p>Ghada Farouk Abd El-Kaream Mohammed, MD
Aesthetic Surgery Journal, Volume 34, Issue 2, 1 February 2014, Pages 298–305
Published: 01 February 2014
Abstract
Background
Topical Cyperus rotundus oil is an effective and safe method to decrease hair growth. The oil’s flavonoids have antiandrogenic activity on androgenic hair. To date, there have been no randomized controlled trials comparing topical C rotundus oil to the available allopathic modalities, such as laser-assisted hair removal.
Objectives
In an open-label pilot study, the author prospectively evaluated the efficacy of C rotundus essential oil, compared with the Alexandrite laser (GentleLase; Candela Laser Corp, Wayland, Massachusetts) and saline, for reducing unwanted axillary hair.
Methods
Eligible participants (n = 65) with unwanted axillary hair were assigned randomly to 1 of 3 study groups: topical C rotundus oil (group 1), saline (group 2), and Alexandrite laser (group 3). Sixty patients completed the entire study. Three methods were used to evaluate the results: hair counts, observations of independent professionals, and patient self-assessments.
Results
Overall results did not differ significantly between C rotundus oil and the Alexandrite laser (P > .05). However, statistically significant differences were noted with respect to decreased growth of white hair (P < .05), favoring the oil. This finding was evident by all 3 methods of assessment. No side effects were detected.
Conclusions
Cyperus rotundus essential oil is as effective as the Alexandrite laser for decreasing the growth of axillary hair (both dark and white).