Composition and method for topical treatment of androgenic alopecia

Abstract

New methods to deliver the composition of poloxamer lecithin organogel are described. Whereas the function is the same, major improvements have been made in the aesthetics of the invention

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates to the topical treatment of hair loss, especially androgenic alopecia, by providing formulations that include an anti-androgen, especially extracts of saw palmetto plant, acetyl carnitine and co-enzyme Q 10 to stimulate hair growth, to increase luster of the hair and to decrease the graying.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Androgenic alopecia is an autosomal disorder which begins in puberty in genetically disposed individuals. Androgenic alopecia is also known as hereditary baldness, male pattern baldness, and seborrheic alopecia and occurs in both sexes. The disorder is heterogeneous and increased circulating androgens are not the only causative factor. Historically, patients with male androgenic alopecia present with frontal recession of the hairline, especially at the temples and vertex. Minoxidil, available since 1988, produces a maximum of only 40% cosmetic responses in selected patients with vertex balding who are young, recently diagnosed and display small areas of alopecia. The response to Minoxidil is not seen for 4 to 10 months and treatment must be maintained or the new growth is lost.

[0004] Saw palmetto is a small, creeping palm (Serona repens) of the Southeastern United States, having palmately divided leaves with one-ribbed segments and black. One-seeded fruit. It is a native American tree of South Carolina and Georgia. Extracts of saw palmetto act as multi-site inhibitors of the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which is responsible for prostatic hypertrophy. It also blocks the uptake of DHT into the nucleus of prostatic cells, and strongly inhibits the action of the enzyme testosterone 5 alpha-reductase which reduces the conversion of testosterone to DHT.

[0005] Methods and compositions for increasing the growth of hair are needed, especially in situations of hair loss due to androgenetic alopecia. A composition should be easy to apply topically and promote hair growth and be safe for women to use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The present invention provides an easy to use topical therapeutic composition and treatment for increasing the growth of hair.

[0007] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a treatment for hair loss Through the topical application of extracts of saw palmetto, which act as anti-androgens, in various formulations designed for topical application.

[0008] Still another object of the invention is to provide a compositions and treatment for hair loss through the topical application of anti-androgens combined with co-enzyme Q and acetyl carnitine in various formulations designed for topical application.

[0009] Still another object of the invention is to provide a composition and treatment for hair loss through the topical application of extracts of saw palmetto combined with co-enzyme Q and acetyl carnitine in various formulations designed for topical application.

[0010] These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent after a review of the following detailed description of the disclose embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The following United States provisional patent applications are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety, Serial Nos. 60/000,842 and 60/005,643 filed on Jul. 3, 1995 and Oct. 19, 1995, respectively.

[0012] The term saw palmetto refers to a native American tree often found in the Southeastern Part of the United States, especially in Georgia and Florida. As used in the present context, the term saw palmetto includes extracts of the saw palmetto tree. These extracts may be present as oil extracts among other forms.

[0013] The term “androgen” refers to testosterone and its precursors and metabolites, and 5-alpha reduced androgens, including but not limited to dihydrotestosterone. Androgen refers to androgens from the testis, adrenal gland, and ovaries, as well as all forms of natural, synthetic and substituted or modified androgens.

[0014] It is to be understood that other agents which affect the synthesis, metabolism, site of action, and function of androgens are considered within the scope of the present invention When combined with acetyl carnitine and co-enzyme Q. Included within the scope of this Invention are drugs, extracts, chemicals, or other agents which affect the biosynthesis, enzymatic conversion, binding to receptors, and translocation of androgens to the nucleus or the second messenger systems that transduce intracellular signals are also considered within the scope of this invention when combined with acetyl carnitine and co-enzyme Q. Agents which affect the synthesis, release, and function of hypothalmic and pituitary hormones which affect the synthesis or release of testosterone are also included in the scope of this invention when combined with acetyl carnitine and co-enzyme Q. Accordingly, methods for stimulating hair growth which employ acetyl carnitine and coenzyme Q combined with agents described in this paragraph which affect the synthesis, release, efficacy, or metabolism of androgens are considered within the scope of this invention. Accordingly, molecules which affect hypothalmic synthesis and secretion of gonadotropin releasing hormone 9GnRH), GnRH agonists (such as leuprolide and gonadorelin) which affect pituitary release of gonadotropins, ketoconazole and liarazole Which affect testosterone synthesis in the testis, finastride and saw palmetto extract which affect conversion of testosterone to dihydrotesterone by 5-alpha reductase in its various forms in extra glandular tissues, and flutamide and cyproterone acetate which affect binding of androgen to its receptor, are all considered within the scope of this invention. The aforementioned molecules in this paragraph are collectively defined as “anti-androgens” within this application.

