Alopecia androgénica en una paciente con lupus eritematoso sistémico / Androgenic alopecia in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus

El cabello no solo es una cuestión de imagen personal, a continuación, se expone un caso clínico de una paciente con alopecia androgénica y lupus eritematoso sistémico (LES) de larga data con resultados subóptimos luego de algunos tratamientos realizados con anterioridad, el manejo de la alopecia es un desafío médico pues no solo se trata de un padecimiento estético si no de posibles factores de riesgo para patologías psiquiátricas, por lo que es importante el diagnóstico y tratamiento oportunos. Existen numerosos tratamientos para la alopecia androgénica desde tratamientos tópicos, vía oral, mesoterapia, entre otros. En este caso en particular se presenta la respuesta satisfactoria tras el inicio de minoxidil vía oral y tópica.

Hair is not only a matter of personal image, below is a clinical case of a patient with long-standing androgenic alopecia and lupus with suboptimal results after some previous treatments, the management of alopecia is a medical challenge because it is not only an aesthetic condition but also possible risk factors for psychiatric pathologies, timely diagnosis and treatment is important. There are numerous treatments for androgenic alopecia from topical treatments, oral route and mesotherapy among others. In this particular case, a satisfactory response is presented after starting oral and topical minoxidil.

Alopecia androgénica en una paciente con lupus eritematoso sistémico

El cabello no solo es una cuestión de imagen personal, a continuación, se expone un caso clínico de una paciente con alopecia androgénica y lupus eritematoso sistémico (LES) de larga data con resultados subóptimos luego de algunos tratamientos realizados con anterioridad, el manejo de la alopecia es un desafío médico pues no solo se trata de un padecimiento estético si no de posibles factores de riesgo para patologías psiquiátricas, por lo que es importante el diagnóstico y tratamiento oportunos. Existen numerosos tratamientos para la alopecia androgénica desde tratamientos tópicos, vía oral, mesoterapia, entre otros. En este caso en particular se presenta la respuesta satisfactoria tras el inicio de minoxidil vía oral y tópica.

Hair is not only a matter of personal image, below is a clinical case of a patient with long-standing androgenic alopecia and lupus with suboptimal results after some previous treatments, the management of alopecia is a medical challenge because it is not only an aesthetic condition but also possible risk factors for psychiatric pathologies, timely diagnosis and treatment is important. There are numerous treatments for androgenic alopecia from topical treatments, oral route and mesotherapy among others. In this particular case, a satisfactory response is presented after starting oral and topical minoxidil.

Female-pattern hair loss: therapeutic update

Abstract Female androgenetic alopecia or female-pattern hair loss (FPHL) is highly prevalent and has a great impact on the quality of life. The treatment is a routine challenge in dermatological practice, as many therapeutic options have a limited level of evidence and often do not meet patients expectations. Lack of knowledge of the pathogenesis of the hair miniaturization process and the factors that regulate follicular morphogenesis restricts the prospect of innovative therapies. There is also a lack of randomized, controlled studies with longitudinal follow-up, using objective outcomes and exploring the performance of the available treatments and their combinations. Topical minoxidil, which has been used to treat female pattern hair loss since the 1990s, is the only medication that has a high level of evidence and remains the first choice. However, about 40% of patients do not show improvement with this treatment. In this article, the authors critically discuss the main clinical and surgical therapeutic alternatives for FPHL, as well as present camouflage methods that can be used in more extensive or unresponsive cases.

Polystyrene-b-poly (acrylic acid) nanovesicles coated by modified chitosans for encapsulation of minoxidil

Abstract In this work, polystyrene-b-poly (acrylic acid) (PS-b-PAA) nanovesicles were coated by modified chitosans aiming at studying its physicochemical parameters. The chitosan (CS) was chemically modified to add hydrophilic and/or hydrophobic groups, obtaining three modified chitosans. The PS-b-PAA nanovesicles were obtained by organic (1,4-dioxane) cosolvent method in water, resulting in nanovesicles with less than 150 nm of diameter (polydispersibility index - PDI at 90° = 0.106), measured by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and negative zeta potential (-37.5 ± 3.2 mV), allowing the coating of its surface with oppositely charged polysaccharides, such as the CS and the modified chitosans. The coating process was made by mixing the colloidal suspensions with the CS and the modified chitosans at specific ENT#091;CS-xENT#093;/ENT#091;PS-b-PAAENT#093; ratios (0.001 to 1.0 wt %) and measuring the change in size and surface charge by DLS and zeta potential. Upon reaching maximum adsorption, the zeta potential parameter was positively stabilized (+26.7 ± 4.1 mV) with a hydrodynamic diameter slightly longer (< 200 nm of diameter). The encapsulation efficiency (EE) of minoxidil, quantified by capillary electrophoresis, was 50.7%, confirming their potential as drug delivery carriers and the coating process showed the possibility of controlling the surface charge nature of these nanovesicles

