Efficacy of a Complex of 5-Amniolevulinic Acid and Glycyl-Histidyl-Lysine Peptide on Hair Growth
Title: The Effect of Tripeptide-Copper Complex on Human Hair Growth In Vitro
Authors: Weon Ju Lee, Hyun Bo Sim , Yong Hyun Jang, Seok-Jong Lee, Do Won Kim, and Soon-Ho Yim
Department of Dermatology, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, 'Laboratory of Cutaneous Aging and Hair Research, Clinical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, and Institute of Dermatological Science, Seoul National University, Seoul 110-744, Korea.
Publication: Annals of Dermatology, Volume 28, No 4, 438-443.
Date: 2016
Abstract:
Background
Pattern hair loss is a very common problem. Although effective therapeutics for the treatment of pattern hair loss have been used, novel therapeutic modalities are still required to enhance hair growth.
Objective
We investigated the efficacy and safety of a complex (ALAVAX) of 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) and glycyl-histidyl-lysine (GHK) peptide for the treatment of pattern hair loss.
Methods
Forty-five patients with male pattern hair loss were treated with ALAVAX 100 mg/ml (group A), ALAVAX 50 mg/ml (group B) or placebo (group C) once a day for 6 months. Total hair count, hair length, hair thickness, patient's assessment and adverse events were evaluated at month 1, 3, and 6.
Results
An increase in hair count for 6 months was 52.6 (p<0.05) in group A, 71.5 (p<0.05) in group B, and 9.6 in group C. The ratio of changes in hair count between group B (2.38) and group C (1.21) at 6 months showed a statistically significant difference (p<0.05). The proportion above good satisfaction was higher in group A (26.7%) than in the other groups (group B: 14.3%, group C: 7.1%). There was no statistically significant difference in hair length and hair thickness among 3 groups at 6 months. There was no adverse event in 3 groups.
Conclusion
Our study showed that a complex of 5-ALA and GHK peptide may be considered as one of the complementary agents for the treatment of male pattern hair loss.
Keywords: 5-aminolevulinic acid, Glycyl-histidyl-lysine peptide, Pattern hair loss
Ann Dermatol Vol 28, No 4, 438-443, 2016.