Valproic Acid Induces Hair Regeneration

http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0034152

Abstract
BACKGROUND:
Alopecia is the common hair loss problem that can affect many people. However, current therapies for treatment of alopecia are limited by low efficacy and potentially undesirable side effects. We have identified a new function for valproic acid (VPA), a GSK3beta inhibitor that activates the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway, to promote hair re-growth in vitro and in vivo.
METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS:
Topical application of VPA to male C3H mice critically stimulated hair re-growth and induced terminally differentiated epidermal markers such as filaggrin and loricrin, and the dermal papilla marker alkaline phosphatase (ALP). VPA induced ALP in human dermal papilla cells by up-regulating the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway, whereas minoxidil (MNX), a drug commonly used to treat alopecia, did not significantly affect the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway. VPA analogs and other GSK3beta inhibitors that activate the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway such as 4-phenyl butyric acid, LiCl, and BeCl(2) also exhibited hair growth-promoting activities in vivo. Importantly, VPA, but not MNX, successfully stimulate hair growth in the wounds of C3H mice.
CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE:
Our findings indicate that small molecules that activate the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway, such as VPA, can potentially be developed as drugs to stimulate hair re-growth.
Epub 2012 Apr 10

http://pubmed.gov/22506014



full study and pictures:
http://www.plosone.org/article...Fjournal.pone.0034152

What do you guys think about Topical use?

Very interesting, FF.

I almost wonder if Valeric acid would have similar function, although it probably wouldn't. It would certainly make using Valerian root or extracts much easier than coming by this synthetic. But the only difference in structure between Valproic and Valeric acid seems to be a 3-carbon side chain.

If Valeric acid was shown to have the same HDAC inhibition, then it would probably achieve the same thing. Its interesting how these things work, by inhibiting HDAC I mean. They're basically causing some regions of chromatin to remain geometrically more sensitive to transcription so those genes are expressed at the expense of other genes, it's epigenetics! They've also been show to downregulate the ligand sensitivity of the estrogen receptor, so I wonder if its possible that they do the same for the androgen receptor?

Either way, interesting stuff. I might try a few experiments with Valerian extract combined with GABA and see what happens. If nothing else, I should be in a good mood, as I'm fairly sure these acids are used as mood enhancers.

@AS54, I'd be glad to read your report of how it goes if you deside to try it...

Valproic acid is an anti-seizure drug. One of the other agents (a much safer one) that was used in the study has been tried although with limited results. Here's more information on Valproic acid.

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a682412.html

Having said that, Valerian, as anthonyspencer pointed out might be an alternative.
Valerian root has been used to help control seizures.

Valerian root has been used traditionally as sleep aid and anti-anxiety agent, however
about 5 to 40% do not respond positively to it. Normally it will help one fall asleep faster,
but for others it does the opposite effect.

For me it happens to work (for sleep), but never tried it as a hair loss aid before.
Many will notice that it smells like dirty socks, however once it's swallowed that's
the end of that.

Caustic, I'd like to hear your input as to what would be the most effective delivery for Valerian extract if we were going to try and use this. I wanted to combine it with GABA as I believe one of the mechanisms of Valproic acid is to inhibit GABA breakdown. Should I do both internally, or perhaps the valerian as a topical. If as a topical, would it be best extracted in alcohol? Thanks. I don't want my head to smell like dirty socks though, might be the only thing worse than balding is balding and smelling like dirty socks. And also Caustic, in your personal opinion, is this worth my time. I believe I've heard you mention before that the Wnt pathway is key for regrowing hair. Do you think there is any realistic benefit that would make this worth trying?

In the past, I tried another natural substance that inhibits GSK3β and also activates the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. This was Lithium Chloride and Orotate. It took away "the grease" or excess sebum, but did not result in any noticeable hair growth.
I thought that DMSO might act to accentuate the wnt pathway further, but was not the case in hair growth.

However, unlike Lithium Chloride/Orotate, Valerian root can reduce corticotropin-releasing factor. This might be the primary gateway to regenerating hair growth.

Regarding GABA pathway, looking at this in the past, did not find anything directly, only indirect.

In the study on Valproic Acid, both oral and topical work, although the authors pointed out that prolonged use of Valproic acid resulted in several side effects including hair loss by oral intake; these adverse effects are attributed to zinc and biotinidase depletion

Valerian root on the other hand will not deplete any nutrients. There's probably no way to know for sure if this will work or if it will work on everyone, but it's certainly cheap enough.

