Scientists finally discover sugar that could cure male pattern baldness

Over thousands of men worldwide struggle with the frustrating reality of hair loss. But what if a simple, natural solution could be on the horizon?

Scientists at the University of Sheffield and COMSATS University Pakistan have discovered a sugar compound that could play a role in hair restoration.

They found that a naturally occurring sugar called 2-deoxy-D-ribose, or 2dDR for short, can boost hair growth by promoting the formation of new blood vessels. This vital process nourishes hair follicles, supporting them to produce new hair.

“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. 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,” explained Sheila MacNeil, Emeritus Professor of Tissue Engineering at the University of Sheffield.

Unexpected discovery

Ribose and deoxyribose are both classified as monosaccharides or simple sugars found in living organisms. They are essential components of nucleic acids, with ribose found in RNA and deoxyribose in DNA.

Over the past eight years, the team focused on using 2dDR sugar to stimulate blood vessel growth for wound repair. Unexpectedly, they noticed a correlation between wound healing and increased hair growth.

To investigate the sugar’s effect on hair loss, scientists developed a mouse model with “testosterone-driven hair loss.” The animal model mimicked the reason for pattern baldness in males.

They observed that a small amount of this naturally occurring sugar promoted hair regrowth by boosting blood flow to the hair follicles. The sugar molecule is considered to promote new hair growth by boosting the synthesis of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).

This discovery could lead to the creation of a potential cure for male pattern baldness, known as androgenic alopecia. This condition impacts up to 50% of males globally.

Results are preliminary

Results indicate that deoxyribose sugar matches Minoxidil’s efficacy in stimulating hair growth, presenting a promising natural treatment option.

Minoxidil, marketed as Rogaine and Theroxidil, is one of only two FDA-approved hair loss treatments. As per NewAtlas , the drug has been known to induce side effects like irritation and sensitivity to light. Furthermore, the medicine is less effective for individuals over 40 and those with receding hairlines. And it is not recommended for people who are on blood pressure medications.

“This pro-angiogenic deoxy ribose sugar is naturally occurring, inexpensive and stable and we have shown it can be delivered from a variety of carrier gels or dressings. This makes it an attractive candidate to explore further for treatment of hair loss in men,” said Professor (Associate) Muhammed Yar (T.I.) of IRCBM, COMSATS University Pakistan, in the press release.

MacNeil stated that the findings are preliminary, but they show great promise. “This could offer another approach to treating this condition which can affect men’s self-image and confidence,” MacNeil said.

Further research could help bring this possible non-invasive, low-cost treatment to patients.

The findings have been published in the journal Frontiers in Pharmacology.