The Hair Growth Effect of Minoxidil

Minoxidil was known to have vasodilatory effects, attributed to its metabolite minoxidil sulfate's ability to open K+ channels. It also demonstrated hair growth effects, confirmed in clinical trials, though the exact mechanism was not fully understood. Animal studies showed hair growth effects in monkeys, rats, and mice, partly due to increased blood flow from skin vasodilation. Additionally, in vitro studies revealed a direct action on hair follicles, involving minoxidil sulfate converted by follicular sulfotransferase, with K+ channel opening playing a crucial role, similar to its vasodilatory effects.