TLDR Minoxidil slows fibroblast growth and collagen production, potentially treating keloids, hypertrophic scars, and connective tissue disorders.
A study from 35 years ago found that minoxidil inhibits fibroblast proliferation and lysyl hydroxylase activity, which is involved in collagen synthesis. The drug did not affect cell viability or protein synthesis, but it did reduce the incorporation of tritiated thymidine into DNA. The study suggests that minoxidil may have potential as a treatment for conditions related to excessive fibroblast proliferation, such as keloids and hypertrophic scars, and may also be useful in treating connective tissue disorders associated with fibroblast hyperproliferation and collagen accumulation.
138 citations,
August 1985 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Minoxidil promotes hair growth in male pattern baldness.
52 citations,
February 1985 in “Archives of Dermatology” Minoxidil absorbs poorly through skin, with low risk of side effects at 1-2% concentration.
17 citations,
January 1985 in “International Journal of Dermatology” Minoxidil may help hair growth by stopping immune system attacks on hair follicles.
63 citations,
January 1984 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology” Minoxidil promotes hair growth by increasing cell division and DNA synthesis.
72 citations,
December 1983 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology” Minoxidil helps hair cells live longer and grow longer.
19 citations,
January 1987 in “Dermatology” Minoxidil slows down skin cell growth and may help treat scars and skin conditions.
212 citations,
September 2008 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Minoxidil and finasteride treat hair loss in men, while minoxidil treats hair loss in women.
January 1989 in “Clinical and Experimental Dermatology” The symposium concluded that hair growth involves complex processes, including the hair follicle life cycle, the role of the dermal papilla, hair strength, pigmentation, and the impact of diseases and treatments like minoxidil on hair and skin.
20 citations,
January 1994 in “Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics” Minoxidil needs specific structure to block lysyl hydroxylase; exploring alternatives may keep benefits without this effect.
397 citations,
February 2004 in “British Journal of Dermatology” Minoxidil boosts hair growth by opening potassium channels and increasing cell activity.
