Melatonin

Melatonin is an herbal supplement. One study, published in the British Journal of Der­matology (February 2004, pages 341-345), stated that because melatonin has been reported to have a beneficial effect on hair growth in animals, it was of interest to evaluate the effect of melatonin on hair growth in women with male pattern baldness. The double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study was conducted in 40 women suffering from diffuse alopecia or androgenetic alopecia. Either a 0.1% melatonin solution or a placebo was applied on the scalp once daily for six months. The results showed melatonin led to a significantly increased growth rate in comparison to the placebo group. However, this is the only study that indicates melatonin has this effect.