Researchers from the University of Sheffield in England and COMSATS University in Pakistan may have discovered a promising treatment for male pattern baldness using a sugar gel, according to media reports.
The team initially studied the healing properties of naturally occurring deoxyribose sugar on wounds and observed an unexpected result: hair regrowth around the treated areas in lab mice, as per a New York Post report.
What does the study reveal?
The scientists then focused their study on male mice with testosterone-induced hair loss. Applying the deoxyribose sugar gel led to the formation of new blood vessels, which stimulated hair growth. This finding suggests that enhancing blood supply to hair follicles might be key to treating baldness. This approach could offer a simple and effective solutions.
Hair-loss treatment choices
Current treatments for hair loss, such as minoxidil (Rogaine) and finasteride (Propecia), have limited effectiveness and potential side effects. Minoxidil can promote some hair regrowth but doesn’t work for everyone. Finasteride, approved only for men, has been associated with side effects like depression, erectile dysfunction, and reduced libido.
Alternative treatments, including laser therapy and hair transplant surgery, are available but come with their own challenges. Anti-aging expert Bryan Johnson advocates a combination of red-light therapy, micro-needling, and topical treatments, yet these methods are not universally effective.
The discovery of a noninvasive, safe gel could revolutionize hair loss treatment. If deoxyribose proves effective in humans, it might also offer hope for those suffering from alopecia and hair loss due to chemotherapy. The potential for regrowing hair, eyelashes, and eyebrows could significantly impact the lives of many, offering a new avenue for addressing hair loss without the drawbacks of current treatments.
