Topically Applied Glycyrrhizic Acid Causes Hair Removal in Rats

The study investigated the epilatory effects of glycyrrhizic acid, a compound from sweet licorice, on hair removal in Wistar rats. A solution containing 15% glycyrrhizic acid was applied to the rats' necks twice daily, resulting in 20-30% hair loss after 3 days and 90-95% after 6-12 days. Long-term treatment reduced hair regrowth by about 20%, with no signs of skin irritation. The study suggested that glycyrrhizic acid could be a potential treatment for hypertrichosis in humans, as it effectively removed hair without causing inflammation. Further research was needed to explore its effects on human hair growth and its potential mechanisms, possibly involving hormone-like effects or changes in hair cuticle structure.