Reversal of Premature Hair Graying Treated with a Topical Formulation Containing α-Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone Agonist (Greyverse Solution 2%)

Abstract

With aging, hair graying is a common sign resulting from complex regulation of melanogenesis. Multiple factors control the stimulation of melanogenesis at the level of the hair follicle, including melanin-stimulating hormone (MSH), adrenocorticotropic hormone, endothelin-1, prostaglandins, leukotrienes, neutrophils, fibroblast growth factor, nitric oxide, catecholamines, Vitamins, and minerals. Premature hair graying (PHG) has a major impact on the cosmesis, self-credibility, and social life of the affected individual. Currently, there is no medical treatment available for PHG. We present a case of a 25-year-old female with a history of graying of hair on the scalp. Clinical diagnosis revealed it as a case of premature graying/canities. She was prescribed a topical formulation (Greyverse solution) containing palmitoyl tetrapeptide 20, a biomimetic biopeptide of α -MSH for treating her PHG. The formulation was applied 1 mL twice daily directly on the affected part of the scalp. Hair supplements containing a combination of biotin and calcium pantothenate once daily orally were also prescribed. After 3 months, the patient showed some improvement, and the dose of the topical solution was reduced to 1 mL once daily. After 5 months, the patient achieved >90% conversion of gray hair to black hair.

Premature Graying of Hair

“…[13][14][15] There have also been studies where topical palmitoyl tetrapeptide 20, a biomimetic biopeptide of MSH, has been effective in converting of gray hair to black hair. 16 The mainstay of treatment of PGH is actually camouflaged by hair colorants. Hair colorants can be temporary textile dyes, natural dyes like henna or semipermanent hair colours.…”

Premature gray hair development in the interbrow region owing to the loss of maxillary first molars in young mice

“…The graying of hair, which results from the loss of melanin‐producing cells, increases with age (Triwongwaranat et al, 2019), similar to the loss of teeth. Premature gray hair (PGH) development is potentially linked to genetics, disorders such as progeria and pangeria, oxidative stress, vitamin deficiencies, and certain drugs (Chavan, 2022; Daulatabad et al, 2016). A previous study revealed a decrease in the level of tyrosinase‐related protein (TRP)‐2 (a melanocyte marker) in gray hair (Zhang et al, 2020).…”