Sugar gel shows promise for regrowing hair

Scientists at the University of Sheffield and COMSATS University have discovered a potential new treatment for hair loss using a sugar gel called deoxyribose. This sugar is naturally found in the body and helps form DNA. Their research shows that this gel could potentially help those suffering from hereditary-patterned baldness and even aid cancer patients in regrowing hair after chemotherapy. In 2024, the researchers were studying how deoxyribose helps heal mouse wounds. They observed that the fur around the wounds began to regrow quickly when the gel was applied. Encouraged by this finding, they conducted further studies using male mice with testosterone-driven hair loss. The study, published in June 2024, involved applying the deoxyribose gel to the backs of hairless mice every day. Within weeks, the mice showed significant hair regrowth. Sheila MacNeil, a tissue engineer involved in the study, suggested that the gel helps improve blood flow to hair follicles, encouraging new hair growth. Hereditary-patterned baldness affects about 40 percent of people in the U.S., but there are limited treatment options. Currently, the FDA has approved only two drugs: minoxidil, which is available over-the-counter, and finasteride, which is for men and has side effects. The new sugar gel offers a hopeful alternative without the harsh side effects of existing medications. The researchers also discovered that the gel not only promotes hair growth but also leads to an increase in blood vessels and skin cells in the treated areas. While they are still unsure of the exact mechanism, they believe better blood supply to hair follicles results in thicker and longer hair. If successful in human trials, the deoxyribose gel could offer new hope for those suffering from alopecia and help cancer patients regrow hair lost during treatment. The researchers are excited about the potential but emphasize that this is still early-stage research that needs further exploration.