[0015] The term acetyl carntine feres to various forms forms of acetyl carnitine, including but not limited to, D. L-carnitine, and acetyl-L-carnitine hydrochloride which is usually Employed at ! % to 7.5% per 100 g of formulation

[0016] Although not wanting to be bound by this statement, it is believed that the inhibition of Adenyl cyclase by DHT inhibits the production of free fatty acids by the triacyl glycerol lipaseand this compromises acetly carnitines transport of fatty acids from the cytosol into the inner membrane of the mitochondria, thus effecting beta oxidation and the production of the prerequisite ATP for hair production. Acetyl carnitine is believed to improve fatty acid metabolism by the stimulation of cardiolipin which effects the function of the inner membrane of the mitochondria, affecting its permeability and function of proton transport. Acetyl carnitine is also believed to synergize with co-enzymeQ in the revitalization of senescent hair follicles.

[0017] The term “co-enzyme Q” refers to several forms of co-enzyme Q including Co-enzyme Q0, co-enzyme Q2, co-enzyme Q6, co-enzyme Q7, co-enzymeQ9. CoenzymeQ10, and all are considered with in the scope of this invention. Several of these forms are also known as ubiquinones and may be obtained from (PCCA, Houston, Tex.). various forms of coenzyme Q (PCCA, Houston, Tex.) are utilized because it is believed that senescent hair follicles are metabolically reduced through reduced activity of the respiratory enzymes and more free radical activity. Although not wanting to be bound by this statement, it is believed that supplementation with co-enzyme Q facilitates the removal of excess protons and the excess free radicals, and promotes normalization of oxidative function, as well as the repair of the inner membrane (Shigenaga, M et al. Proc. Soc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 99:10771-10778, 1984).

[0018] A preferred phospholipid for use in the present invention is phosphatidylcholine, also known as lecithin. Stedman's medical dictionary (21st ed. Page 879) defines lecithin as any group of phospholipids which upon hydrolysis yield two fatty acid molecules and a Molecule each of glycerophosphoric acid and choline. There are several varieties of lecithin. Lecithin is a mixture of the diglycerides of stearic, palmitic, and oleic acids, and palmitoleic, linoleic, linolenic. And arachidonic acids, linked to the choline ester of Phosphoric acid. Soybean lecithin is a preferred lecithin and may contain: palmitic, stearic, palmitoleic, oleic, linoleic, and arachdonic. In some lecithins both fatty acids are Saturated while others contain only unsaturated fatty acids for example; oleic, linoleic, or arachidonic. In other lecithins one fatty acid is saturated, the other unsaturated. There are Several sources of lecithin, but soy constitutes the most common and economical source of phosphatidylcholine. It is therefore understood that any reference herein to lecithin or phosphatidylcholine is intended to include any combination of lecithin—like phospholipids as is well known in the art. Examples of other phospholipids which can be used with the present invention include phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylserine, phosphatidyllinositol, and phosphatidic acid. A mixture of any of the above phospholipids may be also used in the present invention. Mixtures of these phospholipids are present in natural soy lecithins

[0019] Lecithin is described as a hygroscopic waxy solid which only forms an emulsion after dissolution with an organic solvent. The phosphatidylcholine (PC) may be characterized as amphiphillic because a polar head group is hydrophillic and has two lipophilic carbon tails. The amphiphillic property permits the surface polar heads in the aqueous phase to contract, assuming the shape of a sphere. Lecithin emulsions are aggregates of micelles in water and inherently have poor stability. Willimann et al. Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences 81:871-874 (1992), found that PC, with a minimum purity of 95%, formed giant spaghetti-like micellar gels after it was dissolved in an appropriate organic solvent. This structure is called a lecithin organogel and is thought to have a linear rather than the usual spherical structure.

