COMPOSITION FOR IMPROVING HAIR REGROWTH AND METHOD OF USE

Disclosure of Invention
The present invention is a topical composition for improving the regrowth of hair when topically applied to the hair and scalp of mammals such as humans. The composition comprises L-carnitine, ascorbic acid, and niacin in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier for topical application. A preferred composition contains ascorbic acid and L-carnitine in a
weight/weight ratio of about 3:2. The present invention also relates to a method of using the composition to improve hair regrowth.

Best Mode(s) for Carrying Out the Invention
The present invention is a topical composition effective for improving the regrowth of hair when topically applied to the hair and scalp of mammals, and especially humans. The composition comprises- L-carnitine, ascorbic acid and niacin in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier for topical application.
L-carnitine, also known as γ-trimethylamino-6-hydroxybutyrate or

Vitamin By, is an effective agent for alleviating certain skin disorders. For a brief description of the metabolic activity of L-carnitine and the effectiveness of L-carnitine therapy for treatment of various skin disorders, reference is again made to U.S. Patent No. 4,839,159. While L-carnitine has been known to improve skin disorders, it has now been found that L-carnitine in
conjunction with ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) and niacin improves the regrowth of hair when applied topically to the hair and scalp in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
L-carnitine, ascorbic acid and niacin are all readily available from a number of commercial suppliers.
The pharmaceutically, acceptable carrier may be in the form of aqueous and non-aqueous solutions, ointments, lotions, gels, suspensions, emulsions, and creams. The composition may be manufactured using carriers prepared according to conventional techniques using, conventional ingredients and agents which are well known in the industry. Adjuvants and other agents which may also be dispersed in the carrier include the following: moisturizers, humectants, anti-dusting agents, emulsifiers, and selected amino acids.
The composition may contain any effective amount of L-carnitine, ascorbic acid and niacin. However, the composition preferably contains ascorbic acid and L-carnitine in a weight/weight ratio of about 3:2. One formulation of the carrier (as an emulsion) utilizes distilled water, glycerin as a humectant, And sorbitol as an emulsifier. In a 3 ml. sample of the composition, 1000 mg of L-carnitine, 1500 mg ascorbic acid, and 60 mg niacin are dispersed in an emulsion formed from distilled water, glycerin, and sorbitol.
The compositions will be applied topically to the hair and scalp.
Usually the composition will be applied at least once per day for several weeks, and more preferably at least twice per day for several weeks. It also is contemplated to continue use of the composition for prolonged periods of time such as, for example, several months or several years. The duration of use depends in part upon the how long the user's hair has been thinning. Initial results are usually visible within the first 30 days of use, and often within 7-14 days of use. It is preferred to apply the composition to the hair and scalp following treatment of the scalp with hot water. For example, the composition may be applied following a hot, shower or following the treatment of the hair and scalp with a towel soaked in hot water. In addition, the course of treating the hair and scalp with a composition of the present invention may be supplemented with oral doses of L-carnitine containing between about 300-600 mg. It is contemplated that such oral doses of L-carnitine will be necessary only for persons over 30 years of age.
In addition to the compositions described above, the present invention also provides a method for improving regrowth of hair using the previously described compositions. The method includes the step of applying the composition to the hair and scalp at least once per day. The preferred method also includes treating the hair and scalp with hot water, as described above, prior to applying the composition. In addition, the method may also include the consumption of an oral dose of L-carnitine.
It should be understood that the following Examples are offered as only to illustrate the preferred embodiments and that the examples are intended in no way to limit the scope of the invention.

Example 1
User 1 , a thirty year old male with a receding hair line, used the composition of the present invention for seventeen weeks in accordance with the described method of use. Following two weeks of use, new hair growth was visible and new hair was beginning to thicken within approximately one half inch from the receding hair line. Following seventeen weeks of use, user 1 stopped treatment with the composition. Since cessation of treatment, the new hair growth remained firmly rooted in the scalp. No additional new hair growth occurred following cessation of treatment.

Example 2
User 2, a thirty-seven year old male with visibly thin patches of hair, used the composition of the present invention for four weeks in accordance with the described method of use. Following two weeks of use, noticeable thickening of the thin patches of hair occurred. User 2 is continuing treatment with the composition.

Example 3
User 3, a thirty-five year old male with distinct bald patches and thinning hair, used the composition for thirty-six weeks in accordance with the described method of use. Following three weeks of treatment, new hair growth was visibly noticeable. Following four weeks of treatment, thinning patches of hair had begun to thicken. Following twenty weeks of use, bald patches had begun filling with new hair growth. User 3 is continuing treatment with the composition.

While the invention has been described in conjunction with various preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood that it is capable of further modifications. The claims are intended to cover any variation, use or adaptations of the invention which are generally consistent with the principles of the invention, and including such departures from the invention as come within known and customary practice within the art to which the invention pertains.

Industrial Applicability
There is a high degree of sensitivity to the loss of hair and developing baldness. The exact cause of balding may be due to aging, chemical damage, or afflictions such as alopecia. Of these, balding due to the process of aging results in the greatest number of cases. The sensitivity to balding has created a significant consumer demand for products which combat male pattern baldness, and there are a number of existing formulations which purport to increase hair growth. However, their effectiveness is questionable. Nevertheless, there is a demand even for marginally effective formulations. Those that are proven effective enjoy an immense consumer demand. The present formulation and method of application has proven itself effective on numerous occasions, and this effectiveness is uniquely attributable to the topical use L-carnitine, ascorbic acid, and niacin in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The composition of the present invention is inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing its intended purposes.

lutz wrote:Did you read it????

"...1000 mg of L-carnitine, 1500 mg ascorbic acid, and 60 mg niacin are dispersed in an emulsion formed from distilled water, glycerin, and sorbitol.
The compositions will be applied topically to the hair and scalp. "

ferox wrote:

lutz wrote:Did you read it????

"...1000 mg of L-carnitine, 1500 mg ascorbic acid, and 60 mg niacin are dispersed in an emulsion formed from distilled water, glycerin, and sorbitol.
The compositions will be applied topically to the hair and scalp. "

But how much liquid??? I need the ratios!

Should I dissolve 2000 mg l-carnitine, 3000 mg ascorbic acid and 120 mg niacin in 100 ml liquid? Would this work out?

shaftless wrote:3 mls sounds like such a small amount of liquid to dissolve over 3 and a half grams of stuff