Does microneedling with 5% minoxidil offer added advantage for treatment of androgenetic alopecia in comparison to use of topical 5% minoxidil alone?

Background: Androgenetic alopecia is the most common cause of chronic hair loss. The FDA approved treatment for male androgenetic alopecia are Finasteride and Minoxidil. But many patients do not respond to these medications. Microneedling is a recent modality that releases several growth factors and enhances penetration of minoxidil, thereby promoting hair growth.Methods: 60 patients, aged 21-40 years, with androgenetic alopecia were divided into 2 groups. In group A, patients were subjected to microneedling twice monthly, immediately followed by application of topical 5% minoxidil solution over the scalp and then 1 ml twice daily. In group B, patients were treated with application of 1ml of topical 5% minoxidil solution over the scalp twice daily. The results were evaluated based on patient’s and physician’s assessment based on the standardized 7-point evaluation scale.Results: Patients in group A showed statistically significant improvement (p value<0.05) compared to group B. Headache and erythema were the most common side effects encountered in both the groups.Conclusions: Microneedling with 5% minoxidil is a safe, simple and cost-effective modality and is a promising treatment option for patients with androgenetic alopecia. It showed much better results when compared to use of topical 5% minoxidil solution alone.

Tratamento adjuvante com minoxidil oral para tratamento de alopecia areata refratária a inibidores de JAK / Adjuvant oral minoxidil for the treatment of alopecia areata refractory to Janus kinase inhibitors

Inibidores de Janus quinase mudaram o paradigma terapêutico de alopecia areata grave. Alguns pacientes são refratários ao aumento da dosagem. Neste artigo, descrevemos a aplicabilidade da terapia adjuvante com minoxidil oral.

Janus kinase inhibitors have changed the therapeutic paradigm of severe alopecia areata therapy. Some patients are refractory to dosage escalating. In this article, we describe the applicability of adjuvant oral minoxidil therapy

Taponamiento pericárdico asociado a minoxidil: un diagnóstico olvidado / Pericardial tamponade associated with minoxidil: a forgotten diagnosis

Resumen El derrame pericárdico es una acumulación excesiva de líquido en el espacio pericárdico, el cual se ha asociado al empleo crónico de minoxidil desde principios de su uso clínico; este es formulado comúnmente a pacientes con hipertensión arterial de difícil control y con enfermedad renal crónica asociada, por su efecto vasodilatador arterial y poco efecto sobre la circulación venosa. Se expone el caso de un paciente quien presentó clínica sugestiva de derrame pericárdico, el cual fue confirmado por imágenes (rayos X, tomografía y ecocardiografía) y quien además se encontraba en tratamiento de hemodiálisis crónica por enfermedad renal crónica secundaria a síndrome nefrótico. En la literatura existen algunos reportes de casos similares, pero no hay estudios con datos concluyentes que permitan establecer un porcentaje claro de asociación ni la causa de esta enfermedad. Con este reporte de caso se busca aumentar la sospecha diagnóstica de esta asociación para que otros clínicos tengan este posible diagnóstico en mente, una vez se hayan descartado otras etiologías adicionales y puedan suspender a tiempo la medicación a fin de evitar desenlaces catastróficos como el taponamiento pericárdico.

Abstract Pericardial effusion is an excessive accumulation of fluid in the pericardial space and has been associated with the long-term use of minoxidil from the beginning of its clinical use. It is commonly prescribed to patients with difficult to control arterial hypertension and associated chronic kidney disease due to it arterial vasodilator effects and little effect of the venous circulation. A case is presented on a patient who had a clinical picture suggestive of a pericardial effusion, which was confirmed by imaging tests (X-ray, tomography, and cardiac ultrasound). She was also on long-term haemodialysis treatment due to chronic kidney disease secondary to a nephrotic syndrome. There are reports of similar cases in the literature, but there are no studies with conclusive data that may help to establish a clear percentage association or the cause of the disease. This case report seeks to increase the diagnostic suspicion of this association so that other clinicians may have this possible diagnosis in mind, once they have ruled out any other. They can then stop the medication on time in order to prevent catastrophic outcomes like pericardiac tamponade.

