Minoxidil Solution Research Articles

An Open-Label Randomized Multicenter Study Assessing the Noninferiority of a Caffeine-Based Topical Liquid 0.2% versus Minoxidil 5% Solution in Male Androgenetic Alopecia

Background: Androgenetic alopecia is a condition with a high prevalence worldwide and affects both males and females. Currently, only 2 approved treatments exist: finasteride (males only) and minoxidil 2 or 5% solution (males and females). Methods: We conducted a randomized, open-label, multicenter noninferiority study to determine whether a caffeine-based 0.2% topical liquid would be no less effective than minoxidil 5% solution in males (n = 210) with androgenetic alopecia. The primary end point was the percentage change in the proportion of anagen hairs from baseline to 6 months using a frontal and occipital trichogram. Results: At 6 months, the group of the 5% minoxidil solution showed a mean improvement in anagen ratio of the trichogram of 11.68%, and the group of the 0.2% caffeine solution had an anagen improvement of 10.59%. The difference of mean values between both groups was 1.09%. The statistical analysis was performed and reported in accordance with the CONSORT Guidelines 2010 for reporting of noninferiority and equivalence randomized trials. Conclusion: A caffeine-based topical liquid should be considered as not inferior to minoxidil 5% solution in men with androgenetic alopecia.

The use of topical minoxidil to accelerate nail growth: a pilot study.

Linear nail growth rate is affected by various conditions, one of which is the level of blood flow. Our supposition was that topical minoxidil, which has vasodilatory properties, can increase the rate of nail growth. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of topical minoxidil on nail growth. A 5% topical minoxidil solution was applied twice daily to the fingernails of 32 participants. Two groups of 16 participants were randomly chosen. In one group, the applications were made to the right index and left ring fingernails, and, in the other, the left index and right ring fingernails. During each visit (weekly during the first month and every 2 weeks during the second month), the nail length of six fingernails (index, middle, and ring of both hands) was measured using a digital caliper. Beginning in the first week, the mean nail length of the treated nails was greater than that of nails in the untreated group with statistical significance. There were no systemic or cutaneous side effects. During the first month, the mean growth of the treated nails was 4.27 mm/month compared with 3.91 mm/month in the untreated nails (P = 0.003). These findings suggest that a 5% concentration of topical minoxidil can stimulate nail growth with increased growth beginning in the first week of application. The results may have important implications for the treatment of nail disorders; however, a comparable study involving participants with nail disorders is highly recommended.

Minoxidil–2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin inclusion complexes: characterization and in vivo evaluation of an aqueous solution for hair growth in rats

Minoxidil dissolved in organic solvents is commonly used in the treatment of androgenic alopecia because it is hydrophobic and poorly soluble in water. The aim of this investigation was to develop an aqueous minoxidil solution without addition of organic solvents. To this end, minoxidil was encapsulated in 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD) to form a minoxidil–HP-β-CD inclusion complex with aqueous solubility higher than that of pure minoxidil. Minoxidil–HP-β-CD inclusion complexes were prepared using a freeze-drying method from minoxidil and HP-β-CD at a molar ratio of 1:1. Complex formation was confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance, thermogravimetric analysis, and thin layer chromatography. The structure of the complex was determined using two-dimensional rotating frame overhauser effect spectroscopy. Minoxidil–HP-β-CD inclusion complexes were dissolved in water to form a homogeneous aqueous solution, and its effect on the hair cycle of mice was evaluated in vivo. The results support the feasibility of using HP-β-CD to prepare an aqueous minoxidil solution to replace organic solvent-based solutions.

