Hair Growth Effect of Minoxidil

    January 2002 in “ Folia Pharmacologica Japonica
    Susumu Otomo
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    TLDR Minoxidil helps hair grow by improving blood flow and increasing growth factors in hair follicles.
    The 2002 document outlines the hair growth effects of minoxidil, a drug initially used for high blood pressure that was found to stimulate hair growth. Minoxidil is thought to work by activating the sulfonylurea receptor (SUR), which leads to increased blood flow, promotion of growth factors like VEGF, and prevention of cell death in hair follicles, thereby extending their growth phase. Although the exact mechanisms are not fully understood, minoxidil is believed to enhance cell growth factors, inhibit apoptosis, and improve blood flow, which together stimulate hair follicles. Minoxidil was FDA-approved in 1988 and is available in various concentrations, including 1% and 5% topical formulations.
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      in Research/Science  316 upvotes 4 months ago
      Creatine may counteract minoxidil's hair growth effects by closing potassium ATP channels, potentially leading to hair loss in predisposed individuals. Despite anecdotal reports, there is no conclusive evidence linking creatine to hair loss.

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      in Research/Science  52 upvotes 1 year ago
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