Minoxidil: mechanisms of action on hair growth
February 2004
in “British Journal of Dermatology”
TLDR Minoxidil boosts hair growth by opening potassium channels and increasing cell activity.
The article discusses the mechanisms of action of minoxidil on hair growth. Minoxidil stimulates hair growth by opening potassium channels, which can lead to increased DNA synthesis and cell proliferation. It also prolongs anagen and increases hair follicle size. Minoxidil inhibits collagen production, stimulates PGE₂ synthesis, inhibits prostacyclin production, and stimulates VEGF synthesis by dermal papilla cells. Clinical trials have shown that topical minoxidil can be effective in treating androgenetic alopecia in men.
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Cited in this study
research A randomized clinical trial of 5% topical minoxidil versus 2% topical minoxidil and placebo in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia in men
5% minoxidil works better for hair growth and density, with minor irritation.
research Effect of Latanoprost on Hair Growth in the Bald Scalp of the Stump-tailed Macacque: A Pilot Study
Latanoprost, a glaucoma drug, showed potential for promoting hair growth in bald monkeys, especially at higher doses.
research Minoxidil-Induced Hair Growth is Mediated by Adenosine in Cultured Dermal Papilla Cells: Possible Involvement of Sulfonylurea Receptor 2B as a Target of Minoxidil
Minoxidil boosts hair growth by targeting adenosine and possibly sulfonylurea receptor 2B.
research Control of hair growth and follicle size by VEGF-mediated angiogenesis
VEGF helps hair grow and determines follicle size by increasing blood vessel growth.
research Changes in hair weight and hair count in men with androgenetic alopecia, after application of 5% and 2% topical minoxidil, placebo, or no treatment
Minoxidil increases hair weight and count temporarily in men with hair loss.
research Minoxidil increases 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and 5α-reductase activity of cultured human dermal papilla cells from balding scalp
Minoxidil boosts enzymes that help hair growth.
research The induction by topical minoxidil of increased fenestration in the perifollicular capillary wall
Minoxidil increased small openings in blood vessel walls near growing hair in rats.
research Minoxidil upregulates the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor in human hair dermal papilla cells
Minoxidil boosts growth factor in hair cells, potentially promoting hair growth.
research Sulfation of minoxidil by multiple human cytosolic sulfotransferases
Minoxidil breakdown varies by enzymes, affecting hair loss treatment effectiveness.
research Hypertrichosis and Increased Pigmentation of Eyelashes and Adjacent Hair in the Region of the Ipsilateral Eyelids of Patients Treated with Unilateral Topical Latanoprost
Using the eye pressure medication latanoprost can cause excessive hair growth and darker eyelashes on the treated eye.
research Biphasic Effects of Minoxidil on the Proliferation and Differentiation of Normal Human Keratinocytes
Minoxidil affects cell growth in two ways: low doses increase growth, while high doses slow it down and can be toxic.
research Activation of Cytoprotective Prostaglandin Synthase-1 by Minoxidil as a Possible Explanation for Its Hair Growth-Stimulating Effect
Minoxidil boosts hair growth by activating PGHS-1.
research Chronic telogen effluvium: Increased scalp hair shedding in middle-aged women
Middle-aged women with chronic telogen effluvium experience increased hair shedding but usually don't get significantly thinner hair.
research Inhibitory effects of bFGF, VEGF and minoxidil on collagen synthesis by cultured hair dermal papilla cells
research Minoxidil Sulfation in the Hair Follicle
Minoxidil helps hair growth by activating enzymes in hair follicles.
research Minimum Structural Requirements for Minoxidil Inhibition of Lysyl Hydroxylase in Cultured Fibroblasts
Minoxidil needs specific structure to block lysyl hydroxylase; exploring alternatives may keep benefits without this effect.
research Diagnostic and predictive value of horizontal sections of scalp biopsy specimens in male pattern androgenetic alopecia
Horizontal scalp biopsy sections effectively diagnose and predict MPAA, with follicular density and inflammation impacting hair regrowth.
research Enzymatic and non-enzymatic sulfation mechanisms in the biological actions of minoxidil
Minoxidil needs activation to work, and minoxidil sulfate helps with hair growth and blood pressure.
research Minoxidil Sulfotransferase, a Marker of Human Keratinocyte Differentiation
Minoxidil sulfotransferase is a marker of keratinocyte differentiation and may play a role in hair growth.
research Minoxidil: Inhibition of Proliferation of Keratinocytes In Vitro
Minoxidil slows down keratinocyte growth without being toxic.
research Localization of Minoxidil Sulfotransferase in Rat Liver and the Outer Root Sheath of Anagen Pelage and Vibrissa Follicles
Minoxidil works in liver and outer hair root sheath for hair growth.
research Minoxidil Sulfate Is the Active Metabolite that Stimulates Hair Follicles
Minoxidil sulfate stimulates hair growth.
research Sulfation of minoxidil by human liver phenol sulfotransferase
Minoxidil activates hair growth by being sulfated by P-PST in the human liver.
research Biochemical and trichological characterization of diffuse alopecia in women
Diffuse alopecia in women may be related to androgens and iron deficiency, and basic hormone and nutrient screening is useful.
research The Effect of Topical Minoxidil on Hair Follicular Cycles of Rats
Minoxidil speeds up hair growth in rats without prolonging growth phase.
research Minoxidil Stimulates Mouse Vibrissae Follicles in Organ Culture
Minoxidil can help grow hair in mice by making cells grow and improving hair quality. More research needed.
research Histologic response to topically applied minoxidil in male-pattern alopecia
Minoxidil can help grow hair and make hair follicles bigger, but it can also cause side effects.
research Selective inhibition by minoxidil of prostacyclin production by cells in culture
Minoxidil stops cells from making prostacyclin, which may help with hair growth. More research is needed.
research Sulfation of minoxidil by human platelet sulfotransferase
Human platelets change minoxidil to minoxidil sulfate, helping blood vessels widen.
research Alterations in scalp blood flow after the epicutaneous application of 3% minoxidil and 0.1% hexyl nicotinate in alopecia
Minoxidil didn't increase scalp blood flow for hair growth, but hexyl nicotinate did.
research Suppression of fibroblast proliferation and lysyl hydroxylase activity by minoxidil.
Minoxidil slows fibroblast growth and collagen production, potentially treating keloids, hypertrophic scars, and connective tissue disorders.
research Action of topical minoxidil in the bald stump-tailed macaque
Minoxidil promotes hair growth but stops working when discontinued.
research Minoxidil Stimulates Cutaneous Blood Flow in Human Balding Scalps: Pharmacodynamics Measured by Laser Doppler Velocimetry and Photopulse Plethysmography
Minoxidil increases blood flow in balding scalps, possibly reversing hair loss.
research Effect of Minoxidil on Cultured Keratinocytes
Minoxidil helps hair cells live longer and grow longer.
research Sulfation of minoxidil by liver sulfotransferase
Liver enzyme helps minoxidil work better for blood vessel relaxation.
research Minoxidil in severe hypertension with renal failure
Minoxidil effectively lowers blood pressure without major side effects.