Novel natural lipids based NLC containing finasteride improved androgenetic alopecia treatment in rats

Abstract

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common hair loss disorder, affecting millions of men and women worldwide. Current formulations used to treat this condition often lead to a wide variety of side effects, ranging from allergies to sexual disfunction, especially when those drugs are administered orally. In this study, we developed and tested unique formulations containing nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) composed of lipids extracted from fruit seeds, carrying finasteride to enhance efficacy of AGA treatment. By stabilizing the hydrophobic compounds in the solid matrix, three formulations of NLC were engineered and successfully prepared. Further an in vivo model of AGA was induced in rats by the administration of testosterone, as a platform to evaluate the efficiency of the formulations. The chosen formulation exhibited high bioavailability, medium size of 124.5 nm and PdI of 0.143, without systemic absorption. In addition, it promoted efficient and significant follicle restoration in AGA induced rats by increasing number of active bulbs and showed to be a safe formulation for topical application. The results of this research indicate that the presented formulation has significant potential to yield improved outcomes in AGA treatment.

Keywords: Androgenetic alopecia; Finasteride; Nanostructured lipid carriers; Natural lipids; Topical treatment.