Scientists discover natural serum that reverses baldness, regrows hair

TAIWAN: Scientists have come up with a possible new baldness treatment that says it can trigger natural hair growth.

International media sources report that scientists at the National Taiwan University have developed a serum that effectively triggered hair growth in mice in laboratory tests.

Professor Sung-Jan Lin, the leader of the research team, said that the serum caused new hair to grow on parts of the mice’s skin that were mildly irritated. “We observed that in sites where the skin was mildly inflamed, new hair began to grow within a few days,” he said.

For the experiment, the researchers shaved both male and female mice on the backs and applied a chemical, sodium dodecyl sulfate, to create mild eczema. “Around 10 to 11 days later, new hair started to come in on those spots,” Lin said. “Compare that with areas that were not treated.

Professor Lin also tested an initial serum version on himself, he said. “I applied fatty acids dissolved in alcohol directly to my legs for three weeks,” he said. “I was surprised to see visible regrowth of my hair.”

Experts described how the serum stimulates fat immune cells within the skin to release fatty acids. The hair stem cells absorb these fatty acids, which lead to the growth of hair follicles and stimulate new hair growth.

Researchers added that the serum contains naturally derived fatty acids, making it non-irritating and skin-friendly. In laboratory tests on human hair follicles, the serum also produced positive results without any serious side effects.

While the promising results, scientists warned that the serum is yet to undergo large-scale human trials. “The next phase will be critical,” the scientists explained, stating that clinical testing on human subjects is the next logical step before its commercial application.