Wait, CBD could help cure hair loss? Get out
The list of things cannabis can do for you, your health and your body continues to grow like a weed.
A 2023 study found that hemp extract may support hair regrowth in alopecia patients. The study followed patients with alopecia over a period of 6 months and found an average hair regrowth of 246% – with some patients even achieving hair regrowth of up to 2000%. This is excellent news for those affected by this widespread disease, who make up about 2% of the world’s population. A way to give a new touch to hair that “grows like a weed”.
How hemp helps hair loss
This isn’t the first time hemp has been studied for hair loss. The plant has shown promise for hair growth due to the properties of certain cannabinoid compounds it contains: CBD, CBDV and THCV. These cannabinoids block signaling from CB1 receptors, which play an important role in the hair growth cycle.
Previous studies found that THC, which activates CB1, can actually reduce hair growth and has been suggested as a treatment for unwanted hair. On the other hand, previous research has found that CBD – especially at lower doses – increases hair growth by blocking this key receptor.
Related
Major new study supports screening cannabis for heavy metals
Hair follicles normally transition from a growth or “anagen” phase to a “catagen” phase in which follicle cell death leads to hair loss; The growth phase can last up to 6 years. However, in alopecia, the natural cycle of hair growth is disrupted and the follicles switch to the catagen phase prematurely. This leads to hair loss.
Because CBD blocks CB1, researchers have tested it in the past. They found that hair regrowth increased by up to 93.5%. In this new study, researchers wanted to find out what would happen if extracts containing CBD, THCV and CBDV were used.
Recipe for regrowth?
To investigate the benefits of hemp extract, this study followed 15 men and 16 women with alopecia aged 31 to 64 years. Subjects were given 1 ounce of a topical containing hemp extract monthly and instructed to apply a thin layer to the bald area every morning.
On average, the daily dose was about 33 mg of full-spectrum hemp extract with 60% CBD, 12.63% CBDV and 3.71% THCV. Each ounce of the formulation also contained 5 grams of menthol, derived from 600 grams of peppermint oil, which has also been shown to be effective in inducing a growth phase in hair. This was incorporated into a base of emu oil as a carrier. No other hair growth products were used during this time.
Related
Science Chat: Analysis of the new study on cannabis abuse and depression
To measure the product’s success, researchers counted the number of hairs in the bald area before and after 6 months of treatment. They even tattooed the subjects’ scalps to ensure the same area was counted accurately. Photographs were also taken for an independent physician to assess visual differences.
Hemp outperforms conventional hair treatments
Once the study was completed, the results were remarkable. All subjects in this case had some regrowth, ranging from 31.25% to 2000%, with an average regrowth of 246% in men and 127% in women. All test subjects stated that they were “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with their own perception of hair growth.
Shop highly rated pharmacies near you
We show you pharmacies near the United States
View all pharmacies
The independent physician also noted improvements and reported that all test subjects experienced slight to far-reaching improvements in scalp coverage.
Impressively, these results not only exceeded the use of CBD alone, but also those of oral finasteride and 5% minoxidil foam, the two main medical treatments for alopecia.
Hemp or Mint: Which Works?
Despite these encouraging results, it is important to note the limitations of the study. This was a small case study without a placebo group or double-blind procedure. In this type of study, it is difficult to rule out other factors that could lead to regrowth. While it gives us important insight into the effectiveness of hemp, much larger and more structured experiments are needed to confirm the results.
Additionally, using peppermint oil has already been shown to improve hair regrowth and can contribute to growth beyond what the hemp extract alone could provide. Therefore, it is difficult to attribute the effects of peppermint compared to hemp.
Low-dose CBD is the key for best results
Anyone thinking about using hemp extract for alopecia should always consult a doctor beforehand. No negative side effects were reported in this study and topical hemp extract is generally considered safe. However, no safety studies have been conducted for this mixture or for the use of hemp extract in combination with other hair loss treatments.
Importantly, the study also suggests that too much CBD could have a reverse effect, similar to the effect seen with THC, potentially leading to worse hair loss – low-dose CBD therapy is crucial for effectiveness . The study found benefit at doses of approximately 33 mg of a 60% CBD hemp extract. Using much more of it can cause hair loss. Therefore, use it with caution.
Post a comment: