Hair loss affects millions of people around the world, and one of the most common types is a disease called pattern hair loss that affects men and women. This condition is mainly caused by hormone changes, especially when the hormone testosterone is changed to another form called dihydrotestosterone, which is a more effective hormone that affects the hair follicle. This altered hormone shortens the hair growth cycle and causes the hair to shrink, causing the hair to thin over time. Although some drugs, such as minoxidil and finasteride, are approved for treatment, they may have side effects and are not suitable for everyone. That’s why scientists are now investigating new, softer solutions that help increase blood flow to the scalp, which is to support new hair growth.
Whether Professor Sheila MacNeil and Dr. Muhammad Yar, from Sheffield University and Comsats University Islamabad, tested some particular sugar, called 2-deoxyd-D-ribose, a simple sugar that can affect cellular behavior, can help the waist hair by promoting blood supply. Their results are published in the Frontier of Scientific Journals in Pharmacology.
In their study, Professor Macneil and Dr. Yar created a gel made from natural substances that include sodium alginate, a seaweed-forming gel-agent that is often used in wound dressings. Propylene glycol, a common ingredient in skin care products, helps retain moisture, and phenoxyethanol, a preservative used to prevent contamination. This is all mixed with 2-deoxy-D-ribose. They tested mice on hormone-related hair loss by applying gel to the skin for 20 days a day. The results were impressive: mice receiving sugar-based gels showed significant hair regeneration, similar to what commonly seen with hair treatments minoxidil. New hair was longer, thicker, and denser than untreated mice.
Microscopy of the skin confirmed that treated mice had more hair roots during the active growth phase and formed more small blood vessels in the skin. Professor Macneil notes: “The 2-deoxydiribonucleonate sodium alginate hydrogel increases hair development by elongating the Anagen phase, which shortens in androgenic alopecia.” When hair is actively growing, the Anagen phase is part of the hair cycle. In short, gels help keep hair growing patterns for a long time. It also improves hair thickness and natural pigment increase in hair, both signs of healthier hair.
One unexpected result is that using sugar-based gels with minoxidil does not yield better results than using gels alone. “No significant benefits were observed by administering minoxidil in combination with 2-deoxy-D-ribose,” said Dr. Yar. This finding may be good news for people looking for new ways to treat hair loss, rather than relying on traditional medications.
Professor Macneil and Dr. Yar also pointed out that 2-deoxy-D-ribose may contribute to other types of hair loss, such as this caused by chemotherapy, which is a common side effect of cancer treatment. Because sugar promotes the growth of tiny blood vessels that bring nutrients and oxygen into the hair, it plays a crucial role in supporting healthy hair growth. This may lead to new topical treatments – gels or creams are suitable for the skin and are both safe and helpful.
Although this early study was conducted in mice, it hopefully understood the possibilities in humans. More testing is needed to understand exactly how 2-deoxy-D-ribose works and ensure it is safe and effective for people over the long term. Professor Macneil and Dr. Yar believe that sugar can work by increasing natural proteins in the body, called vascular endothelial growth factor, which helps to form new blood vessels. Learning more about how this process works may help develop better treatments in the future, not just for hair growth but also for skin health.
Journal Reference
Anjum MA, Zulfiqar S, Chaudhary AA, Rehman IU, Bullock AJ, Yar M and MacneilS. Animal model of androgenic hair loss using 2-deoxyD-ribose to stimulate hair regeneration. ” Field of Pharmacology, 2024; 15:1370833. doi: https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2024.1370833
About the Author
Professor Sheila McNeill He is an expert in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine at the University of Sheffield. Her work has decades of experience in developing skin and tissue repair technologies, bridge materials science and clinical applications. She has made significant contributions to the advancement of wound healing and bioengineered skin alternatives, often working with interdisciplinary teams to bring laboratory-based discoveries closer to real-world treatments. Professor McNeill is widely recognized for his commitment to translational science and patient-centered innovation.
Dr. Mohamed Yar He is a biomedical materials scientist at Comsats University in Islamabad, known for supporting biomaterial research in healing and tissue regeneration. His work focuses on developing affordable, effective materials for wound care, drug delivery and vascular health. He has a good track record in international cooperation and innovation, including patented technologies. Dr. Yar’s research continues to push the boundaries of accessible healthcare solutions, especially in low-resource healthcare settings.
