Figure 2.

Overview of the mechanism of action of minoxidil. Minoxidil induces the opening of arteriolar potassium channels, leading to vasodilation, which is the basis of its utility regarding the treatment of hypertension. Minoxidil also induces biochemical changes within the hair follicle, such as the increase of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), hypoxia-induced factor 1 alfa (HIG-1alfa) and prostaglandin E2. These changes lead to a longer anagen phase and a shorter telogen phase, inducing an increased hair growth. Sulfotransferase, which can be inhibited by salicylates and aspirin, is responsible for generating minoxidil sulphate, which is the active form of minoxidil within the hair follicles. Inter-individual differences in sulfotransferase could explain the different responses to treatment. Created with BioRender.