Comparing the Effects of Zinc Sulfate, Calcium Pantothenate, Their Combination and Minoxidil Solution Regimens on Controlling Hair Loss in Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objective:This study was conducted to evaluate the combination of oral supplements with 2% minoxidil solution in four groups of women with hair loss.Methods:A prospective, randomized controlled trial was conducted from July to December 2016 in dermatology clinics affiliated to Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. A total of 73, 15–45-year-old, women with hair loss participated in this 4-month study. Simple randomization using Random Allocation Software was done to put the participants in four groups to receive coadministration of zinc sulfate and calcium pantothenate, zinc sulfate, calcium pantothenate, and 2% minoxidil solution. The primary endpoint was the change in hair density and diameter measured by dermatoscope. Secondary endpoints included the researcher's evaluation, dermatologist's opinion - which was blinded to the study - from comparing the participants’ photographs before and after treatment and finally, overall changes in hair density measured by participants’ self-assessment.Findings:Seventy-three women participated in this study. Primary hair count and thickness were 118.5 ± 10 hairs/cm2 and 58.8 ± 5.8 μ that changed to 124 ± 11 hairs/cm2 and 62.3 ± 4.3 μ respectively (P < 0.001) which in the zinc plus pantothenate group these changes were from 118.6 ± 9.9 hairs/cm2 to 121.9 ± 11.1 hairs/cm2 (P = 0.042) and from 62.2 ± 6.6 μ to 64.0 ± 5.0 μ (P = 0.126), respectively. Hair density increments were more obvious in the minoxidil group, and hair thickness increments were more obvious in pantothenate group. Participants’ satisfaction was 85% in the combination therapy which was more than other groups. Participants’ satisfaction, author's and blind dermatologist's opinion showed a significant correlation (P = 0.0001).Conclusion:Based on the participants’ satisfaction, the combination of zinc sulfate and calcium pantothenate when administered in a pulse therapy way could be a good choice for hair loss controlling in initial stages.

Minoxidil Overdosage: A Case Report

Abstract A 64-year-old man ingested about 60 ml 2% of topical minoxidil solution in order tomake his hair grow faster. Twelve hours after ingestion he was brought to the University Clinic of Toxicology with severe hypotension, tachycardia, chest pain and subendocardial ischemia. ECG showed diffuse T-wave inversion and depressed ST segments. He was also oligoanuric at admission. In spite of the intensive hydration with crystalloidsolutions and intravenous dopamine administration that resulted in partial hemodynamic improvement and resolution of the ECG changes, kidneyfailure occurred. After two hymodialysis sessions, urea and creatinine levels returned to normal and rebound hypertension appeared. The patient was discharged after 12 days of hospitalization in a good condition. Topical minoxidilsolution is formulation used for treatment of androgenic alopecia. If orally ingested it leads to severe hypotension, acute coronary syndrome, compensatory tachycardia and acute kidneyfailure. Emergency therapeutic approach is a precondition for successful outcome.

Topical minoxidil solution in stimulating nail growth: A pilot study

Topical minoxidil solution in stimulating nail growth: A pilot study

Hair Growth Activity of Seeds and Fruit Pulp of Eugenia jambolana (Jamun)

Abstract Objective: Alopecia is a psychologically distressing condition. Androgenetic alopecia, which affects millions of men and women, is an androgen-driven disorder. This paper evaluates the use of Eugenia jambolana seeds and fruit pulp for hair growth activity. Aim: The present study was aimed to investigate the efficacy of seeds and pulp extracts of Eugenia jambolana as a potential hair growth promoter. Method: Ethanolic extracts of seeds and fruit pulp were incorporated in oleaginous base that was applied topically on shaved skin of albino mice. Albino mice were screened for hair growth activity, on four parameters; the hair initiation time, hair completion time, hair length and hair count. Treated groups were compared with 2% ethanolic solution of minoxidil. Result: From this study, it can be concluded that the ethanolic extract of fruit pulp exhibited more pronounced effects when compared to the seeds extract. Conclusion: The generated data proved that the Eugenia jambolana fruit pulp extract exhibit a significant potency in promoting hair growth

Drug treatment of alopecia

Alopecia is the term used to describe hairless areas of the scalp. They can follow a specific pattern, be diffuse or circumscript. Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) follows a pattern: in men thinning of temples and vertex up to total baldness; in women thinning of the midline or parietal area. Lack of iron or cytostatic drugs cause diffuse alopecia, while in autoimmune diseases such as alopecia areata or lichen planus bizarre shapes of hairless areas are observed. For therapy, the following medications are used: topical minoxidil solution for AGA of men and women; systemic finasteride 1 mg for men with AGA; topical diphencyprone immunotherapy for alopecia areata; systemic antimycotic agents for tinea capitis; antibiotics such as clindamycin and rifampicin for folliculitis decalvans; systemic corticosteroids and isotretinoin for folliculitis et perifolliculitis capitis abscedens et suffodiens; topical corticosteroids for lichen planus and Kossard's frontal fibrosing alopecia.

