Minoxidil sulfotransferase enzymatical activity in plants: A novel paradigm in increasing minoxidil response in androgenetic alopecia

Abstract Background Minoxidil is the only US FDA approved topical drug for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Minoxidil is effective in hair re‐growth in 30%–40% of patients and 50% of males. To exert its hair growing effect, minoxidil must be sulfonated in the scalp by the minoxidil sulfotransferase enzyme (SULT1A1). Low scalp SULT1A1 correlates with lack of minoxidil response; thus, supplementing the scalp SULT1A1 with naturally occurring minoxidil sulfotransferase enzymes could potentially improve treatment outcomes in AGA patients. Methods In this study, we set to characterize SULT1A1 activity in various plants. Results From the 10 common botanical extracts we have studied, seven exhibited significant activity toward minoxidil as a substrate; thus, providing a potential novel paradigm to increase minoxidil response with natural supplements. Conclusion To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to characterize naturally occurring minoxidil sulfotransferase enzymes in plants.