Hair Loss Breakthrough: Natural Sugar Boosts Regrowth

In positive news for nearly half the men worldwide, scientists have discovered that a naturally occurring sugar in humans and animals may be used as a topical treatment for male pattern baldness. This finding could provide a non-invasive, cost-effective, and safer alternative to the current leading treatment, minoxidil.

An international team of scientists from the University of Sheffield and COMSATS University Pakistan has discovered that the organic compound 2-deoxy-D-ribose (2dDR) can stimulate new hair growth.

This finding emerged after eight years of research into the deoxy sugar’s potential for wound healing. The breakthrough occurred when researchers noticed accelerated hair growth around wound patches compared to untreated areas, suggesting a direct impact on damaged hair follicles.

“Male pattern baldness is incredibly prevalent among men globally, but currently, there are only two FDA-approved treatments available,” noted Sheila MacNeil, a professor at the University of Sheffield. “ .”

To evaluate this hypothesis, the researchers induced testosterone-related hair loss in mice to simulate male pattern baldness in humans.

Treatment Groups and Methodology

The mice were then divided into different treatment groups: a negative control group receiving dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a positive control group receiving minoxidil, a group treated with 2dDR gel, and a group treated with a combination of 2dDR and minoxidil gel.

Minoxidil, marketed under names like Rogaine and Theroxidil, is one of the two FDA-approved hair loss treatments available. However, it has some side effects, including light sensitivity and scalp discomfort, and is not effective for receding hairlines. It works better in individuals under 40 and is not recommended for those taking blood-pressure medications.

In the study, the mice received their assigned treatments daily for 20 days. Skin samples were then examined to assess hair length, diameter, follicle density and width, the ratio of hair in the growth (anagen) versus rest (telogen) stages, melanin coverage of hair bulbs, and blood vessel growth.

Results After 21 Days

After 21 days, the mice treated with the 2dDR-SA gel, which is a sustained-release formulation based on sodium alginate, showed comparable hair regrowth to the minoxidil group.

Additionally, this gel led to a slightly greater number of blood vessels and improvements in hair follicle length and density, similar to those seen with minoxidil. The 2dDR-SA gel also increased the proportion of hair in the anagen growth phase, crucial for maintaining hair density.

The 2dDR-SA treatment was 80-90% as effective as minoxidil, and combining it with minoxidil did not show significant improvements. This suggests that 2dDR-SA could be a promising, affordable, and safe alternative to current treatments.

“This naturally occurring, stable, and inexpensive deoxy ribose sugar can be delivered through various gels or dressings,” said Muhammed Yar from COMSATS. “It is a promising candidate for further research as a treatment for male hair loss.”

The researchers believe 2dDR enhances vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which supports new hair growth, and may also help with chemotherapy-induced hair loss.

“More research is needed to understand how 2dDR affects VEGF levels and if VEGF inhibitors can block its effects,” the scientists noted.

While preliminary, these findings offer hope for new, effective hair loss treatments using natural compounds.

Read the original article on: New Atlas

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