[0020] Lieb, et. al., described a method to facilitate the movement of liposomes into the hair follicle by using phosphatidylcholine, cholesterol and phosphatidylserine in a molar ratio of 1:0.5:0.1. A 10% combination of the phosphatidylcholine, cholesterol and phosphatidylserine can be incorporated into the lecithin to improve delivery of the invention to the hair follicle.

[0021] The term “PLURONIC” to poloxamer compounds and sold collectively under the trademark PLURONIC (BASF, Parsippany, N.J.). PLURONIC F-127 corresponds to Poloxamer 407, a polyoxypropylene-polyoxyethyklene organogel described by Schmolka in the Journal of Biomedical Materials Research 6:571-582, (1972) As used in this application, the terms poloxamer organogel, and polyoxyethylene/polyoxypropylene. organogel are synomous.

[0022] Topical” application is used to mean a local administration of the composition and its various embodiments, for example, in the treatment of alopecia. The composition according to the present inventions can be in the form of solutions, lotions salves, creams, ointment, liposomes, sprays, gels, roller sticks or any other method using micelles and pharmaceutically acceptable penetration acceptable penetration enhancer. The composition maybe applied to the scalp at bedtime and again after showering in the morning for a total of 2 applications per day in all the embodiments.

[0023] The “enhanced penetration” caused by the compositions of this invention as used in a topical application with this method, means increased penetration into the skin. Lecithin organogel or poloxamer 407 lecithin organogel

[0024] The present invention includes a composition for topical treatment of androgenic alopecia comprising anti-androgens, including but not limited to saw palmetto extracts, combined with co-enzyme Q and acetyl carnitine. These compounds are delivered topically combined with delivery vehicles and penetrating agents optionally containing lecithin, isopropyl palmitate, isopropyl myristate, lecithin organogel, poloxamer 407 organogel, and ethoxydiglycol/ethanol.

EXAMPLE 1

[0025] Another preferred penetrating agent and delivery vehicle is lecithin organogel which is a combination of lecithin, isopropyl palmitate, or iospropyl myristate and/or alcohol and water. Lecithin organogels have been described as vehicles that are useful in facilitating the delivery of low molecular weight compounds transdermally (Willimann, H., et al., “Lecithin Organogels as matrix for Transdermal Transport of Drugs”, J. Pharm. Sci., Vol. 81,1992, which is incorporated herein by reference)> The lecithin organogels are obtained by adding small amounts of water to a solution of lecithin in organic solvents and/or ethanol. Generally, lecithin organogels are prepared at room temperatures by first dissolving lecithin in an organic solvent such as isopropyl palmitate or isopropyl myristate and then adding enough water while stirring to obtain the desired gel. Lecithin used in the gel preparations of the present invention must contain at least 95% phosphatidylcholine.

EXAMPLE 2

[0026] The method and composition of another delivery vehicle utilizes isopropyl myristate (IPM), isopropyl palmitate (IPP) and/or ethanol to dissolve lecithin which is necessary to form an emulsion. However, IPP and IPM can be irritating. Ethanol is an excellent solvent as well as a penetration enhancer. Ethanol may be used to dissolve the lecithin in the lipid phase. Next the ethanol is evaporated at 80 C. The aqueous phase, and the lipid phases are heated to 80 C and mixed together while using power stirring. An appropriate amount, 18% of PLURONIC 127 is then added to the lipid and aqueous phases with power stirring. 0.1% propylparaben is added at this point and 0.3% methylparaben is added after cooling.

EXAMPLE 3

[0027] Another method and composition which doesn't necessitate IPP, IPM or alcohol is the use of a water dispersible lecithin F100 American Lecithin Co, Oxford, Conn. An appropriate amount of deionized water containing the other components of the aqueous phase are heated to 80 C (heat labile ingredients may be added at the appropriate temperature during cooling) The lipid phase is heated to 80 C and then added to the aqueous phase.

