The invention describes a combination of at least one aromatase inhibitor selected from the group of chemical-synthetic aromatase inhibitors and aromatase inhibition exhibiting extracts of soya beans and rapeseed, respectively, and at least one plant extract that contains one or more active ingredient substance(s) extracted from the plant, which is(are) selected from the group of 5α reductase type I and/or type II inhibitors and androgen receptor blockers, said combination being contained for example in a composition and having special properties for influencing hair growth. Uses of this combination are also described.

A method for inhibiting hair growth in mammals using compositions containing FP receptor antagonists (e.g., prostaglandin F analogs that are block activation of the FP receptor). The compositions can be applied topically to the skin and/or hair. The compositions can arrest hirsutism or hypertrichosis, reverse hirsutism and hypertrichosis, and further prevent hair growth. These compositions can also be used to protect hair from chemical or radiation-induced alopecia or hair loss. These compositions can also be used to inhibit pigmentation of the hair or skin.

A method for inhibiting hair growth in mammals using compositions containing FP receptor antagonists (e.g., prostaglandin F analogs that are block activation of the FP receptor). The compositions can be applied topically to the skin and/or hair. The compositions can arrest hirsutism or hypertrichosis, reverse hirsutism and hypertrichosis, and further prevent hair growth. These compositions can also be used to protect hair from chemical or radiation-induced alopecia or hair loss. These compositions can also be used to inhibit pigmentation of the hair or skin.

Methods and compositions for stimulating the growth of hair are disclosed wherein said compositions include a cyclopentane heptanoic acid, 2-cycloalkyl or arylalkyl compound represented by the formula I

##STR00001##

wherein the dashed bonds represent a single or double bond which can be in the cis or trans configuration, A, B, Z, X, R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are as defined in the specification. Such compositions are used in treating the skin or scalp of a human or non-human animal. Bimatoprost is preferred for this treatment.

Methods and compositions for stimulating the growth of hair are disclosed wherein said compositions include a cyclopentane heptanoic acid, 2-cycloalkyl or arylalkyl compound represented by the formula I

##STR00001##

wherein the dashed bonds represent a single or double bond which can be in the cis or trans configuration, A, B, Z, X, R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are as defined in the specification. Such compositions are used in treating the skin or scalp of a human or non-human animal. Bimatoprost is preferred for this treatment.

Methods of delivering therapeutic agents by administering compositions including a bacterial collagen-binding polypeptide segment linked to the therapeutic agent to subjects in need of treatment with the therapeutic agent are provided. In these methods, the therapeutic agent is not a PTH/PTHrP receptor agonist or antagonist, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) or epidermal growth factor (EGF). The bacterial collagen-binding polypeptide segment delivers the agent to sites of partially untwisted or under-twisted collagen. Methods of treating collagenopathies using a composition including a collagen-binding polypeptide and a PTH/PTHrP receptor agonist are also provided. In addition, methods of treating hyperparathyroidism, and hair loss using compositions comprising a collagen binding polypeptide and a PTH/PTHrP receptor agonist are provided. Finally, methods of reducing hair regrowth by administering a composition including a collagen binding polypeptide and a PTH/PTHrP receptor antagonist are provided.

Methods of delivering therapeutic agents by administering compositions including a bacterial collagen-binding polypeptide segment linked to the therapeutic agent to subjects in need of treatment with the therapeutic agent are provided. In these methods, the therapeutic agent is not a PTH/PTHrP receptor agonist or antagonist, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) or epidermal growth factor (EGF). The bacterial collagen-binding polypeptide segment delivers the agent to sites of partially untwisted or under-twisted collagen. Methods of treating collagenopathies using a composition including a collagen-binding polypeptide and a PTH/PTHrP receptor agonist are also provided. In addition, methods of treating hyperparathyroidism, and hair loss using compositions comprising a collagen binding polypeptide and a PTH/PTHrP receptor agonist are provided. Finally, methods of reducing hair regrowth by administering a composition including a collagen binding polypeptide and a PTH/PTHrP receptor antagonist are provided.

The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition or a cosmetic composition for preventing or treating hair loss, or promoting hair growth. The composition according to the present invention exhibits an excellent effect of preventing or treating hair loss and promoting hair growth, and can be safely used regardless of sex and age.

The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition or a cosmetic composition for preventing or treating hair loss, or promoting hair growth. The composition according to the present invention exhibits an excellent effect of preventing or treating hair loss and promoting hair growth, and can be safely used regardless of sex and age.

Compositions and methods are disclosed herein for inducing (up-regulating) the expression of sulfotransferases in the hair follicles, e.g., the scalp. Increasing sulfotransferase is beneficial for metabolizing pro-drugs that require sulfonation to be activated, e.g., minoxidil sulfate is the active metabolite of minoxidil. A method for combining the compositions described herein with topical minoxidil to enhance minoxidil treatment for androgenetic alopecia is described. Additional methods and compositions include the use of retinoid X receptor agonists, retinoic acid receptor agonists, and nuclear receptor agonists in an RXRNR heterodimer. Additional methods and compositions include the use of a topical solution containing an alkalinizing agent or an alkalinizing agent used with a penetration enhancer for up-regulating the sulfonating capacity of hair bearing skin, hair follicles, and/or keratinocyte cells. In addition, compositions and methods for increasing or decreasing the growth rate of hair follicles is disclosed by altering the intracellular pH.