Life Extension Hair Growth for Men 30 softgel

In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 86 male volunteers between the ages of 18 and 55 years old took 250 mg of a combination of black rice and prickly pear extracts once a day for 6 months. Results were gathered via an objective method (called a phototrichogram), clinical scoring of hair growth by an expert, and through a self-reported questionnaire.

Expert-reviewed photographic assessments of the group taking the black rice and prickly pear extract combo showed encouraging results in 95% of expert-reviewed hair growth scores collected in the extract group compared to only 34% in the placebo group.3

The questionnaire also produced positive results, with 75% of the extract group reporting satisfaction with their hair by the end of the six-month study. What's more, over 63% of the extract group noticed results within the first two months of taking the black rice and prickly pear combo.3

Standardized Saw Palmetto Extract

In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, either a special, standardized saw palmetto extract or placebo was given to participants between the ages of 18 and 50 years old.

Results were measured at intervals of both 8 and 16 weeks via an expert-administered hair count (including hair comb and hair pull tests), self-evaluation and photographic assessment.

Expert evaluation of the saw palmetto extract group saw encouraging results via both the hair-comb test (where a comb was pulled through hair and loose hairs then counted), and a hair-pull test. These positive results were noted at 8 as well as at 16 weeks after the study began.4

For the self-assessment questionnaire, a variety of appearance-related scores were collected, with 50% of the saw palmetto group reporting an improvement in the appearance of hair thickness.4

Effects on DHT

In the same study, researchers sought to measure saw palmetto's effect on dihydrotestosterone, or DHT. The result: the saw palmetto extract helped achieve DHT levels within the normal range compared with the placebo group over the course of the study.