Mutation analysis of the type Ⅱ hair keratin gene in a family of Han nationality with monilethrix / 中华皮肤科杂志

Objective To detect mutations of the type Ⅱ human basic hair keratin (hHb) gene in a family of Han nationality with monilethrix.Methods Clinical data were collected from a family of Han nationality with monilethrix.Dermoscopy was performed to observe hairs of the family members,and light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were conducted to investigate the features of lesional hairs.Blood samples were obtained from the proband,other family members and 100 healthy controls,and DNA was extracted from these blood samples.Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to amplify the exons 1 and 7 of the hHb1,hHb3 and hHb6 genes,and DNA sequencing results were compared with their sequences in the GenBank database.Results The proband was an 8-year-old girl,whose head hairs had become fragile and easy to pull out since 2 months after birth.Skin examination showed diffuse sparsehairs,most of which were 2-cm-long broken hairs with abnormal appearance.Moniliform hairs were scattered all over the head,especially on the occipital region,and follicular keratotic papules were observed on the back of the neck.The proband was diagnosed with monilethrix.There were a total of 15 members in the 3-generation family,and 4 were diagnosed with monilethrix.The hair shafts of the 4 patients all showed typical moniliform structures.After 9-month consecutive treatment with topical minoxidil 2％ solution,the hairs of the proband turned longer and denser.A heterozygous mutation c.1237G＞A (p.E413K) was identified in the exon 7 of the hHb6 gene in the 4 patients,but not in the other family members or 100 healthy controls.Conclusion The E413K mutation of the hHb6 gene was firstly found in the patients in a Chinese Han family with monilethrix,which may be responsible for moniliform hairs.

The effectiveness of adding low-level light therapy to minoxidil 5% solution in the treatment of patients with androgenetic alopecia

Background: Androgenetic alopecia is the commonest type of alopecia affecting over half of men and women. Low-level light therapy is a new technique for stimulating hair growth in both genders. Aims: To overcome the shortcomings of previous epidemiological studies and a lack of controlled clinical trials on the subject, this study compared the effectiveness of adding low-level light therapy to minoxidil topical solution in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia in patients presenting to two skin clinics in Isfahan, Iran during 2014–2015. Materials and Methods: This clinical trial included 50 patients aged 17–45 presenting to Khorshid and Alzahra educational centers and skin diseases research center for androgenetic alopecia during 2014–2015. The patients were randomly divided into a control and a case group. The case group received topical minoxidil 5% solution plus low-level light therapy twice per day. The control group was given the same topical solution and a laser comb system that was turned off to act as a placebo. Changes in patients' hair density and diameter and its overall regrowth as well as their satisfaction with the treatment were assessed at months 0 (baseline), 3, 6, 9 and 12. Results: The percentage of recovery from androgenetic alopecia and the patients' satisfaction with their treatment were significantly higher in the case group compared to the control group. The patients' mean hair density and diameter were found to be higher in the case group after the intervention compared to the control group. Limitations: The study limitations included patient compliance, small sample size, patient insight due to novelty of the method and clinical judgement. Conclusion: As a new method of treatment, low-level light therapy can help improve the percentage of recovery from androgenetic alopecia and increase patients' satisfaction with their treatment.

Antihypertensives in dermatology Part I - Uses of antihypertensives in dermatology

Hypertension is a global health problem. Antihypertensives are the mainstay of treatment for hypertension. Some of them were accidentally found to be useful in alopecias and infantile hemangiomas and have now become standard treatment for these conditions as well. Antihypertensives are also being studied for other dermatological indications, where they have shown promising efficacy. This review focuses on the dermatological indications for antihypertensives, discussing the drugs that have been tried, as well as their efficacy, dosage, duration of therapy, and adverse effects.

