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.

View this study on europepmc.org →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

8 / 8 results

research Use of Low-Level Laser Therapy as Monotherapy or Concomitant Therapy for Male and Female Androgenetic Alopecia

45 citations, January 2014 in “International Journal of Trichology”

Low-level laser therapy helps male and female hair loss alone or with other treatments.

research Quality of Life Assessment in Male Patients with Androgenetic Alopecia: Results of a Prospective, Multicenter Study

101 citations, January 2012 in “Annals of Dermatology”

Men with hair loss experience lower quality of life, worsened by factors like age, severity, and treatment history.

research Topical ALA-Photodynamic Therapy for Acne Can Induce Apoptosis of Sebocytes and Down-Regulate Their TLR-2 and TLR-4 Expression

37 citations, January 2011 in “Annals of Dermatology”

ALA-photodynamic therapy helps reduce acne by causing acne cell death and lowering certain skin protein levels.

research Update on the Pathogenesis, Genetics, and Medical Treatment of Patterned Hair Loss

19 citations, November 2010 in “PubMed”

New genetic insights have improved understanding of hair loss, leading to a new test and treatments, but more research is needed on the test and laser comb effectiveness.

research Hair Growth Stimulatory Effect by a Combination of 5-Aminolevulinic Acid and Iron Ion

22 citations, November 2008 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

A mix of 5-aminolevulinic acid and iron ion can speed up hair growth.

research The Human Tri-Peptide GHK and Tissue Remodeling

165 citations, January 2008 in “Journal of biomaterials science. Polymer ed.”

The peptide GHK-Cu helps heal and remodel tissue, improves skin and hair health, and has potential for treating age-related inflammatory diseases.

research The Effect of Tripeptide-Copper Complex on Human Hair Growth In Vitro

39 citations, July 2007 in “Archives of Pharmacal Research”

A tripeptide-copper complex may help hair grow by increasing cell growth and decreasing cell death.

The Importance of Dual 5α-Reductase Inhibition in the Treatment of Male Pattern Hair Loss: Results of a Randomized Placebo-Controlled Study of Dutasteride Versus Finasteride

research The Importance of Dual 5α-Reductase Inhibition in the Treatment of Male Pattern Hair Loss: Results of a Randomized Placebo-Controlled Study of Dutasteride Versus Finasteride

215 citations, November 2006 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Dutasteride more effective for hair growth, but has more side effects than finasteride.

Related Research

6 / 6 results

research Role of Low Dose Oral Minoxidil in the Treatment of Hair Loss: A Review

1 citations, August 2021 in “Cosmoderma”

Low-dose oral minoxidil is effective and well-tolerated for treating hair loss.

research A Split Head Study of Efficacy of Placebo Versus Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections in the Treatment of Androgenic Alopecia

33 citations, January 2017 in “Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery”

Platelet-rich plasma injections can effectively treat male pattern hair loss, improving hair density and quality with high patient satisfaction.

research Efficacy of Activated 3X Platelet-Rich Plasma in the Treatment of Androgenic Alopecia

3 citations, January 2016 in “PubMed”

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is a cheap and promising treatment for hair loss, improving hair count, thickness, and strength without major side effects.

research Alopecia Areata: A Non-Scarring, Multifocal Hair Growth Disorder

May 2011 in “Harper's Textbook of Pediatric Dermatology”

Alopecia areata causes patchy hair loss and has no cure, but treatments like corticosteroids and minoxidil can help.

research Interventions for Alopecia Areata

2 citations, February 2009 in “Journal of Evidence-Based Medicine”

No treatment showed significant long-term hair growth benefits for alopecia areata.

research Androgenetic Alopecia in the Female

82 citations, March 1994 in “Archives of Dermatology”

2% topical minoxidil effectively treats female hair loss with minimal side effects.