English

BACKGROUND: Alopecia areata is one of the common causes of localized hair loss. Alopecia areata can have spontaneous remission or can follow unpredictable course with exacerbation. Due to which it can be a cause of cosmetic concern for the patient. AIM: To know the efficacy of various topical treatment modalities in Alopecia areata. METHODS: 100 patients presenting with alopecia areata to the dermatology outpatient department of Basaveshwar Teaching and General Hospital and Sangameshwar Hospital, Gulbarga, were included in this study. It was conducted as a randomized prospective study for a period of 12 weeks after taking an informed consent from the patient. Patients were randomly distributed into four treatment groups -A, B, C, D. Group. A were treated with 0.05% Betamethasone Dipropionate cream applied twice daily, Group. B were treated with 2% Minoxidil solution applied 1ml twice daily, Group. C was treated with 1.15% Anthralin ointment applied daily for 15 minutes and Group. D were treated with 0.03% Tacrolimus applied twice daily to the affected areas. Alopecia Grading Scale (AGS) was calculated at first visit and 12 weeks. Regrowth Score (RGS) was calculated at 12 weeks. Treatment outcome in different groups were compared using mean AGS at 12 weeks and RGS. RESULTS: Group A patients showed statistically significant clinical improvement when compared to all the other groups. Poorest response was seen in Group D. CONCLUSION: The study concluded that topical 0.05% betamethasone dipropionate is the most effective topical treatment modality in patients with alopecia areata.

Frontal Edema Due to Topical Application of %5 Minoxidil Solution Following Mesotherapy Injections.

Sir, A 37‑year‑old woman referred to our clinic complaining of hair loss. On dermatological examination, thinning of the hair on vertex was noticed. Laboratory findings were in normal limits. She was diagnosed as female androgenetic alopecia and decided to perform scalp mesotherapy. Three sessions of multiple intradermal biotin injections were performed by point by point mesotherapy injection technique [1] at 15 days intervals. There were not detected any complications after these biotin mesotherapy sessions. Fourth biotin mesotherapy treatment was performed similar to previous sessions, additionally, immediately after mesotherapy injections, approximately in 10 min, topical %5 minoxidil solution was topically applied with gentle massage. 16 h after the fourth session a firm frontal edema was developed, erythema and pain were not associated to edema [Figure 1]. Frontal edema resolved gradually in 2 days. After 2 weeks, the fifth biotin mesotherapy treatment was performed again without topical application of minoxidil and no complication was detected after the fifth session. Minoxidil solution can be used in the treatment of alopecia by topical application or by mesotherapy injection. It is shown that minoxidil enhances hair growth by prolonging the anagen phase and induces new hair growth. [2] It is instructed not to use minoxidil over than 1–2 cc within mesotherapy cocktail because the hypotension can be seen due to excess vasodilatation. [2,3] The vasodilator effect of minoxidil is well‑known, and vasodilatory edema is a well‑known side effect of vasodilators. [4] With respect of these knowledges, we comment the reason of frontal edema in this patient is due to the excessive absorption of topical applicated %5 minoxidil after hundreds of mesotherapy injections. Though minoxidil was applicated topically, it was absorpted too much by the pores of injected sites and effected as a locally vasodilator and caused the frontal edema. The previous mesotherapy sessions and the last mesotherapy sessions were not complicated, so we suggest the biotin mesotherapy injection does not have a role in this side effect. In the medical literature, we could not found a reported case describing facial edema due to minoxidil application neither by topically nor by mesotherapy injection. However, in patient forum sites we detected that patients noticed “puffy face” due to topical application of minoxidil solution. We present this case to remind the locally edematous effect of minoxidil solution.

Response to Microneedling Treatment in Men with Androgenetic Alopecia Who Failed to Respond to Conventional Therapy.

