We performed clinical trials to evaluate the therapeutic effects of Foltene in patients of the several types of hair fallings. Thirty patients with male pattern baldness, alopecia areata and seborrheic alopecia were included in this study. Foltene was applied every other day for 40 days, and followed by maintenance therapy of twice application a week. The duration of whole therapy was 6 months. We conclude that Foltene is an effective and agent for male pattern baldness, alopecia areata and seborrheic alopecia from the following results. Ten patients with male pattern baldness was treated with Foltene for 6 months. Foltene had therapeutic effects of 50% in hair regrowth, 70% in decreased hair falls, 30% in decreased dandruff, 50% in decreased seborrhea. Thirteen patients with alopecia areata was treated with Foltene for 6 months. Foltene had therapeutic effects of 61.6% in hair regrowth, 53.9% in decreased in hair falls, 53.9% in decreased dandruff, 77.0% in decreased seborrhea. Seven patients with seborrheic alopecia was treatment with Foltene for 6 months. Foltene had therapeutic effects of 85.8% in hair regrowth, 57.2% in decreased hair falls, 42.9% in decreased dandruff, 85.8% in decreased seborrhea. The degree of therapeutic success was related to the duration of therapy. The side effects were as followed: itching sensation developed in 2 patients (6.7%); tingling sensation in 3 patients (10.0%); burning sensation in 1 patient (3.3%); erythema in 3 patients (10.0%).
Administration, Topical ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Alopecia/*drug therapy/genetics ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Deoxyribonucleoproteins/*therapeutic use ; Female ; Glycosaminoglycans/adverse effects/*therapeutic use ; Humans ; Male

OBJECTIVETo investigate the regulatory effect of procyanidins (PC) on the expressions of Th1 type cytokines (IFN-gamma and IL-12) and the transcription factor T-bet mRNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) in patients with alopecia areata (AA).

METHODSAbove-mentioned expressions were detected using RT-PCR technique in 20 AA patients (8 of mild and 12 of severe degree) and 10 healthy subjects after phytoaemagglutinin (PHA) or PHA + PC stimulation.

RESULTSAfter being stimulated by PHA and PHA + PC, in patients with severe AA, the expression of T-bet mRNA was 0.581 +/- 0.148 and 0.419 +/- 0.113 respectively; that of IFN-gamma mRNA, 0.689 +/- 0.219 and 0.430 +/- 0.162; and that of IL-12 mRNA, 0.198 +/- 0.056 and 0.136 +/- 0.035, respectively. As compared with those before stimulation, the respective difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSPC can inhibit the expressions of Th1 type cytokines and transcription factor T-bet in PBMC of severe AA patients, and reverse the Th1 responses. The authors offered that it maybe part of the acting mechanism of pine needle for treatment of AA.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Alopecia Areata ; drug therapy ; genetics ; immunology ; Case-Control Studies ; Cells, Cultured ; Gene Expression ; drug effects ; Humans ; Interferon-gamma ; genetics ; immunology ; Interleukin-12 ; genetics ; immunology ; Leukocytes, Mononuclear ; drug effects ; immunology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Proanthocyanidins ; administration & dosage ; T-Box Domain Proteins ; genetics ; immunology ; Young Adult