Evidence supporting the use of: PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid)
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 used traditionally as a supplement to address hair graying, particularly in the mid-20th century. The interest in PABA for hair health originated from anecdotal reports and a handful of small, dated studies suggesting that PABA supplementation might restore hair color in cases of premature graying, especially when associated with certain nutritional deficiencies. In the 1940s and 1950s, PABA was sometimes referred to as the "anti-gray hair vitamin," although it is not actually a vitamin. Early research, such as studies by Dr. Benjamin Sieve, involved small cohorts and lacked rigorous controls by modern standards. These studies reported cases where individuals taking PABA experienced some darkening of gray hair, but the evidence was inconsistent, and the effect was not universally observed. There is very limited scientific validation for PABA's efficacy in treating or preventing gray hair. Most later, more rigorous studies have failed to replicate these earlier findings. Modern reviews and dermatological sources typically do not recommend PABA for graying hair, and major health organizations do not recognize it as an effective treatment. The mechanism by which PABA would affect hair pigmentation is unclear, as hair color is primarily determined by genetics and the activity of melanocytes, which are not known to be influenced by PABA in any significant way. Thus, the ongoing use of PABA for hair graying persists mainly due to tradition and anecdote, rather than robust scientific evidence.

More about PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid)
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Other health conditions supported by PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid)

Hair (graying)
Hair (loss or thinning)