Some of the greatest inventions in the world have been discovered by accident.
A breakthrough treatment for hair loss was found by researchers accidentally while they were studying the effects of naturally occurring deoxyribose sugar in healing wounds of lab mice. Much to their glee, they found out that the mice grew fur around their lesions rapidly on application of the sugars which encouraged the scientists to investigate it further. This led them to a cure for hereditary-patterned baldness which impacts men and women across the globe.
Sugar gel treatment for hair is a topical treatment that uses a natural sugar called deoxyribose to stimulate hair growth:
How it works: The gel is thought to work by improving blood flow to hair follicles, which can help them grow.
Benefits: The gel is biodegradable, non-toxic, and free from significant side effects. It may also be effective for regrowing lashes and brows after chemotherapy.
Deoxyribose is a 5-carbon sugar that forms part of the sugar-phosphate backbone in DNA, the genetic code of living organisms. It can be extracted from DNA through hydrolysis, a process that breaks molecules down using water.
It so happened that researchers were applying the sugar to the wounds of lab mice when they noticed that the fur around the lesions regrew quickly. This study was published in Frontiers in Pharmacology in July this year.
Scientists at the University of Sheffield and COMSATS University in Pakistan were researching on a sugar that naturally occurs in the body and helps form DNA, the 'deoxyribose' part of deoxyribonucleic acid.
They were studying how these sugars heal the wounds of mice when applied topically when they made this startling observation and found that fur around lesions of the mice was growing back faster than in untreated mice.
To study this further, they took male mice with testosterone-driven hair loss and removed the fur from their backs. Every day, they applied a little bit of deoxyribose sugar gel on the exposed skin. In a matter of weeks, the fur in the region where gel was applied showed a 'robust' regrowth, sprouting long, thick individual hairs.
In fact, the deoxyribose gel was found to be so effective, that the researchers concluded that it worked just as well as minoxidil, a topical treatment for hair loss which is commonly known by the brand name Rogaine.
"Our research suggests that the answer to treating hair loss might be as simple as using a naturally occurring deoxyribose sugar to boost the blood supply to the hair follicles to encourage hair growth," said tissue engineer Sheila MacNeil from the University of Sheffield.
Hereditary-pattern baldness, also known as androgenetic alopecia, is a common cause of hair loss that's caused by a combination of genetics, hormones, and aging. The disorder impacts up to 40 percent of the population. Twi drugs have been approved for treating hair loss.
Minoxidil, an over-the-counter treatment, can slow hair loss and promote regrowth but doesn't work for everyone. Male patients can consider finasteride (Propecia), a prescription drug that slows hair loss in 80-90% of cases.
However, it must be taken continuously and may cause side effects like erectile dysfunction, reduced libido, depression, and testicular or breast pain. Finasteride is not approved for women.
"The treatment of androgenetic alopecia remains challenging," MacNeil and her colleagues, led by biomaterial researcher Muhammad Anjum from COMSATS, write in their published paper.
Sugar gel as effective as Minoxidil
The researchers developed a biodegradable, non-toxic gel made from deoxyribose and tested it on mouse models of male-pattern baldness. Minoxidil was also tested separately, with some mice receiving a combination of the sugar gel and minoxidil. Mice treated with the deoxyribose gel showed the growth of new hair follicles compared to those given a gel without active ingredients. The researchers believe that the sugar gel may work by stimulating the growth of new hair follicles.
It was found that both minoxidil and the sugar gel promoted 80 to 90 percent hair regrowth in mice with male pattern baldness, however, combining the treatments, didn't make much difference.
Minoxidil is a topical medication commonly used to treat hair loss and promote hair regrowth, particularly in conditions like androgenetic alopecia. It works by improving blood flow to hair follicles, stimulating their growth cycle. Consistent application is key, but results may vary, and it can cause side effects like scalp irritation.
As the research is still in its initial stage, more studies are needed to confirm these findings
in humans. If you're considering using a sugar gel for hair regrowth.
How it could help treating human hair loss
Researchers weren't exactly sure how deoxyribose gel works for hair regrowth but they noticed that it leads to longer and thicker hair growth in mice and around the treated site, there was an increase in blood vessels and skin cells.
"The better the blood supply to the hair bulb, the larger its diameter and the more hair growth," the researchers write.
This raises hope for treatment of alopecia in humans and in the area of stimulating hair, lash, and eyebrow regrowth following chemotherapy.
"This is a badly under-researched area, and hence new approaches are needed," write the authors.
