A recent animal study suggests that a sugar naturally found in the body, 2-deoxy-D-ribose (2dDR), may be as effective as minoxidil in treating androgenic alopecia, a common form of hair loss known as male pattern baldness. This condition, which can also affect women, often results from high testosterone levels that interfere with hair growth.
The research, published in Frontiers in Pharmacology, indicates that 2dDR might treat up to 90 percent of male mice with this condition by improving blood circulation around hair follicles, which encourages hair growth. Unlike minoxidil and finasteride, the only two drugs currently approved by the FDA for this condition, 2dDR has not shown the side effects associated with these medications, such as skin irritation or cardiovascular issues.
2dDR is a component of DNA and plays a role in the formation of blood vessels, a process crucial for delivering nutrients to hair follicles. The study demonstrated that treatment with a 2dDR hydrogel not only increased hair growth but also enhanced the hair’s thickness and density without the adverse effects often seen with current hair loss medications.
This finding is particularly promising for individuals undergoing cancer treatments, who often suffer from severe hair loss, leading to psychological distress. The researchers emphasize the need for further studies to confirm these results in human trials, highlighting the potential of 2dDR as a novel and safer treatment for hair loss.
