Observational study into Plantur 39 Phyto-Caffeine Tonic
Conducted at the Clinic of Dermatology and Dermatological Allergology of Friedrich Schiller University in Jena, Germany
Study implementation method
The study included 20 women aged between 21 and 73. The test subjects showed signs of initial androgenetic alopecia or diffuse alopecia and complained of increased daily hair loss, which had already significantly reduced their hair thickness and led to a receding hair line which, in turn, had reduced their overall quality of life.
Twelve individuals had already had unsatisfactory experiences with other products which could either be bought over the counter, from pharmacies, or only on prescription. Eight persons had no experience with other products.
The test product comprised a combination of active ingredients made up of caffeine, zinc salts and niacin. Caffeine has already been successfully tested in male hair roots based on its antiandrogenic properties in the hair organ culture model. The caffeine complex was enhanced with a soy extract with a natural share of phytoflavonoids such as genistein. Soy products have shown their worth as a concomitant treatment for problems associated with the menopause.
The test product was used over a period of four months. The effectiveness of the product was described in a questionnaire requiring a self-assessment and using a clinically validated questionnaire (HAIRDEX) to describe quality of life.
The Phyto-Caffeine Tonic was applied each morning (after washing the hair) to the scalp and massaged in with the fingertips.
Measured values: Improvement in subjective acceptance
After four months, the observational study involving 19 persons was concluded, one person left the study prematurely due to a lack of time.
In order to assess ongoing hair loss, a scale with five levels of severity was used. 15 test persons stated a subjective considerable or very pronounced decline in hair loss, which, in part, had improved by three levels. Three persons assessed their hair loss as unchanged, however at a low level. Just one person stated increased hair loss after four months.
18 persons demonstrated a great willingness to continue using the test product. Just one person wished to refrain from continued use of the product.
The subjective personal assessment by the test persons was amended with the evaluation of a clinical, standardised questionnaire on quality of life (HAIRDEX). Using 48 standardised questions, the test persons were asked about the following criteria: Emotions, self-confidence, stigmatisation, symptoms and functions.
The evaluation concluded that the test persons noted an improvement in their situation in all criteria when using Plantur 39 Phyto-Caffeine Tonic. The criteria emotions, symptoms and functions showed a statistically significant improvement.
On the other hand, there were greater fluctuations in the degree of impact on the criteria stigmatisation and self-confidence.
The Phyto-Caffeine Tonic was very compatible. Symptoms such as itching, dandruff and greasy scalp became less pronounced over the course of the study.
The measurable results on life quality achieved with the standardised and validated HAIRDEX questionnaire, confirm the high level of satisfaction among the test persons, of whom 95% stated that they would like to continue using the Phyto-Caffeine Tonic.
Positive effects seen in just a short observational period
Given, for the most part, the unsatisfactory experiences of the test persons in the past their expectations were low / they were highly skeptical. As such, it was a positive surprise that despite the very short observational period of four months, a significant improvement in important life quality parameters was seen (emotions, symptoms and functions).
The subjective assessment of daily hair loss improved considerably for most test persons in the comparatively short application time.
Summary of the study results
The use of Plantur 39 Phyto-Caffeine Tonic was judged positively by the large majority of participants in this observational study. Its excellent compatibility on the scalp and the decline in typical scalp problems such as greasy skin, itching and a feeling of tightness contributed to the high level of acceptance.
General information on the study
Premature hair loss and an ever-receding hairline are not just a worrying development for men but also for women in particular. At the start of the menopause, every third to fourth woman experiences increased hair loss which, if left untreated, inevitably results in thinning of hair. Since the cause cannot be remedied, women must consistently treat the symptoms. Given the required regular usage, simple and reliable application is especially important.
The effectiveness of a liquid scalp treatment, Plantur 39 Phyto-Caffeine Tonic, was assessed from a consumer perspective in an observational study.