Every patient experienced hair regrowth after a daily application of a topical solution for a period of six months.
A small study is showing promise for the use of topical cannabinoids to promote hair regrowth.
The study, which involved 31 male and female patients with androgenetic alopecia, the most common cause of hair loss, was recently published in the International Journal of Trichology.
It found that every patient, 15 men and 16 women, experienced hair regrowth after a daily application of a topical solution containing hemp-derived cannabinoids for a period of six months. None of the patients reported any adverse effects.
Researchers say the findings displayed “superior results” when compared to traditional hair regrowth prescription medicines like finasteride and minoxidil ointments.
“Since this hemp extract works through novel mechanisms entirely different from finasteride and minoxidil, it can be used in conjunction with these current drugs and would be expected to have synergistic effects,” the study noted.
According to the study, the cannabinoids, including cannabidiol (CBD), tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) and cannabidivarin (CBDV), have novel therapeutic effects on hair regrowth through the endocannabinoid system, which plays a crucial role in regulating many of the human body’s natural functions by “down-regulating” inflammatory responses and “upregulating” regenerative processes.
On average, male patients recorded a 15.07 hairs/cm2 increase of hair regrowth for an average increase of 246 per cent. Female patients saw 16.06 hairs/cm2, for an average increase of 127 per cent.
The patient’s scalps were also photographed before and after treatment and an independent review of those photographs found “mild” to “extensive” scalp coverage improvements for all study participants.
The study followed up on 2021 research that found that topical applications of about 3 to 4 milligrams of CBD led to an average of 93.5 per cent increase in hair after six months.
That study, too, recorded hair regrowth in every patient with no adverse effects.
The latest study bested those CBD results but researchers say further studies are needed to determine the safety and efficacy of topical hemp extracts when used alongside finasteride and minoxidil.
Minoxidil is sold in generic forms but branded products, such as Rogaine, have been a popular treatment for hair loss since the 1980s, while finasteride-based products like Proscar and Propecia became popular in the 1990s.
Finasteride has also been linked to prostate cancer risk, skin rashes and sexual side-effects such as arousal and maintaining an erection.
Source: Sam Riches – nationalpost.com
Image: freepik.es
