TLDR Topical valproate can effectively promote hair growth.
Early experiments and clinical trials indicated that topical valproic acid could promote hair regeneration, showing significant increases in hair count and expression of hair growth markers in both murine models and human subjects. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial with male patients demonstrated that topical valproate significantly improved hair count compared to placebo. The authors suggested that topical valproate could be a cost-effective and less side-effect-prone alternative to existing hair regeneration treatments like Minoxidil and Finasteride.
13 citations,
January 2016 in “Journal of cosmetology & trichology” Alternative treatments show promise for hair growth beyond traditional methods.
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August 2019 in “Dermatologic Therapy” Hair loss treatments work better with lifestyle changes.
2 citations,
April 2017 in “Asian Journal of Psychiatry” Valproic acid can cause hair loss when taken orally but may promote hair growth when applied topically.
100 citations,
September 2017 in “Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology” Male hormones and their receptors play a key role in hair loss and skin health, with potential new treatments being explored.
112 citations,
January 2014 in “Molecular and cellular therapies” Blocking the Wnt pathway could lead to new treatments for cancer and tissue repair but requires careful development to avoid side effects.
