If hemp cannot yet start Russian motorcycles and bring back your loved one (although…), it could make hair grow back!
A recent study by Gregory Luke Smith, covering a series of cases, focuses on hair regrowth using a hemp extract enriched with cannabinoids: cannabidiol (CBD), tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) and cannabidivarin (CBDV). The study, published inInternational Journal of Trichologyreveals promising results in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia (AGA).
The endocannabinoid system and hair follicles
The endocannabinoid system, a complex cellular signaling system discovered in the 1990s, plays a crucial role in maintaining cellular homeostasis by regulating inflammatory responses and promoting regenerative processes.
Smith's study focuses on three specific cannabinoids found in hemp extract – CBD, THCV and CBDV – and their unique therapeutic effects on hair regrowth via the endocannabinoid system.
Unlike traditional approaches, these cannabinoids exhibit a different method of action, acting as partial or full CB1 antagonists and agonists of transient receptor potential vanilloid-1 (TRPV1) and vanilloid receptor-4 (TRPV4), all linked to hair follicle function.
Methodology and objective
The case series involves 31 subjects with androgenetic alopecia (AGA), who used a topical formulation of hemp extract once daily for a period of 6 months. The subjects, including men and women of various ethnicities, showed an average increase of 246% in the number of hairs for men and 127% for women.
The objective was to determine whether daily application of hemp oil high in CBD, THCV and CBDV could improve hair regrowth in the most affected areas of the scalp.
Results and conclusions
The results are quite remarkable. All subjects experienced some level of hair regrowth, ranging from 31.25% to an astonishing 2000%. The mean increase was statistically significant and no adverse effects were reported.
Additionally, subjects reported a positive psychosocial perception of the effects of hair regrowth, reporting themselves as “happy” or “very happy.” Independent reviews of before and after photographs have supported these claims, revealing improvements in scalp coverage ranging from “mild” to “significant.”
Hair Regrowth Study Results
The study concludes that, although the exact therapeutic mechanisms are not fully understood, THCV and CBDV likely function as neutral antagonists of the CB1 receptor, while CBD acts as a partial antagonist of the CB1 receptor, potentially through intermediate in the Wnt signaling pathway.
All three cannabinoids function as agonists of TRPV1, another endocannabinoid receptor. The inclusion of menthol in peppermint extract is believed to contribute to the rapid onset of the anagen phase, which promotes hair regrowth.
Implications and future prospects
This groundbreaking study paves the way for further research into the synergy between hemp extract and conventional hair regrowth therapies. Notably, the topical hemp formulation demonstrated superiority over oral finasteride and 5% minoxidil foam once daily, demonstrating its potential as a complementary treatment. The safety and effectiveness of combining this hemp extract with existing medications deserves further evaluation.
