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

    November 2008 in “ International Journal of Dermatology ”
    Yuki Morokuma, Masashi Yamazaki, Takeyasu Maeda, Ikuyo Yoshino, Masahiro Ishizuka, Tohru Tanaka, Ito Yoshiyasu, Ryoji Tsuboi
    Image of study
    TLDR A mix of 5-aminolevulinic acid and iron ion can speed up hair growth.
    In 2008, a study found that a combination of 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) and iron ion significantly stimulated hair growth in both male mice and 20 male patients with androgenic alopecia. The mice showed significant hair growth by day 15, comparable to the effects of 5% minoxidil, while the male patients experienced accelerated hair growth after applying the mixture to their scalp for 1 month. Despite these positive outcomes, no increase in keratinocyte or fibroblast proliferation was observed in vitro, indicating that the hair growth mechanism did not involve direct cell proliferation. The exact mechanism remains unknown, but the results suggest potential for the 5-ALA and iron ion combination as a new alopecia treatment, warranting further research.
    Discuss this study in the Community →

    Research cited in this study

    4 / 4 results

    Related Community Posts Join

    6 / 1000+ results

      community How does low level laser therapy?

      in Chat  5 upvotes 8 months ago
      Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is debated for hair regrowth, with some users suggesting it should be combined with treatments like minoxidil and finasteride for effectiveness. Many users express skepticism about LLLT's efficacy and cost, emphasizing the need for the correct wavelength and quality devices.

      community 5+ years of Finasteride Results

      in Progress Pictures  291 upvotes 1 week ago
      The user experienced significant hair regrowth using Finasteride for over five years, later adding oral Minoxidil without noticeable additional benefits. They reported no side effects from the treatments.

      community 5 months 0.5mg fin daily and minoxidil 5% once daily

      in Progress Pictures  32 upvotes 1 week ago
      The user experienced significant hair regrowth and increased confidence after using 0.5mg finasteride daily and 5% minoxidil once daily for five months, with no side effects reported. Other users shared similar experiences, discussing libido changes and considering testosterone replacement therapy (TRT).

      community 5 months Minoxidil+Fin progress

      in Is this regrowth?  76 upvotes 2 weeks ago
      The conversation is about a user's 5-month progress using topical Minoxidil (5%) and Finasteride (0.1%) twice daily, along with derma stamping, improved Vitamin D levels, and increased protein intake for hair regrowth. The user is considering dutasteride if progress plateaus and uses a sulfate and paraben-free shampoo.

      community 5 months Finasteride (.5mg) and Minoxidil (2.5mg)

      in Progress Pictures  223 upvotes 2 weeks ago
      The user experienced significant hair regrowth and improved hair health after 5 months of using 0.5mg finasteride and 2.5mg minoxidil daily, with only minor side effects like reduced libido. The user is optimistic about achieving over 90% regrowth and may not need a hair transplant.

      community 5 months of treatment photos uppdated

      in Is this regrowth?  12 upvotes 3 weeks ago
      The user has been using oral finasteride, topical minoxidil, and a dermaroller for hair regrowth, noticing most improvement between months 3 and 4. Other users commented on the positive results and shared their own treatment routines.

    Similar Research

    5 / 1000+ results