(StudyFinds) Baldness affects millions of men worldwide, impacting self-esteem and quality of life. Now, researchers have discovered an unexpected potential treatment using a simple sugar compound that naturally occurs in the human body.
A study published in Frontiers in Pharmacology reveals that 2-deoxy-D-ribose(2dDR), a modified version of the sugar ribose, may stimulate hair regrowth in cases of androgenic alopecia – the scientific term for male pattern baldness.
Sugary Solution To Baldness
2dDR is not your typical table sugar. It’s a molecule that plays a fundamental role in various biological processes in both animals and humans. This sugar caught the attention of researchers looking for new ways to combat hair loss due to its ability to promote blood vessel growth, known as angiogenesis.
The study, conducted by a team of scientists from the University of Sheffield in the UK and COMSATS University in Pakistan, found that applying a gel containing 2dDR to the skin of mice with induced baldness led to significant hair regrowth. Remarkably, the results were comparable to those seen with minoxidil, one of only two FDA-approved drugs for treating baldness.
“Male pattern baldness is such a common condition, affecting men all over the world, but at the moment, there are only two FDA-licensed drugs to treat it,” says Professor Sheila MacNeil, Emeritus Professor of Tissue Engineering at the University of Sheffield, in a statement. “Our research suggests that the answer to treating hair loss might be as simple as using a naturally occurring deoxy ribose sugar to boost the blood supply to the hair follicles to encourage hair growth.”