[0028] An appropriate amount of PLURONIC 127, 18% is added to the two phases with mechanical stirring produces a creamy gel without the use of solvents. The parabens are Added as before.

EXAMPLE 4

[0029] All of the previous formulations present a variable tackiness due to the poloxamer 407 and this is objectionable to many people. In an effort to overcome this objection a 0.5% to 2.5% carbomer is prepared by stirring and neutralized with an adequate amount of Triethanolamine or tris-(Hydroxymethyl)-Aminomethane depending on the concentration of the carbomer. Various lipids may be added at an appropriate concentration. Cushion esters such as glycerlyl monostearaate, cetyl ester wax, tridecyl stearate, neopentyglycol, dicaprate/dicaprylate (Lipo, Patterson, N.J.), Lipovol 350 (Lipo Chemicals, Patterson, N.J.) The mixture is heated to 80 C. and stirred to insure that lipids dissolve. Other products may be used by those skilled in the art. A 45% poloxamer 407 gel is added to the cooled carbomer gel. Function hasn't been compromised and the gel is aesthetically acceptable.

[0030] A gelling agent optionally may be added to the formulation. Gelling agents that are suitable for use in the present invention include, but are not limited to, cellulose, cellulose ether, carboxymethycelluloses, alginates, polyacrylates, bentonites, bentonite, gelatin. Tragacanth, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinyl alcohol, and polyoxyethylene/polyoxypropylene, some of which are known as poloxamers. The poloxamer compounds are sold collectively under the trademark PLURONIC (BASF, Parsippany, N.J.). PLURONIC F-127 corresponds to poloxamer 407. Other PLURONICS may be used in the present invention. As used in this application, the terms PLURONIC organogel, poloxamer lecithin organogel and polyoxyethlene/polyoxypropylene.

[0031] A preservative, such as benzyl alcohol, potassium sorbate, parabens or a preservative of choice of the formulator. An antioxidant, including but not limited to Vitamin E, proanthocyanidin, tetrahydrocurcumin or lipoic acid. EDTA should also be used as a chelating agent.

[0032] Agents for improving the aroma of the formulation for topical application can be optionally be added to the composition. Many fragrances are know to those skilled in the art and the formulator may choose which he desires. Stabilizers, antioxidants, preservatives, humectants, or auxiliaries can be added to improve stability and/or adhesiveness of the formulations

[0033] The composition of the present invention can be applied topically twice daily or several Times per day depending upon the nature and severity of the condition being treated. The lecithin organogel or PLURONIC organogel may be wiped off about 1 hr after application if desired since the active ingredients are absorbed rapidly.

Claims

29. In a topical composition for increasing hair growth comprising saw palmetto, The improvement comprising the inclusion of pharmaceutically effective amounts of acetyl carnitine, co-enzyme Q 10, and a pharmaceutically effective amount of a penetrating agent, wherein hair growth is increased.

30. The composition of claim 29, wherein the penetrating agent is a water dispersible lecithin as a penetrating agent.

31 The composition of claim 29, wherein the penetrating agent is lecithin, a solvent and water

32 The method of claim 31, wherein the solvent is isopropyl palmitate, isopropyl Myristate, ethyl myristate, or ethanol

33 The method of claim 30, further comprising poloxamer 407.

34 The method of claim 31, further comprising a poloxamer 407

33 A method of increasing hair growth comprising the step of topically administering a pharmaceutically effective amount of a composition comprising saw palmetto, acetyl carntine and a pharmaceutically pharmaceutically penetrating agent, wherein the penetrating agent is selected from the group consisting of lecithin organogel and poloxamer lecithin organogel

34 The method of claim 35, wherein an increase in luster, and a decrease in hair drop and sebum production promotes a healthier appearing hair.

35 The method of claim 35, wherein the amount of saw palmetto is 0.25 g to 20 g, the amount of c0-enzyme Q 10 is about 0.1 g to 20 g and the amount of acetyl carnitine is about 0.1 g to 20 g per 100 g of formulation.

36 The method of claim 25, further comprising the step of administration of said formulation in a solution. Lotion, cream, micelle, spray of gel or roller stick