Introduction

Hair loss is a common problem worldwide, affecting around 50% of all males worldwide and a quarter of females. Hair loss may be interpreted as an abnormality and a failure to conform to societal standards of physical appearance, which has the potential to distinguish individuals in their own and others' estimations. Psychological and social stress on women is “immense” compared to men, which can contribute to hair loss among young women.

Various literatures have documented that hair loss or hair fall is one of the major concerns in men and women of all ages. This problem may start early and may increase significantly with age.^[1], ^[2], ^[3], ^[4], ^[5]

Most available therapeutics to address alopecia are based on singular targets and mechanism of action based on the assumption of sub-classification to reflect morphological or etiological sub-classes such as hereditary vs acquired factors, anti-inflammatory vs. non-inflammatory factors or scarring vs. non-scarring factors. Accordingly, most therapeutic interventions are based on antiandrogen medications also known as androgen antagonists or testosterone blockers (Finasteride, Dutasteride) and vasodilator minoxidil stimulatory effect on hair growth hypothesized to be from the opening of potassium channels by minoxidil sulphate.^[6]

Unfortunately, the hair follicle life cycle is a complex process involving four main phases of anagen (growth), catagen (regression), telogen (rest), and exogen (shedding). Each of these phases is impacted by anatomical location, nutritional and hormonal status, age, and environmental factors such as stress.^[7] These processes therefore represent a complex, multi-factorial mechanisms where multiple perturbations impact the hair follicle life cycle.

In order to address the complexities associated with hair fall and hair thinning, a novel nutraceutical-based supplement made from 15 different herbs and spices was used.. The feature of the nutraceutical process is a novel water-based extraction of active ingredients to form aqueous moieties that address these complex processes. These extracts are known to provide anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, Dermal Papilla (DP) cells stimulation, follicle strengthening amino acids, and dihydrotestosterone (DHT)-inhibiting properties. In this clinical study the test product was evaluated using Trichoscan® and Dermatological assessments to assess the efficacy of the Diabliss HWS in providing hair fall control along with hair growth benefits as adjuvant therapy.

Aims and Objectives

To assess the impact of oral consumption of Diabliss Hair Water, a multi-component herbal water supplement (HWS) on hair fall reduction, hair growth, hair density, hair thickness

Materials and Methods

The study was designed as a pilot, exploratory, investigator driven single group clinical trial. Prior clearance from an independent ethics committee followed by written informed consent was taken from each study participants before any study related activities. A total of 40 male and female subjects (in 1:3 ratio) between the ages of 35-50 years, who satisfied the inclusion and exclusion criteria were enrolled in the study with 36 subjects completing the study. Based on the primary end-points and overall treatment duration a sample size of more than 33 subjects was sufficient to achieve statistical significance with 80% power and 5% level of significance. The sample size was calculated considering the Trichoscan® hair density data generated in previously conducted hair growth studies. The trial was registered on the clinical trial registry of India (CTRI) website at http://ctri.nic.in/ (CTRI number: CTRI/2020/ 03/023682).

The study was conducted for a period of 6 months for each subject and included a total of 9 visits. On the first visit, the subjects were screened on the study inclusion-exclusion criteria and blood samples were collected to check CBC and thyroid condition. Each assessment cycle encompassed two visits, 2 days apart as per the TrichoScan® SOP. On the first day of an assessment cycle, a small area of about 1.5cm in diameter was shaved and tattooed in the center. The assessments were performed in the same area at +2 days with TrichoScan®. The final eligibility was confirmed with density evaluation two days after shaving, i.e., on day 3. The selected subjects were provided with the Diabliss HWS along with a neutral shampoo for use. Along with daily consumption of the HWS, subjects were also advised to continue their normal nutrition and lifestyle.

Follow up evaluations were performed on day 60 & 62 (Week 8), day 120 &122 (Week 16), day 178 & 180 (Week 24). On the first visit of every assessment cycle, dermatological assessment, digital imaging was performed along with subject self-assessment questionnaire.

Subjects were asked to report any discomfort or adverse event, after starting the treatment on every follow-up visit. Subjects were assessed for overall change in health and fitness levels. Subjects were assessed for other health parameters including appetite, bowel movements, digestion, fatigue, stress level etc.

Results

[Table 1] summarizes average values of various parameters investigated during the clinical trial. The data clearly demonstrates significant improvement in hair density, hair growth rate, hair thickness, hair tensile strength, hair loss reduction as measured by number of hairs from Comb test with bulb and comb test without bulb, hair pull, hair shine, hair texture and hair thinning characteristics.

As per Dermatological assessment ([Figure 1]), a statistically significant improvement in hair texture and hair shine in comparison to baseline was observed as early as 8 weeks and was noted to be progressive till the end of the study. A significant improvement in hair thinning (using a 10-point photo numerical linear in-house scale) in comparison to baseline was also observed as early as 8 weeks and progressive till the end of the study.

Significant improvement in hair growth rate, hair density in comparison to baseline was observed as early as 8 weeks and was noted to be progressive till the end of the study.

Significant improvement in hair thickness was noted in comparison to the baseline as early as 8 weeks and was noted to be progressive till the end of the study.

Significant improvement in hair strength by tensile test in comparison to the baseline, was observed as early as 8 weeks and was noted to be progressive till the end of the study.

Significant Hair fall reduction by hair pull and hair comb test in comparison to the baseline was observed as early as 8 weeks and was noted to be progressive till the end of the study.

Review of the individual values for the clinical trial participants for these parameters are summarised in [Figure 2], [Figure 3], [Figure 4], [Figure 5]. Hair Density, Hair Growth Rate, Hair Tensile Strength and Hair Fall with Bulb are plotted in [Figure 2], [Figure 3], [Figure 4], [Figure 5] respectively and confirm that all subjects showed a positive response to the Diabliss HWS intervention.

Male & Female Subjects Hair Coverage

Male and female subject’s hair coverage was photographed during each visit. Fig 6 and 7 shows representative female and male subjects hair coverage at the start and end of the trail showing visible improvement in the hair coverage.

Conclusions

There are various literature documenting the efficacy of various ingredients in the present formulation from Ayurveda to current medicine, as an individual ingredient as well as when used in combination. Nutraceutical products and supplements containing herbal ingredients are present in various forms. Herbal ingredients are also present in topical forms, however this product is prepared with a novel technique to provide the supplements in higher concentrations with an ease of its consumption. The study was planned to explore the benefits of the Diabliss HWS as a nutraceutical herbal adjuvant supplement for hair fall, hair growth and overall hair quality.

The product was found to be efficacious in providing hair fall control and hair growth benefits. The test product has improved organoleptics, making it easy to consume with no intolerance and AE reported in the study.

Regular consumption of HW water was found to be efficacious in various parameters as summarised below:

Increase in hair growth rate and density as per TrichoScan® assessment.

Increase in hair thickness as per Caslite software.

Increased hair tensile strength.

Reduction in hair fall.

Improvement in hair texture and hair shine.

Improvement was noted in the entire population in all the measured assessments, i.e., hair growth, hair density, hair thickness, hair tensile strength and hair fall reductions. Dermatologist assessment parameters of hair texture and hair shine also showed improvement in 100% of the subjects when compared to the baseline. There was no product related AE/SAE or local intolerance of clinical significance. This initial pilot exploratory study demonstrate that the Diabliss HWS shows a significant impact on hair fall reduction, hair quality and growth attributes. Further, placebo and regimen controlled clinical studies are recommended to evaluate long term safety and efficacy of the HWS.

Source of Funding

No external funding was received to carry out this work.

Conflict of Interest

None.