Cannabis and THC may have mixed effects on hair, with some studies suggesting potential negative impacts on hair growth in isolated hair follicles, but these results are hard to apply to living humans. Treatments like minoxidil and finasteride are commonly used for hair loss, and the effects of cannabis might be neutral or vary based on individual factors.
FCE 28260 (PNU 156765), an under-explored 5α-reductase inhibitor, showcases promising results in research by Giudici et al., outperforming well-known treatments like Finasteride in reducing the conversion of testosterone to DHT. Its superior efficacy, demonstrated through lower IC50 values in both natural and human recombinant enzyme studies, suggests it could offer more effective management of DHT-related conditions. Additionally, its lower molecular weight hints at better potential for topical application, potentially offering advantages in treating conditions such as androgenic alopecia. Despite its potential, it has not advanced in development, possibly due to financial limitations, leaving its therapeutic prospects and side effect profile largely unexplored.
Dutasteride at 0.5 mg/day does not significantly alter allopregnanolone levels, but higher doses (2.5 mg/day) do. Dutasteride may also have anti-neuroinflammatory effects, but the impact on neurosteroids is still debated.
TDM-105795 showed promising hair growth results, with higher efficacy than placebo and minimal side effects. It activates dormant hair follicle stem cells and may maintain gains without immediate loss, unlike minoxidil.