Minoxidil Increases 17β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase and 5α-Reductase Activity in Cultured Human Dermal Papilla Cells from Balding Scalp

    February 1999 in “ Journal of Dermatological Science ”
    Toshihiro Sato, Taketsugu Tadokoro, Tadashige Sonoda, Yuji Asada, Satoshi Itami, Susumu Takayasu
    Image of study
    TLDR Minoxidil boosts enzymes that help hair growth.
    The study found that minoxidil increases the activity of 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and 5α-reductase in human dermal papilla cells from balding scalp. These enzymes are involved in the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, which is known to contribute to hair loss. The study suggests that minoxidil may work by increasing the activity of these enzymes, leading to increased hair growth. The study was conducted on cultured human dermal papilla cells from balding scalp, and further research is needed to clarify the role of 5α-reductase in male pattern baldness and whether the effect of minoxidil on testosterone metabolism is related to its therapeutic effect.
    Discuss this study in the Community →

    Research cited in this study

    3 / 3 results

    Related Community Posts Join

    6 / 1000+ results

      community How I started reversing Male Pattern Baldness naturally ?

      in Question  6 upvotes 7 years ago
      The user reversed male pattern baldness using a pro-thyroid diet, lifestyle changes, and scalp stimulation exercises, without Minoxidil or Finasteride. They reported reduced dandruff, itchiness, oiliness, and experienced hair regrowth and thickening over 15 months.

      community Bile Acid-Mediated DHT Dysregulation Hypothesis

      in Research/Science  13 upvotes 2 weeks ago
      Elevated bile acids can inhibit the enzyme AKR1C2, leading to increased DHT levels, which may accelerate hair loss in those predisposed to androgenetic alopecia. Treatments mentioned include topical minoxidil and finasteride.

      community Quit vaping/smoking = 80% less loss

      in Research/Science  235 upvotes 7 months ago
      Quitting vaping significantly reduced hair loss for a user who was a heavy vaper and also taking finasteride. Some participants suggest nicotine's vasoconstrictive properties may worsen hair loss, while others share personal anecdotes of hair improvement after quitting smoking or vaping.

      community A concise, easy-to-understand post on Androgenic Alopecia theory and its practical applications

      in Research/Science  92 upvotes 2 years ago
      The mechanism of Androgenic Alopecia and practical applications of treatments like Minoxidil, Finasteride, RU58841, dermarolling, scalp massages, anti-fungals, progesterone, estrogen, PPAR-γ activators, reducing oxidative stress, and scalp exercises. It explains why DHT is important in AA and how other factors might be involved such as hypoxia, increased DKK-1 expression, morphological changes to the scalp, skull growth during childhood/puberty, and blood flow.

      community We need to keep these snake oil companies accountable.

      in Treatment  121 upvotes 5 months ago
      Biotin is being misleadingly marketed as a primary treatment for androgenic alopecia, overshadowing more effective treatments like finasteride and minoxidil. There is a call for increased awareness and accountability to prevent misinformation.

      community What has helped you regrow your temples?

      in Chat  21 upvotes 1 year ago
      User seeks advice for regrowing temples, currently using Fin, oral Min, and dermarolling. Suggestions include improving scalp environment and considering RU58841 or dutasteride.

    Related Research

    7 / 7 results