Introduction:The efficacy of conventional therapy viz. finasteride and minoxidil in androgenetic alopecia (AGA) that is based on both preventing hair loss and promoting new hair growth, varies between 30% and 60%. This has led to a large number of patients unsatisfied who demand for a better cosmetic coverage over the scalp. Microneedling has recently been reported to be promising, effective and a safe treatment modality in the treatment of AGA. This augments the response of conventional therapy.Materials and Methods:Four men with AGA were on finasteride and 5% minoxidil solution since 2 to 5 years. Though there was no worsening in their respective AGA stages with the therapy, they showed no new hair growth. They were subjected to microneedling procedure over a period of 6 months along with their ongoing therapy. Patients were assessed with the use of the standardized 7-point evaluation scale and patients’ subjective hair growth assessment scale. The patients were followed up for 18 months post microneedling procedure to assess the sustainability of the response.Results:All patients showed a response of + 2 to + 3 on standardized 7-point evaluation scale. The response in the form of new hair growth started after 8-10 sessions. The patients’ satisfaction was more than 75% in three patients and more 50% in one patient, on patients’ subjective hair growth assessment scale. The obtained results were sustained post procedure during 18 months follow-up period.ConclusionTreatment with microneedling showed an accelerated response with addition of microneedling procedure leading to significant scalp density. This is the first case series to report the boosting effect of microneedling with respect to new hair follicle stimulation in patients with androgenetic alopecia who were poor responders to conventional therapy.

A New Topical Formulation of Minoxidil and Finasteride Improves Hair Growth in Men with Androgenetic Alopecia

Objectives: To compare the safety and efficacy of MorrF (combination of Minoxidil [5%]+Finasteride [0.1%] lipid solution) with Minoxidil (5%) solution in adult male patients suffering from Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA). Background: AGA is one of the three most common forms of non-scarring alopecia with approximately 95% of hair loss cases in men and women. Fifty percent of men by age 50 years exhibit some degree of AGA. Currently there are two effective treatments available for the treatment of AGA in men: topical Minoxidil and oral Finasteride. Clinical studies have demonstrated that both Minoxidil and Finasteride have well established therapeutic effect in the management of AGA. Materials and methods: Safety study in rats was carried out for 28 days with topical application of MorrF twice a day for 28 days. Human Pharmacokinetics (PK) and efficacy study was conducted in male patients suffering from Androgenetic Alopecia. PK parameters were determined after 2 weeks of MorrF administration. For efficacy study patients were randomized to receive either MorrF or Minoxidil (5%) alone for 24 weeks. Patients administered 1 mL of the either solution twice day on the effected part of the scalp. Results: Topical treatment of MorrF was found to be well-tolerated in rats and humans. Pharmacokinetics study in human showed the steady state Cmax,ss and exposure (AUC0-τ,ss) for Minoxidil to be 2.7 ng/mL and 19.3 ng.h/mL respectively whereas the steady state maximum Finasteride concentration (Cmax,ss) was 0.6 ng/mL and exposure (AUC0-τ,ss) of Finasteride was found to be 6.3 ng.h/mL. Significantly more patients treated with MorrF showed greater improvement in Investigator score (65% vs. 26%), global photographic assessment (89% vs. 60%) and patient’s self-assessed questionnaire as compared to Minoxidil alone. Conclusion: Topical formulation of MorrF was shown to have clinically significant improvement in terms of hair growth as compared to Minoxidil (5%) alone.

Androgenetic alopecia: an evidence-based treatment update.

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is one of the most common chronic problems seen by dermatologists worldwide. It is characterized by progressive hair loss, especially of scalp hair, and has distinctive patterns of loss in women versus men, but in both genders the central scalp is most severely affected. It often begins around puberty and is known to effect self-esteem and the individual's quality of life. In contrast to the high prevalence of AGA, approved therapeutic options are limited. In addition to the scarce pharmacologic treatments, there are numerous nonprescription products claimed to be effective in restoring hair in androgenetic alopecia. The purpose of this paper is to review published medical and non-medical treatments for male and female AGA using the American College of Physicians evidence assessment methods. MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Library were searched for systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials, open studies, case reports and relevant studies of the treatment of male and female AGA. The relevant articles were classified according to grade and level of evidence. The medical treatments with the best level of evidence classification for efficacy and safety for male AGA are oral finasteride and topical minoxidil solution. For female AGA, topical minoxidil solution appears to be the most effective and safe treatment. The medical treatments corresponding to the next level of evidence quality are some commonly used therapeutic non-FDA-approved options including oral and topical anti-hormonal treatments. Surgical treatment of follicular unit hair transplantation is an option in cases that have failed medical treatment although there is high variation in outcomes. Some articles, especially those concerning traditional herbs claimed to promote hair regrowth, were published in non-English, local journals. An assessment of the evidence quality of current publications indicates that oral finasteride (for men only) and topical minoxidil (for men and women) are the best treatments of AGA.

