Efficacy of a Complex of 5-Aminolevulinic Acid and Glycyl-Histidyl-Lysine Peptide on Hair Growth

January 2016 in “ Annals of Dermatology ”

Weon Ju Lee, Hyun Bo Sim, Yong Hyun Jang, Seok Jong Lee, Do Won Kim, Soon Ho Yim

5-aminolevulinic acid glycyl-histidyl-lysine peptide male pattern hair loss ALAVAX hair count 5-ALA GHK peptide

TLDR A complex of 5-aminolevulinic acid and glycyl-histidyl-lysine peptide may help increase hair count in male pattern hair loss without side effects.

In a 2016 study, 45 male patients with male pattern hair loss were treated with a complex of 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) and glycyl-histidyl-lysine (GHK) peptide (ALAVAX) to assess its efficacy and safety. The patients were divided into three groups: group A received ALAVAX 100 mg/ml, group B received ALAVAX 50 mg/ml, and group C received a placebo, all applied once daily for 6 months. Group B showed a significant increase in hair count with an average of 71.5 hairs, which was statistically significant compared to group C's 9.6 hairs. Group A also experienced an increase of 52.6 hairs. Satisfaction was highest in group A at 26.7%. No significant differences were found in hair length and thickness among the groups, and no adverse events were reported. The study concluded that the 5-ALA and GHK peptide complex could be a complementary treatment for male pattern hair loss.

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