Great information. Thanks, CS. And absolutely right regarding the price, not much to lose if it doesn't work. I'm thinking of adding this to a topical. You can buy valerian as a liquid extract, and what I may do is mix this with some straight phosphatidylcholine as a permeation enhancer. As an adjunct, could possibly add aloe vera juice to make it easier to apply without diluting it too much. It would also dry quickly this way. I don't think it would be a bad over-nighter topical and again, at 6-7 dollars for the liquid extract, why not?

The only concern about the topical use is that the smell is unpleasant to many. It's often compared to the smell of
dirty socks

Where can i get Valerian root? how do i apply? anyone wanna try with me?

Swanson and NOW Foods each have a liquid valerian extract that are very affordable.

a group buy forValproic Acid is taking place on on hlh.

is this similar to NEOSH functioning israelite? i feel all regimen concerned with real cosmetic regrowth should include something capable of acting near the level of the stem cells to reactitvate the dormant follicle, whether it's peptides like TB4, NEOSH, or whatever.

LawOfThelema wrote:is this similar to NEOSH functioning israelite? i feel all regimen concerned with real cosmetic regrowth should include something capable of acting near the level of the stem cells to reactitvate the dormant follicle, whether it's peptides like TB4, NEOSH, or whatever.

no its not similar. Dude did u get your asc,equal,bim?

yes, package arrived today. i still have to get the equipment to measure out, i have to get the PG, everclear, creams, etc. im asking smitty which cream for the asc.

LawOfThelema wrote:yes, package arrived today. i still have to get the equipment to measure out, i have to get the PG, everclear, creams, etc. im asking smitty which cream for the asc.

do not use minox for asc! dude let me know if u consume equal i;m going to add it soon in my regimen

will be consuming. i already consume the folexen product but its just too expensive to use at higher dose which will generate results and i honestly trust the chinese more than folexen. they never respond to email, they dont package their product right, they dont state the ingredient of their product, they take a month to even ship.

CausticSymmetry wrote:Valproic acid is an anti-seizure drug. One of the other agents (a much safer one) that was used in the study has been tried although with limited results. Here's more information on Valproic acid.

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a682412.html

Having said that, Valerian, as anthonyspencer pointed out might be an alternative.
Valerian root has been used to help control seizures.

Valerian root has been used traditionally as sleep aid and anti-anxiety agent, however
about 5 to 40% do not respond positively to it. Normally it will help one fall asleep faster,
but for others it does the opposite effect.

For me it happens to work (for sleep), but never tried it as a hair loss aid before.
Many will notice that it smells like dirty socks, however once it's swallowed that's
the end of that.

I have an update on this. Since this thread, I've been taking Valerian root--something I have not tried for 15 years.
It's one of those herbs that is generally used for anxiety or sleep problems. Of course with hair growth potential, why not?

Well, my sleep quality has improved (it wasn't bad in the first place), however that is a good sign--simply a more powerful sleep. It will take a while to know if it helps with hair. At any rate, I will continue to use it.

I'm using the valerian topically and internally.

CS, it doesn't smell if you dilute it by mixing with another topical

CausticSymmetry wrote:
Well, my sleep quality has improved (it wasn't bad in the first place), however that is a good sign--simply a more powerful sleep. It will take a while to know if it helps with hair. At any rate, I will continue to use it.

CS which brand are you using? I wouldn't mind giving it a go for the sleep benefits.

valerian will give u vivid dreams, and can be stimulating not sedating based on my experience. i much prefer kava, hops, and chamomile for sleep, although in all honesty it has become such a problem for me that i use medication for sleep, which isnt ideal, but its better than not sleeping and acting crazy.

hairdecent wrote:I'm using the valerian topically and internally.

CS, it doesn't smell if you dilute it by mixing with another topical

hairdecent, how long do topical use?
i have order this one

http://www.iherb.com/Now-Foods-Valerian-Root-Extract-2-fl-oz-60-ml/845

hairdecent, how long do topical use?
i have order this onetext

Haven't been using long enough to tell results other than scalp likes it

theseeker86 wrote:

CausticSymmetry wrote:
Well, my sleep quality has improved (it wasn't bad in the first place), however that is a good sign--simply a more powerful sleep. It will take a while to know if it helps with hair. At any rate, I will continue to use it.

CS which brand are you using? I wouldn't mind giving it a go for the sleep benefits.

I use this brand: http://www.iherb.com/Now-Foods-Valerian-Root-500-mg-250-Capsules/830?=hil335

This is taken internally (two capsules or 1,000 mg) before bed.

Note that Valerian does not work for everyone. Some people prefer other sleep aids, however I am taking this specifically for hair, but I do like the more powerful sleep--that has to be good, because that is where regeneration occurs best.

is the Valerian-Root from iHerb can be used as a topical (if you smash the pills or something)? I wanna use both internally and topically

fire fist

use liquid tincture rather than crush pills.

btw are your arms from juicing?