Serum Androgen Levels in Women with Acne Vulgaris: The Effect of Shakuyaku-Kanzo-To (SK)

Abstract

In order to evaluate the role of androgens in the pathogenesis of acne, the efficacy of Shakuyaku-Kanzo-To (SK) in the treatment of acne was evaluated in 29 women with acne. SK (7. 5 g /day) were administered daily for 12 weeks to 29 acne patients. Serum levels of testosterone (T), free testosterone (FT), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), dehydoepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA -S) and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) were measured by RIA during the mid follicular phase. While taking SK, serum FT levels were significantly lower than those in the basal levels. The other hormone levels showed no significantly differences between the basal and the treatment levels. SK was significantly effective in reducing the numbers of comedones. 18 of the 29 patients had a good response. These results suggest that SK is effective in the treatment of acne vulgaris in accordance with reducing the serum FT levels.