Minoxidil Sulfotransferase Enzymatical Activity in Plants: A Novel Paradigm in Increasing Minoxidil Response in Androgenetic Alopecia

The study investigated the potential of botanical sulfotransferase enzymes to enhance the response to minoxidil, a hair growth drug, by increasing the levels of minoxidil sulfotransferase enzyme (SULT1A1). This enzyme converts minoxidil to its bioactive form, promoting hair growth. Out of 10 plants tested, seven, including spinach, broccoli, and matcha powder, showed significant enzyme activity towards minoxidil. These extracts could potentially increase minoxidil's effectiveness in individuals with varying SULT1A1 activity in their hair follicles. However, the study had limitations, such as the small number of extracts tested and the use of a radiometric assay, which may have affected result accuracy. This is the first study to characterize naturally occurring minoxidil sulfotransferase enzymes in plants.