The research could be carried forward by experimenting on female mice experiencing alopecia as in males it has shown a promising result.
Hair follicles are notable for their rapid growth and complexity, undergoing cycles of growth and regeneration throughout life. Studies of hair loss in mice suggest that hair growth is controlled by key signaling molecules, though the exact pathways are not fully understood. Research on mouse hair loss has also identified genes linked to human disorders and may advance understanding of hair loss, development, and cancer formation.
Researches around hair regrowth abound. A study in the Journal of Medicinal Food indicated that red ginseng extract can promote hair growth by stimulating human hair follicles and improving scalp blood circulation. Apart from this, scientists at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have successfully 3D-printed hair follicles in human skin tissue, potentially advancing regenerative medicine and skin graft engineering.
Reasons behind hair loss:
Hair loss can have many causes, including:
Heredity: The most common cause of hair loss is a hereditary condition called androgenic alopecia, which usually occurs gradually and in predictable patterns. In men it also known as male pattern baldness and often begins with both temples. If not corrected, the hairline moves back or recedes to form an "M" shape. Hair also thins at the crown and for many people it may progress to partial or complete baldness.
Hormonal changes: Hair loss can be caused by hormonal changes due to pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, or thyroid problems. In some cases, reducing stress can help one prevent this kind of hair loss. It is important to do relaxing activities like deep breathing and Yoga to counter this. An imbalance in androgens (male hormones) can cause the hair follicles to shrink, while estrogen drops can lead to shedding after pregnancy.
Medications and supplements: Hair loss can be a side effect of certain drugs, such as those used for cancer, arthritis, depression, heart problems, gout, and high blood pressure. It is important to consult your doctor if this is happening.
Stressful events: Many people experience a general thinning of hair several months after a physical or emotional shock. Emotional stress, such as major life changes like losing a loved one. Physical trauma such as surgery, illness, or injury can shock the body, leading to hair loss. Hormonal changes and nurtitional deficiencies too could cause hair loss and thinning.
Hairstyles and treatments: Hairstyles that pull the hair tightly, such as braids, hair extensions, or tight ponytails, can cause hair loss.
Fungal infections: Tinea capitis, also called scalp ringworm, is a fungal infection of the scalp that's a common cause of hair loss in children.
Nutritional deficiencies: Not getting enough iron, protein, zinc, folic acid, vitamin D, or vitamin B12 can cause hair loss. Iron deficiency anemia, in particular, can lead to visible hair loss due to the reduced oxygen supply to hair follicles. It is important to eat a balanced diet rich in all the essential nutrients.
Poisoning: Being slowly poisoned by arsenic, thallium, mercury, lithium, or large amounts of warfarin can cause hair loss.
Friction: Hair loss can develop where boots, socks, or tight clothing frequently rubs against your skin.
Smoking and lifestyle factors: Smoking is another factor that can cause hairfall, as it affects blood circulation, reducing the flow of oxygen and nutrients to hair follicles. Poor lifestyle habits such as inadequate sleep, excessive alcohol consumption, and lack of physical activity can also contribute to hair loss.
Hair loss is at times seen a few months after giving birth, recovering from an illness, or having an operation. You know you are losing more hair than normal, when you start to notice a lot more hairs in your brush or on your pillow. Hair loss can also happen after a stressful time in your life, such as a divorce or death of a loved one.
However in many cases, your hair can begin to regrow after the cause of hair loss is addressed. For instance, when the stressor is no longer there, you can regain the hair fullness within few months. It's important to note that the effectiveness of hair loss treatments can vary depending on the individual and the underlying cause of hair loss
Hair loss could have disastrous implications for an individual’s physical appearance, self-esteem, and mental health. While often dismissed as a cosmetic concern, hair loss can deeply affect a person's confidence and social interactions, leading to feelings of embarrassment, anxiety, and even depression. For some, it can alter their identity and sense of self, impacting personal relationships and professional opportunities.
This unexpected discovery has opened new doors for treating hereditary-patterned baldness, a condition affecting millions worldwide. The researchers are now focused on refining the treatment to ensure its safety and effectiveness in humans. While more studies are needed, this breakthrough offers hope for those struggling with hair loss, potentially revolutionizing the way we approach hair regrowth in the future.
It is also important to take care if your hair by regularly washing, oiling and combing them. A balanced diet and a good night's sleep can also help resolve many of your hair woes.
Natural remedies like scalp massage, a balanced diet, and essential oils may help strengthen hair and reduce shedding.
One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change