A specific extract of hemp and cannabinoids regrows hair

Hemp may not yet be able to start Russian motorcycles or bring back your loved one (though...), but it could make your hair grow back!

A recent case study by Gregory Luke Smith looks at hair regrowth using a cannabinoid-enriched hemp extract: cannabidiol (CBD), tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) and cannabidivarin (CBDV). The study, published in the’International Journal of Trichology, reveals promising results in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia (AGA).

The endocannabinoid system and hair follicles

The endocannabinoid system, a complex cell-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 present in hemp extract - CBD, THCV and CBDV - and their unique therapeutic effects on hair regrowth via the endocannabinoid system.

Unlike traditional approaches, these cannabinoids present a different method of action, acting as partial or complete CB1 antagonists and agonists of potential transient vanilloid-1 receptors (TRPV1) and vanilloid receptor 4 (TRPV4), all linked to hair follicle function.

Methodology and objective

The case series involved 31 subjects with androgenetic alopecia (AGA), who used a topical formulation of hemp extract once a day for a period of 6 months. The subjects, comprising men and women of various ethnicities, showed an average increase in hair number of 246% for men and 127% for women.

The aim was to determine whether daily application of a 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 average increase was statistically significant, and no adverse effects were reported.

In addition, subjects reported a positive psychosocial perception of the effects of hair regrowth, declaring themselves «happy» or «very happy». Independent reviews of before and after photographs supported these claims, revealing improvements in scalp coverage ranging from «slight» to «significant».

Results of hair regrowth study

The study concludes that, although the exact therapeutic mechanisms are not fully understood, THCV and CBDV probably function as neutral CB1 receptor antagonists, while CBD acts as a partial CB1 receptor antagonist, potentially via the Wnt signaling pathway.

All three cannabinoids function as agonists of TRPV1, another endocannabinoid receptor. The inclusion of menthol in peppermint extract is thought to contribute to the rapid onset of the anagen phase, which promotes hair regrowth.

Implications and future prospects

This ground-breaking 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 minoxidil foam at 5% once daily, demonstrating its potential as a complementary treatment. The safety and efficacy of the combination of this extract with existing drugs merit further evaluation.