Valproic Acid Promotes Human Hair Growth in In Vitro Culture Model

June 2013 in “ Journal of Dermatological Science ”

Seong Jin Jo, Soon Jin Choi, Sun Young Yoon, Ji Yeon Lee, Won Seok Park, Phil June Park, Kyu Han Kim, Hee Chul Eun, Oh Sang Kwon

valproic acid VPA human dermal papilla cells outer root sheath cells hair shaft catagen phase β-catenin protein GSK-3β anagen phase alopecia β-catenin signaling pathways histone deacetylase inhibition topical VPA application hair follicles hair growth hair loss

Studysummary This study found that valproic acid promoted human hair growth by increasing β-catenin levels, suggesting it may be a potential therapeutic option for alopecia.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

The study from 2013 found that valproic acid (VPA) promotes human hair growth both in vitro and in vivo. In vitro, VPA enhanced the viability of human dermal papilla cells and outer root sheath cells, elongated the hair shaft, and delayed the transition to the catagen phase in human hair follicles. This was associated with increased levels of β-catenin protein due to the inhibition of GSK-3β. In vivo, VPA induced the anagen phase in mice. The study involved 469 human scalp hair follicles from 6 individuals and 16 mice across the in vivo study groups. The findings suggest that VPA could be a potential treatment for alopecia, as it promotes hair growth by affecting β-catenin signaling pathways, rather than through histone deacetylase inhibition. The study indicates that topical VPA application might be a safe and effective treatment for hair loss.

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