DARWIN Bioprospecting Excellence presents a promising new probiotic approach to fight androgenic alopecia

The biotechnology company located in the Science Park of the University of Valencia publishes in collaboration with CNCE INNOVACIÓN S.L. a pioneering research that explores the role of probiotics in the treatment of androgenic alopecia (AGA)

Commonly known as pattern baldness, androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most widespread type of alopecia, affecting approximately 80% of men and 50% of women. This condition is mainly due to genetic and hormonal factors, in which hair follicles progressively miniaturize, resulting in thinning and eventual hair loss. In addition to its aesthetic impact, it can generate psychological problems, such as anxiety and low self-esteem.

Hair loss is caused by the action of male hormones or androgens in certain areas of the scalp that are genetically predisposed to the condition. “The enzyme 5-alpha reductase converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, which negatively affects hair follicle growth. Therefore, inhibition of this enzyme may be a target for AGA therapy. Although several options exist to treat AGA, including pharmacological, surgical, or light-based treatments, as well as nutraceuticals to slow or reverse its progression, selecting appropriate therapies for this chronic condition can be challenging,” notes the study published in Nutrients.

“It is important to investigate androgenic alopecia because, despite its high prevalence, current treatment options are limited and may have significant side effects. In addition, better understanding the factors that contribute to its development, such as the role of the gut microbiome, could open the door to safer and more effective treatments. This could also improve the quality of life of those affected by offering new ways to address a condition that is not only cosmetic, but can also have a strong emotional impact,” notes Cristina Vilanova, chief scientific officer of DARWIN Bioprospecting Excellence.

Study introduces novel approach by exploring the connection between the gut microbiome and hair health, opening the door to safer, well-tolerated treatments for alopecia

One of the main difficulties in dealing with androgenic alopecia lies in its chronic and multifactorial nature. “Current treatments, such as minoxidil and finasteride, can be effective, but they can have side effects, such as skin irritation or hormonal problems, which limits their long-term use. In addition, there is no definitive cure and available therapies only slow or stabilize hair loss. In addition, the choice of the appropriate treatment varies from patient to patient, which poses an additional challenge. Finally, the psychological aspect of the problem further complicates its management,” explains Daniel Torrent, co-author of the study and bioinformatician at DARWIN. 

The study highlights a significant new potential therapy using specific probiotic strains to promote hair growth and reduce hair loss. In a randomized, double-blind clinical trial involving 136 participants with AGA, researchers evaluated the effects of a unique combination of probiotic strains of Lactiplantibacillus over a 16-week period.

“The main contributions of the study are, firstly, to have demonstrated that supplementation with a specific probiotic mixture can significantly reduce hair loss in people with androgenic alopecia. In particular, a decrease in the number of hairs in the telogen phase (shedding phase) was observed, without the adverse effects associated with common pharmacological treatments. In addition, the study introduced a novel approach by exploring the connection between the gut microbiome and hair health, which opens the door to safer and well-tolerated treatments for alopecia,” says Vilanova, who points out that the current market for hair loss treatments ‘could grow significantly, so this research offers a novel and scientifically supported solution with potential commercial applications’. 

About DARWIN Bioprospecting Excellence

DARWIN Bioprospecting Excellence is a company housed at the University of Valencia Science Park specialized in harnessing microbial diversity to develop innovative solutions for diverse industries, ranging from health and nutrition to biosolutions.