title: Topical Cyperus rotundus oil: a new therapeutic modality with comparable efficacy to Alexandrite laser photo-epilation.
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.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  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).
  
  
  METHODS
  3.
authors.forename: Ghada Farouk
authors.initials: GF
authors.lastname: Mohammed
authors.affiliation: Dr Mohammed is a Lecturer in the Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt.
authors.forename: Ghada Farouk
authors.initials: GF
authors.lastname: Abd El-Kaream Mohammed
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001365:Axilla; D029786:Cyperus; D005260:Female; D006204:Hair Removal / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D053844:Lasers, Solid-State; D028022:Low-Level Light Therapy; D008875:Middle Aged; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010865:Pilot Projects; D010938:Plant Oils / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D010938:Plant Oils
keywords: Cyperus rotundus oil; androgenic hair; decreased hair growth; laser hair removal; white hair