Latanoprosta e minoxidil: Estudo duplocego comparativo, placebo-controlado no tratamento da queda de cabelos / Latanoprost and minoxidil: comparative double-blind, placebo-controlled study for the treatment of hair loss

Introdução: A latanoprosta tem demonstrado potencial para o tratamento de queda de cabelos devido ao aumento da espessura e do comprimento dos cílios e hipertricose, observados com seu uso na área dos olhos. Objetivo: Avaliar a eficácia da latanoprosta, isolada ou em associações, na redução da queda e/ou estimulando o crescimento de cabelos em pacientes portadores de eflúvio telógeno ou alopecia androgenética. Métodos: Estudo duplo-cego comparativo, durante 180 dias, entre seis grupos: G1: placebo G2: minoxidil 5%; G3: minoxidil 5% + latanoprosta 0,005%; G4: latanoprosta 0,005%; G5: minoxidil 5% + latanoprosta 0,010%; G6: latanoprosta 0,010%. Foi feita a contagem em fototricograma do total e percentual de fios em fase anágena e telógena. Resultados: Houve melhora para os grupos G2 (total de fios e número de fios anágenos em D92 e D180), G3 (total de fios e número de fios anágenos em D242), G4 (total de fios em D182; número de fios anágenos em D92 e D182) e G5 (total de fios em D182; percentual de fios telógenos e anágenos e número de fios anágenos em D92 e D182). O Tratamento do G6 não apresentou diferença significativa em relação ao placebo. Conclusões: Os tratamentos com minoxidil 5%, minoxidil 5% + latanoprosta 0,005%, latanoprosta 0,005%, minoxidil 5% + latanoprosta 0,010% se mostraram eficazes no controle da queda e no aumento total de fios.

Introduction: Latanoprost has been shown to have potential for the treatment of hair loss evidenced by increased thickness and length of eyelashes and hypertrichosis that can be observed when it is used in the periorbital region. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of latanoprost, used isolatedly or in associations, for reducing hair loss and/or stimulating its growth in patients bearers of telogen effluvium or androgenic alopecia. Methods: A comparative, double-blind study was carried out during 180 days, with 6 groups: G1 - placebo, G2 - 5% minoxidil, G3 - 5% minoxidil + 0.005% latanoprost, G4 - 0.005% latanoprost, G5 - 5% minoxidil + 0.010% latanoprost, G6 - 0.010% latanoprost. The total and percentage count of hair strands was carried out based on phototrichogram in the anagen and telogen phases. Results: There was improvement in G2 (total number of hair strands, number of anagen strands in D92 and D180), G3 (total number of hair strands and number of anagen hair strands in D242), G4 (total number of strands in D182, and number of anagen hair strands in D92 and D182), and G5 (total number of hair strands in D182, percentage of telogen and anagen hair strands and number of anagen hair strands in D92 and D182). Treatment of G6 did not yield significant difference regarding the placebo. Conclusions: The treatments with 5% minoxidil, 5% minoxidil + 0.005% latanoprost, 0.005% latanoprost, 5% minoxidil + 0.010% latanoprost were shown effective in controlling hair loss and in increasing the total number of hair strands.

Analysis of Related Substances in Minoxidil and Minoxidil Gel by HPLC-Q-TOF-MS / 中国药师

Objective:To analyze the related substances in the domestic products of minoxidil and minoxidil gel for the purpose of standard improvement. Methods:An HPLC-Q-TOF-MS method was developed. The test was performed on a Thermo Scientific Accu-core C18 column (100 mm × 2. 1 mm, 2. 6 μm) with a mobile phase of acetonitrile-water (7:93) (containing 0. 1% formic acid) at a flow rate of 0. 2 ml·min-1 , the detection wavelength was 230 nm. The full scan and two stage scanning was employed for detection with ESI source positive ion mode. The mass scan range was m/z 50-500. Results:14 related substances were separated and detected under the established HPLC-Q-TOF-MS condition. The structures and resource of 8 related substances were analyzed preliminarily. Conclusion:The HPLC-Q-TOF-MS technology has been proved to be effective in separation and identification of the related substances in minoxidil and minoxidil gel. The results were useful for quality control.

