Scalp acupoint catgut embedding combined with topical 5% minoxidil tincture to improve male androgenetic alopecia: protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA), the most prevalent form of hair loss in clinical practice, affects 21.3% of the male population in China. The condition significantly impacts patients' self-perception, psychological well-being and quality of life. Preliminary evidence suggests that acupoint catgut embedding (ACE) may offer therapeutic benefits for AGA. This randomised controlled trial aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ACE combined with topical 5% minoxidil tincture in managing AGA.

Methods and analysis

This is a single-centre, prospective, double-blind, randomised controlled trial. A total of 70 male patients with AGA will be randomly allocated to either the ACE group (ACE combined with topical minoxidil) or the control group (sham ACE combined with topica

SUBMITTER: Xu Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12320066 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature