Male pattern baldness, affecting up to 50% of men globally, is characterized by a specific hair loss pattern.

A study published in Frontiers in Pharmacology reveals that 2-deoxy-D-ribose (2dDR) could be a natural alternative to promote hair growth, with researchers at the University of Sheffield finding that 2dDR can stimulate hair regrowth in mice, potentially offering a cure for male pattern baldness.

The study marks a significant shift towards investigating natural compounds for effective topical treatments for hair loss, providing hope to millions worldwide.

The discovered compound, 2dDR, boosts vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) to encourage hair growth and may have broader applications beyond male pattern baldness, such as addressing hair loss due to chemotherapy.

Further research is necessary to comprehend how 2dDR works and its interaction with VEGF inhibitors.

2dDR treatment has shown to be 80-90% as effective as minoxidil, the current FDA-approved hair-loss medication, with no significant added benefits observed when used together.

The discovery of 2dDR's potential for hair regrowth was made by scientists from the University of Sheffield collaborating with researchers in Pakistan.

Professor Sheila MacNeil from the University of Sheffield emphasizes the positive outcomes of using deoxy ribose sugar to enhance blood supply to hair follicles for hair regrowth.