Comparative Effect of Conventional and Non-Conventional Over-the-Counter Treatments for Male Androgenetic Alopecia: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

The expanding literature on nutraceuticals for male androgenetic alopecia (AGA) has inadvertently created knowledge gaps on the relative efficacy of conventional and non-conventional over-the-counter (OTC) treatments. We conducted a Bayesian network meta-analysis (NMA); the outcome measure was the 24-week change in total hair density (INPLASY202570087). We determined the relative efficacy of nine active comparators-including topical minoxidil 5% and 2%. Among the topical OTC agents used to manage male AGA, minoxidil 5% applied twice daily was the most effective.