Therapeutic Efficacy of a Combination Therapy of Topical 17α-Estradiol and Topical Minoxidil on Female Pattern Hair Loss: A Noncomparative, Retrospective Evaluation

BACKGROUND: A variety of agents have been used to treat female pattern hair loss (FPHL), including topical minoxidil, topical 17α-estradiol, oral anti-androgen agents, and mineral supplements. Compared with these single agent regimens, combination therapies could be a better therapeutic option in expectation of superior treatment outcome. OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to determine the efficacy of a combination therapy consisting of topical 0.025% 17α-estradiol and 3% minoxidil in Korean patients with FPHL. METHODS: Therapeutic efficacy was evaluated in 34 women who applied topical 0.025% 17α-estradiol and 3% minoxidil once daily for more than 6 months. Phototrichogram analysis was performed before and after therapy. The efficacy was evaluated with respect to total hair count, hair caliber (as assessed by phototrichogram analysis), and photographic assessment. RESULTS: Total hair count and hair caliber both increased from baseline to 6 months in patients treated with the combination therapy of topical 0.025% 17α-estradiol and 3% minoxidil (p<0.001). Photographic assessment also revealed significant disease improvement, thus supporting the therapeutic efficacy. CONCLUSION: A combination therapy consisting of topical 0.025% 17α-estradiol and 3% minoxidil can be tried as an effective treatment for FPHL.

A Case of Androgenetic Alopecia in an Adolescent Female with Response to Topical Minoxidil / 대한피부과학회지

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a common form of hair loss that usually occurs in the third or fourth decades of life in men, with later onset in women. AGA does rarely occur, however, in the pediatric population. Adolescent AGA is pattern hair loss occurring in boys and girls between 12 and 18 years of age. We herein report the case of a 16-year-old girl with a 5-year history of diffuse hair loss on the crown. Her father had a history of AGA, and the hair pull test was negative. Sex hormone levels and thyroid function test were within the normal range. Phototrichogram analysis revealed diffuse hair thinning over the frontal and vertex areas, and the percentage of vellus hair was higher on the vertex than the occiput. We diagnosed the patient with adolescent AGA. She was prescribed 3% topical minoxidil, and improvement was visible on the clinical photograph and phototrichogram after 2 years of treatment.

Infantile generalized hypertrichosis caused by topical minoxidil

Abstract Rare cases of hypertrichosis have been associated with topically applied minoxidil. We present the first reported case in the Brazilian literature of generalized hypertrichosis affecting a 5-year-old child, following use of minoxidil 5%, 20 drops a day, for hair loss. The laboratory investigation excluded hyperandrogenism and thyroid dysfunction. Topical minoxidil should be used with caution in children.

Alopecia androgenética masculina tratada com microagulhamento isolado e associado a minoxidil injetável pela técnica de microinfusão de medicamentos pela pele / Male androgenetic alopecia treated with microneedling alone or associated with injectable minoxidil by microinfusion of drugs into the skin

Alopecia androgenética é condição de importante impacto psicológico. Tratamentos clínicos apresentam respostas variáveis e exigem cuidados por longos períodos, fator que diminui as chances de aderência. Microagulhamento associado ou não à injeção de minoxidil é uma nova modalidade de tratamento. Relatam-se os casos de dois pacientes do sexo masculino, de 30 e 44 anos, com resposta parcial satisfatória a quatro sessões de microagulhamento com minoxidil e três sessões de microagulhamento isolado respectivamente, utilizando máquina de tatuagem e técnica de microinfusão de medicamentos pela pele (MMP®).

Androgenetic alopecia is a condition with an important psychological impact. Clinical treatments present variable responses and require care for long periods, a factor that decreases the chances of adhesion. Microneedling with or without minoxidil injection is a new treatment modality. This study reports cases of two male patients, aged 30 and 44 years, with satisfactory partial response to four sessions of microneedling with minoxidil and three sessions of microneedling alone, using a tattoo machine and microinfusion of drugs into the skin technique.

Study on quality control of Minuo Hair Solution / 药学实践杂志

Objective To improve the quality standard of Minuo Hair Solution and to ensure product quality .Methods Thin layer chromatography (TLC) and UV-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis) method was used for the qualitative identification of Angelicasinensis ,Paeoniae Radix Rubra ,Dictamni Cortex and minoxidil respectively .The Quantitive determination of mi-noxidil was completed by first order derivative spectroscopy .Results The spots in TLC were clear without inference .And the same color spots appeared in the corresponding position of references and reference drugs .The UV-Vis spectral absorption of minoxidil were in (230 ± 3) ,(262 ± 3) ,(286 ± 3) nm .The linear range of minoxidil was obtained between 6 .2 and 18 .6 μg/ml (r=0 .999 7) .The average recovery was 99 .4% (RSD=0 .22% ) .Conclusion The method is simple ,accurate and reproduci-ble ,and can be effectively used to control the quality of Minuo Hair Solution .

