Compositions and methods for treating baldness

Abstract

Disclosed herein are novel compositions and/or formulations containing minoxidil as an active ingredient in combination with other active agents and/or enhancer agents (e.g., saw palmetto extract and nettle root extract) which increase the hair growth capability of the composition. Also disclosed are methods of using the novel compositions to treat male patterned baldness and to stimulate hair growth on the scalp, including both the apex and frontal regions of the scalp.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A topical composition designed for application to the scalp, said composition comprising, in admixture with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and minoxidil, and one or more of the following: 
 a.) saw palmetto extract;    b.) nettle root extract;    c.) Capsaicin;    d.) Niacin;    e.) Gingko Biloba;    f.) horsetail extract;    g.) phospolipid;    h.) glycerol oxide esters;    i.) cyclodextrin;    j.) ketoconazole;    k.) ursolic acid;    l.) polysorbate;    m.) 1,4,3,6 dianhydro-2,5,-di-o-methyl-D-glucitol;    n.) peppermint oil;    o.) silica;    p.) milk thistle; or    q.) methyl nicotinate.    
     
     
         2 . The topical composition of  claim 1 , wherein said composition comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, minoxidil, nettle root extract, capsaicin, niacin, and horsetail extract.  
     
     
         3 . The topical composition of  claim 2 , wherein minoxidil comprises about 1 percent to about 5 percent, nettle root extract comprises about 1 percent to about 3 percent, capsaicin comprises about 0.5 percent to about 2.5 percent, niacin comprises about 0.5 percent to about 2.0 percent and horsetail extract comprises about 2 percent to about 4 percent, by weight, of said composition.  
     
     
         4 . The topical composition of  claim 2  further comprising methyl nicotinate.  
     
     
         5 . The topical composition of  claim 4 , further comprising phospholipid.  
     
     
         6 . The topical composition of  claim 1 , wherein said composition comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, minoxidil, nettle root extract and phospholipid.  
     
     
         7 . The topical composition of  claim 6 , wherein minoxidil comprises about 1 percent to about 5 percent, nettle root extract comprises about 1 percent to about 3 percent and phospholipid comprises about 2 percent to about 8 percent, by weight, of said composition.  
     
     
         8 . The topical composition of  claim 1 , wherein minoxidil comprises about 1 percent to about 5 percent, by weight, of said composition.  
     
     
         9 . The topical composition of  claim 1 , wherein said pharmaceutically acceptable carrier is water, glycols, esters, alcohols, lipids, or combinations thereof.  
     
     
         10 . The topical composition of  claim 9 , wherein said pharmaceutically acceptable carrier is a mixture of isopropyl alcohol and glycerine.  
     
     
         11 . A topical composition designed for application to the scalp, said composition comprising a mixture of minoxidil, saw palmetto extract, and nettle root extract.  
     
     
         12 . A topical composition designed for application to the scalp, said composition comprising a mixture of ketoconazole; and saw palmetto extract or nettle root extract, or combinations thereof.  
     
     
         13 . A topical composition designed for application to the scalp, said composition comprising a mixture of ursolic acid; and saw palmetto extract or nettle root extract, or combinations thereof.  
     
     
         14 . A dietary supplement comprising minoxidil, saw palmetto extract, and nettle root extract  
     
     
         15 . The dietary supplement of  claim 14  further comprising one or more of the following components: 
 (a) niacin;  
 (b) vitamin B6;  
 (c) folate;  
 (d) biotin;  
 (e) panthothenic acid;  
 (f) iodine;  
 (g) zinc;  
 (h) pumpkin seed concentrate;  
 (i) Ginkgo biloba;  
 (j) fo ti root;  
 (k) L-histidine;  
 (l) aloe vera gel;  
 (m) gotu kola leaf;  
 (n) sage leaf;  
 (o) Hawthorne berry;  
 (p) bovine extract;  
 (q) sulfur; or  
 (r) silica.  
 
     
     
         16 . A kit for stimulating hair growth comprising a container having the composition of  claim 1  disposed therein and instructions for use.  
     
     
         17 . A method of stimulating hair growth in a patient comprising obtaining a composition according to  claim 2 , and administering said composition to said patient's scalp.  
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , further comprising co-administering, orally, the dietary supplement of  claim 14 , wherein co-administering occurs prior to, concurrently, or subsequent to said administering said composition.