Androgenetic Alopecia Treatment Using Varin and Cannabidiol-rich Topical Hemp Oil - A Case Series

The study is a case series of adults (males and females) presenting to a "Hair and Scalp" center in Clearwater, Florida. Subjects diagnosed with androgenetic alopecia (AGA - male pattern baldness) and who were not currently using minoxidil or finasteride, were offered the opportunity to receive a topical hemp-oil extract that is high in varins (tetrahydrocannabivarin, (THCV) cannabidivarin (CBDV)) as well as cannabidiol (CBD). The topical also contains 3% peppermint oil. The subjects were given the topical free of charge. Subjects were randomly assigned to one of two doses, 500mg of hemp oil per dispenser or 1000mg per dispenser. Each dispenser lasted approximately one month, so they used either 1.7mg or 3.4 mg of hemp extract per day.

Forty subjects withAGA with Norwood-Hamilton Classification score of 3V or higher will be selected randomly. The predefined endpoints were hair counts obtained in a defined, representative area of scalp hair loss using a small tattoo to confirm the location of measuring hair loss. The primary investigator will make a clinical assessment of hair growth.

The subjects gave their written informed consent for this six-month trial. The study adhered to the Helsinki guidelines and was institutionally approved. None of the subjects were currently using minoxidil or finasteride. No other hair loss treatments were used during the six months of the research.

The subjects were randomly assigned to using a dropper bottle or spray can with a nozzle to apply the extract. Subjects are advised to apply a thin layer once each morning to the areas of baldness. The hemp oil extract with peppermint was independently analyzed The hemp oil was infused into a lanolin base lotion and natural Emu oil carrier. Each container (dropper bottle or spray can) contained one ounce of the extract. Each container is expected to last approximately one month. The subjects were advised that they could use blow dryers, conditioners, and other hair preparations. The hemp extract was replaced as needed throughout the six-month trial.

A hair count of the greatest area of alopecia was carried out before treatment was started and again after six months of treatment. To facilitate consistent hair count analysis, a small permanent black tattoo, approximately 1mm in diameter, was applied to each subject's head at the area of greatest alopecia. The nonvellus hairs within the 1 cm2 cutout were pulled through the opening with a surgical skin hook and a hair count was taken using a Bodelin ProScope with 50x magnification.