Simultaneous Determination of Minoxidil and Tretinoin in Compound Minoxidil Gel by HPLC / 中国药师

Objective:To establish an HPLC method for the simultaneous determination of minoxidil and tretinoin in compound minoxidil gel. Methods:A Shim-Pack VP-ODS C18(250 mm × 4. 6 mm,5 μm)column was used with the mobile phase of methanol and 2% acetic acid solution by gradient eleution . The detection wavelength was respectively set at 280 nm and 350 nm,and the flow rate was 1. 0 ml·min -1 . The column temperature was 35℃ and the injection volume was 10 μl. Results:Minoxidil and tretinoin had a good linear relationship within the range of 4. 0- 240. 0 μg·ml-1 and 0. 05- 3. 00 μg·ml-1(r =0. 999 6 and 0. 999 3),respectively. The average recovery was 99. 56%(RSD = 0. 42% ,n = 9)and 99. 36%(RSD = 0. 50% , n = 9),respectively. Conclusion:The established method is simple,and suitable for the simultaneous determination of the two constituents in compound minoxidil gel.

Synergistic Proliferating Effects of Electrical Stimulation and Minoxidil on Human Dermal Papilla Cells / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: Previous published clinical studies have demonstrated the positive effects of electrical stimulation (ES) on hair growth. Minoxidil (MXD) enhances hair growth by prolonging the anagen phase of hair follicles. MXD is used to promote hair growth in androgenetic alopecia. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the combined effect of ES and MXD on cultured human dermal papilla cells (hDPCs). METHODS: To investigate the combined effect of ES and MXD on cultured human dermal papilla cells (hDPCs). Methods: hDPCs were electrically stimulated with different parameter settings of alternating current. Electrically stimulated hDPCs were incubated in an MXD medium, after which cell proliferation was measured using an MTT assay. Ki-67 and β-catenin expressions were measured by immunofluorescence assay. In addition, Wnt/β-catenin pathway-related gene expressions were measured by real time-PCR, and phosphorylated ERK and AKT protein levels were measured by western blot assay. RESULTS: The combination of 8 V-1 MHz ES and MXD treatment promoted hDPC proliferation effectively, compared with that in the control, ES alone, or MXD alone treatment groups. The immunofluorescence assay showed that the expression of Ki-67 and β-catenin significantly increased in the combined treatment group. Most of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway-related gene expressions increased more with combined treatment than with the control, ES alone, or MXD alone treatments. However, there were no significant differences in the expression levels of phosphorylated ERK and AKT among the treatment groups. CONCLUSION: ES combined with MXD treatment had a synergistic effect on the proliferation of hDPCs. This might be through the synergistic activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

Comparison of Saccharina japonica–Undaria pinnatifida Mixture and Minoxidil on Hair Growth Promoting Effect in Mice

BACKGROUND: Algae have traditionally been used for promotion of hair growth. Use of hair regrowth drugs, such as minoxidil, is limited due to side effects. The aim of this study was to examine a mixture of Saccharina japonica and Undaria pinnatifida (L-U mixture) on hair growth and to compare the promoting effect of hair growth by a 3% minoxidil and a L-U mixture. METHODS: To evaluate the hair growth-promoting activity, saline, 50% ethanol, 3% minoxidil, and the L-U mixture were applied 2 times a day for a total of 14 days on the dorsal skin of C57BL/6 mice after depilation. Analysis was determined by using a high-resolution hair analysis system, real-time polymerase chain reaction, and H&E staining. RESULTS: On day 14, the hair growth effect of the L-U mixture was the same as that of the 3% minoxidil treatment. The L-U mixture significantly (P<0.05) stimulated hair growth-promoting genes, as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and insulin-like growth factor -1. Increase of VEGF was observed in the L-U mixture group compared with minoxidil and the negative control. In contrast, the L-U mixture suppressed the expression of transforming growth factor-β1, which is the hair loss-related gene. In histological examination in the L-U mixture and minoxidil groups, the induction of an anagen stage of hair follicles was faster than that of control groups. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides evidence that the L-U mixture can promote hair growth in mice, similar to the effect from minoxidil, and suggests that there is potential application for hair loss treatments.