Novel Effect of Sildenafil on Hair Growth

November 2018 in “ Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications ”

Hye In Choi, Bomi Kang, Jaehee Jang, Sungjoo Hwang, Oh Sang Kwon

sildenafil hair growth alopecia human dermal papilla cells hDPCs VEGF PDGF ERK pathway perifollicular vessel formation telogen anagen Viagra hair loss vascular endothelial growth factor platelet-derived growth factor resting phase growth phase

TLDR Sildenafil, often used for erectile dysfunction, may help hair growth.

In 2018, a study found that sildenafil, commonly known for treating erectile dysfunction, has a significant effect on promoting hair growth, suggesting its potential as a treatment for alopecia. The study showed that sildenafil increased the proliferation of human dermal papilla cells (hDPCs) and up-regulated the mRNA expression of growth factors such as VEGF and PDGF, which are crucial for hair development. Additionally, sildenafil enhanced the activation of the ERK pathway, which is involved in cell growth, and improved perifollicular vessel formation in mice, leading to the transition from the resting phase (telogen) to the growth phase (anagen) of the hair cycle. The study did not specify the number of participants or samples used.

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