Herbal extracts and formulations have been suggested for the trichological treatment of humans, particularly males, but not exclusively so. Efficacy varies from nil to some reduction in hair loss and/or noticeable hair regrowth on the heads of patients. However, the interaction of the constituent compounds in such formulations with one another is little understood. The respective modes of action of such formulations are quite diverse. Generally, such treatments are either topical or systemic.
The term alopecia is used in the art generally to refer to all conditions of baldness, including partial baldness, and the term alopecia is used in this specification to have the same meaning, as well as to refer to hair loss generally, unless the context requires otherwise. The term “trichological treatment” is used to refer to the treatment and/or formulations for the treatment of alopecia and hair thinning in males and females. Although the term is used sometimes to refer to scalp conditions or the like, the invention is not limited to treatment of such conditions, and may be used to treat hair loss on other parts of the body.
There are several root causes of alopecia, some of which are well established both clinically and pathologically, and quite well understood. Other root causes are not well understood and/or subject of conjecture. Some herbal and drug treatments of alopecia are directed to one or more of the root causes of alopecia, whether they be well understood or merely conjectured. There is a quantity of research data on efficacy, some of which is in conflict, indicating that the alopecia condition is complex, and is probably affected by a range of different mechanisms. Some root causes are expressed or exhibited more than others, but unless several of such root causes are addressed by a proposed remedy, it is suggested that its efficacy may be limited.
The present invention aims to provide formulations and treatments for trichology which alleviate one or more of the shortcomings of the prior art. Other aims and advantages of the invention may become apparent from the following description.