenol helps support hair density in menopausal women.
Pycnogenol is a leading ingredient for circulation, healthy skin, joint health and more, supported as safe and effective by 40 years of research
“Hormonal changes during menopause can affect hair growth rate, hair diameter and diameter distribution. Scalp hair density often decreases with age, leading to a heightened perception of hair thinning,” said author and renowned natural physician, Dr Fred Pescatore. “Poor hair quality can have a significant psychological impact and may even lead to increased anxiety and depression. For women seeking hair health support and those frustrated by hair loss during menopause or a continued pattern of hair thinning, this study reveals a new application for an ingredient that has proven antioxidant and circulatory benefits, in addition to its already established benefits in menopause and skin care.”
Published in Health Sciences Reports, the study analysed 63 menopausal women, aged 45-60 years old. Thirty-three (33) women took 150mg of Pycnogenol a day (50mg three times a day, with meals), while 30 women took the placebo. Hair status and response were documented at baseline, two months and six months. Findings include:
Significant increase in hair density
Hair density increased from the baseline of 225.8 hairs/cmsq to 293.6 hairs/cmsq after two months of supplementation with Pycnogenol – a statistically significant increase of 30%. Additionally, the Pycnogenol group experienced a 23% increase in hair density after six months. The placebo group experienced a non-significant increase in hair density after two and six months. Progress and results were measured through digital photography, which were further evaluated through Trichoscan software.
Improvement of scalp microcirculation
Further analysis of the blood volume variations – measured by resting flux – revealed that the increase of hair density after Pycnogenol supplementation was associated with a decrease in resting flux of the scalp skin by 21% after two months and by 44% after six months. This indicates an improvement of scalp microcirculation, as blood flow was improved.
Reduction of transepithelial water loss
A significant transient decrease of TEWL (transepidermal water loss) was observed in scalp skin in the Pycnogenol group, but not the placebo. A significant decrease of TEWL values of 2.5 was detected after two months of Pycnogenol intake and an increase of 6.0 was determined for the placebo group. After six months, the placebo group saw an increase of 4.8 and Pycnogenol resulted in an increase of 1.0.
“This study included various complex and sophisticated measurement tools, which embeds an added layer of trust in the results of this study for those looking for a natural path to address female pattern hair loss or overall hair health,” said Pescatore. “Pycnogenol is a leading ingredient for circulation, healthy skin, joint health and more, supported as safe and effective by 40 years of research. This study reveals an exciting new application of a trusted and effective ingredient with powerful antioxidant properties to benefit hair quality.”
Horphag Research is committed to further investigate how Pycnogenol intake improves hair density in future clinical trials.