Hair growth stimulatory effect by a combination of 5‐aminolevulinic acid and iron ion

Abstract

The results suggest that an admixture of 5-ALA and iron ion stimulates murine hair growth in vivo independent of epithelial and mesenchymal cells, although the precise mechanism is still uncertain. This mixture has the potential to become a beneficial new treatment for alopecia.

The effect of 5-aminolevulinic acid on cytochrome c oxidase activity in mouse liver

“…Wang et al demonstrated that ALA and vitamin C supplementation improved iron status including hemoglobin levels in sows and laying hens [24,25]. Yamazaki et al revealed that ALA and iron ion administration caused a stimulatory effect on hair growth [26]. These findings strongly suggest that ALA is a potentially useful nutritional supplement.…”

Novel development of 5-aminolevurinic acid (ALA) in cancer diagnoses and therapy

“…Therefore, ALA at lower doses than those used for PDD and PDT (20 mg/kg), may help to prevent and treat chronic diseases via activation of the electron transport system for heme homeostasis in mitochondria. [20] The use of ALA phosphate at a lower dose (mg/M 2 ), in combination with ferrous citrates to prevent phototoxicity, might also have cosmetic applications for conditions, such as alopecia, [21] anti-aging supplements and improved lipid metabolism (Fig. 1).…”

5-aminolevulinic acid, a precursor of heme, reduces both fasting and postprandial glucose levels in mildly hyperglycemic subjects

“…Hence, as the precursor of heme, ALA is an essential molecule in human and other vertebrates, and may be associated with various metabolic disorders. Indeed, it has been reported that the administration of ALA together with iron stimulates murine hair growth [4].…”