Gaby
A team from the University of Sheffield (UK) and COMSATS University in Pakistan claims that the natural sugar 2-deoxy-D-ribose (2dDR) is just as effective in combating alopecia (hair loss) as the most effective hair loss treatments available.
The researchers stated that treating hair loss with this natural sugar, which is found in our bodies, represents a genuine scientific breakthrough that could benefit millions of people.
2dDR acts as one of the building blocks of our DNA, helping to form the deoxyribose component of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA).
What Scientists Discovered
Around 50 percent of men worldwide suffer from alopecia, and many women are affected by this condition as well. Meanwhile, scientists have reported that a natural component of our bodies—2dDR—promotes healthy hair growth.
While studying the effectiveness of this natural sugar in wound healing, the team noticed that hair tends to grow more vigorously around the wounds. They hypothesized that 2-deoxy-D-ribose not only stimulates the formation of blood vessels but also encourages rapid hair growth.
Intrigued, the research group decided to conduct an experiment involving laboratory mice to determine whether this natural sugar could help combat hair loss.
The mice were administered testosterone to induce male-pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia). They were then shaved and treated with either a gel based on 2dDR, a popular medication, or a combination of both.
After 20 days, researchers found that both the 2dDR gel and the well-known medication contributed to an 80-90 percent restoration of hair growth in the testosterone-induced bald mice. However, using both treatments simultaneously did not result in any noticeable improvements, according to the Daily Mail.
Professor Sheila MacNeil from the University of Sheffield noted that this discovery “offers another approach to treating a condition that affects men’s self-esteem and confidence.”
“Our research showed that the solution to hair loss could be as simple as using the natural sugar deoxyribose to enhance blood flow to hair follicles and stimulate hair growth,” the professor said.
According to her, there are currently only two FDA-approved medications for treating alopecia. Now, the researchers hope that sugar gels or patches based on 2dDR will provide a safer and more natural alternative to established treatment methods.
Professor Muhammad Yaar from COMSATS University emphasized, “This pro-angiogenic deoxyribose sugar occurs naturally.” It is inexpensive and readily available. According to the professor, this makes 2dDR an attractive candidate for further research into alopecia treatment.
