An oral French maritime pine bark extract improves hair density in menopausal women: A randomized, placebo-controlled, double blind intervention study

Background and Aims: Female pattern hair loss affects females of all ages with a trend to increase after menopause. This disorder may have significant psychological impact and lead to anxiety and depression.Objective: In a single center, double blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study, the effects of oral Pycnogenol (R) intake (3 x 50 mg/day for a total of 6 months) on hair density, scalp microcirculation, and a variety of skin physiological parameters was studied in Han Chinese menopausal women (N = 76) in Shanghai, China.Methods: Measurements were taken at the beginning and after 2 and 6 months, respectively. Hair density was determined by digital photographs and further evaluated by Trichoscan software. Transepidermal water loss was measured by a humidity sensor in a closed chamber on the skin surface. Changes in microcirculation were detected as resting flux on the scalp by reflection photoplethysmography.Results: Pycnogenol (R) intake significantly increased hair density by 30% and 23% after 2 and 6 months of treatment, respectively, as detected by Trichoscan (R) evaluation of digital photographs. Interestingly, photoplethysmography revealed that this beneficial effect was associated with a decrease in resting flux of the scalp skin, which might indicate an improvement of microcirculation. None of these effects were observed in the placebo taking group. In addition, a significant transient decrease of transepidermal water loss was observed in scalp skin under Pycnogenol,(R) but not placebo treatment. Conclusion: Oral intake of Pycnogenol (R) might have the potential to reduce hair loss in postmenopausal women.

Automated summary

A study found that oral intake of Pycnogenol (R) has a significant effect on improving hair density in postmenopausal Han Chinese women. Measurements using digital photographs and skin physiological parameters showed that Pycnogenol (R) intake can significantly increase hair density and improve scalp microcirculation. This study suggests that oral intake of Pycnogenol (R) may have the potential to reduce hair loss in postmenopausal women.