Evidence supporting the use of: PABA
For the health condition: Hair (graying)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) has been traditionally used as a dietary supplement with claims that it can prevent or reverse graying of hair. The origin of this use appears to be anecdotal and dates back to the early- to mid-20th century, when some small, uncontrolled studies and case reports suggested that PABA supplementation might restore hair color in certain individuals, especially those with premature graying. These early reports, however, lacked rigorous scientific controls and were not consistently reproducible. In addition, more recent and well-designed clinical trials investigating PABA’s efficacy for hair pigmentation are lacking. The mechanism by which PABA was hypothesized to work involved its role as a precursor in the synthesis of folic acid and as an antioxidant, but these roles do not directly translate to hair repigmentation in humans. Modern dermatological and nutritional literature does not support PABA as a reliable or effective treatment for graying hair. Therefore, while there is some historical precedent for its use, the evidence base is extremely weak, and medical authorities do not recommend PABA for this purpose.

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Other health conditions supported by PABA

Hair (graying)

Products containing PABA

We currently have no products on Caring Sunshine that contain this ingredient.