Preliminary Observations of the Effects of a Curcuma longa and Niacinamide-led Formulain the Reduction of Hair Loss

Abstract

Hair loss is a common occurrence for both women and men, and a major cosmetic concern. Consumer concerns over the side effects of drugs such as Minoxidil© and Finasteride©, have given rise to numerous cosmetic developments in order to address these concerns. In this preliminary investigation, we present our initial findings, and demonstrate beneficial effects of a curcumin-niacinamide formula on the reduction of hair loss, and the improvement in hair density, when applied topically to the scalp. In this 5-month clinical study, hair growth and hair loss evaluation was quantitatively and objectively measured with TrichoScan© analysis, and image photography.
Volunteer subjective assessments, of the effect of the test product by self-perception of reduced hair loss, increased number of new hairs, as well as issues relating to the tolerance and acceptance of the product, were also evaluated.

Introduction

The human hair follicles are very important skin appendages, and play a unique role in skin function and renewal¹. A unique “micro-organ”, the hair follicle is formed by the interaction between the skin’s epidermis and dermis, and is composed of complex multi-component microstructures, all playing significant roles in hair growth and condition. Structurally, the hair follicle is rich in stem cells which are regulated by a variety of signalling pathways, and are important for the growth of hair as well as playing an important contribution to skin renewal following injury.

Hair follicles have a high capacity for renewal, and possess a defined periodic growth cycle that continues during human lifetime.
Hair growth is affected by many factors including age, the environment, diet, and general health². Such factors impact the development of a variety of hair follicle disorders including hair loss (alopecia).
Mainly seen in adults, alopecia or hair loss is a common disorder³. Androgenetic alopecia (AGA, also called male and
female pattern alopecia or baldness) is hormone driven and the most common cause of hair loss⁴. Depending on age and ethnicity, it is estimated to affect 30 – 58 % of men by the age 50 and 12 – 40 % of women^{4, 5}.
Regulation of the hair cycle is multi-complex and involves an incompletely understood interplay between endocrine, autocrine and paracrine signalling pathways. Hair loss is characterised by the progressive “miniaturisation” of the follicles, resulting from the actions of androgen hormones on the epithelial cells of genetically susceptible hair follicles in androgen-dependent areas ⁵. The hair cycle consists of three phases: the growth phase, which is called anagen, the resting phase, which is called catagen, and the shedding phase, which is the telogen phase. Approximately ninety percent of hairs are in the growth phase (anagen) and the remainder,
correspond to ten percent in the transition (catagen) and shedding (telogen) phases ⁵.