Suppression of Upper Lip Hair Growth Using Novel Hemp Extract

Hirsutism is defined as increased bodily and facial hair growth in females presenting in locations where hair is ordinarily minimal or absent. It affects almost 30% of adult females during their lifetime. Current treatments for hirsutism include the use of oral contraceptives or antiandrogens. These drugs and hormones are associated with adverse effects and they may not manifest results if at all for at least 6 months most cannot be used if the female is pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to become pregnant. Many women find that a multipronged approach that includes direct hair removal (such as plucking, waxing, shaving, depilatories, bleaches and laser), suppression of androgen production with drugs. More recently an effective prescription topical cream, Eflornithine hydrochloride (brand name: Vaniqa) has become available to slow the growth of unwanted facial hair in women. It does not remove hair permanently. Noticeable results take approximately six to eight weeks, and once the cream is discontinued, hair returns to pretreatment levels after approximately eight weeks. Eflornithine cream may cause skin to redden.

Narcissus Tarzetta Bulb Extract 0.02% IBR-Dormin applied topically reduced hair shaft elongation by 34%. The test also showed the hair follicle started the transition from growth to resting phase (telogen). A study of 3.0% topical extract revealed a delay of men's facial hair regrowth after shaving.

Studies of endocannabinoids and phytocannabinoids that stimulate the cannabinoid one (CB1) receptor reveal that topical application inhibited hair shaft elongation and the proliferation of hair matrix keratinocytes, and induced intraepithelial apoptosis and premature hair follicle regression (catagen).

A clinical case series from serial patients with hirsuitism (adult females) at a dermatology clinic will be conducted measuring upper lip hair suppression for cosmetic effects and change in hair shaft count and color. The study will use a topical phytonutraceutical containing Narcissus Tazetta Bulb Extract (0.2%) and a hemp-extract (0.15%) known to stimulate cannabinoid one (CB1) receptors. Based on prior studies the topical will work locally as a locally active topical without systemic absorption.

The 25 subjects will use the serum nightly for 60 days. High-power ProScope photographs will be obtained at the philtrum (above the center of the upper lip) as a landmark. Prior to starting the serum subjects will grow their upper lip hair for seven days. Hair shafts will be counted and graded for thickness and color using a standard methodology. The subjects will then use the serum for 60 days and will not be allowed to use laser, waxing, depilatories, bleaching or tweezing during the duration of the study. Only shaving will be allowed. At the end of the 60-day trial the subjects will grow their lip hair for seven days and the high-power photographs will be repeated at the same location based on landmarks.

An independent board-certified dermatologist will evaluate and grade the pre- and post-treatment photographs for cosmetic effects, number and thickness of the hairs.