Promotive effect of topical ketoconazole, minoxidil, and minoxidil with tretinoin on hair growth in male mice.

Recently topical use of 2% Ketoconazole solution has been reported to have a therapeutic effect on androgenic alopecia. Minoxidil is a vasodilatory medication used primarily as antihypertensive drug. It was discovered to have the side effect of hair growth and reversing baldness. Tretinoin is commonly used topically for acne treatment and in the treatment of photoaging. It is used by some as hair loss treatment. Objective. To compare the stimulatory effect of Ketoconazole, Minoxidil, and Minoxidil with Tretinoin on hair growth in a mouse model. Materials and Methods. Coat hairs on the dorsal skin of seven weeks old male mice were gently clipped and then stained by using commercial dye. These mice were divided into four groups each of five treated with topical application of ethanol 95%, Ketoconazole solution 2%, Minoxidil solution 5%, and Minoxidil with Tretinoin solution 0.1%, respectively. The drugs were applied once daily for three weeks, the clipped area was photographed, and the ratio of regrown coat area was calculated. Results. The results demonstrated that Ketoconazole, Minoxidil, and Minoxidil with Tretinoin had a significant stimulatory effect on hair growth compared with the control group and Minoxidil was the most effective drug among them.

A Pilot Study of the Efficacy in Treatment of Female Pattern Hair Loss using 5% Minoxidil Solution Combined with Oral Chelated Zinc Supplement

Abstract Background: Zinc supplement is popular trace element gave to female pattern hair loss (FPHL). But the type of patient, efficacy and side effect in detail of Zinc supplement are not well characterized. Objective: To determine efficacy and side effect of chelated Zinc in women with FPHL which using 5% minoxidil solution. Materials and methods: 18 Thai women with FPHL applied 5% topical minoxidil solution twice daily combined with 15 mg oral chelated Zinc for 24 weeks. Then measure growth of hair by global photograph, hair density and hair shaft diameter during 24 weeks of treatment. Results: All 18 female patients were attached to the study at 24-week follow up visit. The mean age was 47.5 ± 9.7 years (range, 26-61 years). Percentage of increasing in hair density and hair shaft diameter at 24-week follow-up visit after receiving 5% minoxidil solution combined with oral chelated Zinc supplement was 12.2% and 5.5%, respectively. There were statistically significant differences improvement in both hair density and hair shaft diameter (p<0.001 and p<0.001). Furthermore, The assessment of Global Photographic Review (GPR) by two dermatologists showed 11.1% of patients had moderately improved, 61.1% had minimally improved and 27.8% no change. There were no statistically significant differences between serum Zinc and Ferritin. Furthermore, no side effect of oral chelated Zinc was reported. Conclusions: Using chelated Zinc as additional trace supplements in FPHL has an efficacy to improve hair density and hair shaft diameter with no side effect.

Hair restoration approaches for early onset male androgenetic alopecia

Society places great emphasis on the presence of hair. Some degree of hair loss is accepted as a normal part of the aging process, in line with the observation that more than 50% of men will develop androgenetic alopecia by the age of 50years. However, it is possible to understand the psychosocial isolation and distress felt by men with a strong familial predisposition to androgenetic alopecia, who tend to display hair loss in their late teens or twenties. There are currently two drugs which have been licensed for the treatment of male androgenetic alopecia: oral finasteride and topical minoxidil solution which are effective to some extent. Furthermore, upon discontinuing treatment, any gain that has been achieved is quickly lost. Added to which there is an entire market of unproven over the counter products: advertised in the electronic media, local hair salons, and various departmental stores. In this review, we highlight the important advances in the management of male androgenetic alopecia with emphasis on approaches that can lead to more successful and long-term hair restoration for young adults. In particular, we discuss the evidence supporting the use of the follicular unit grafting technique in conjunction with medical treatment before and after the procedure. Moreover, some other alterations of this most popular state of the art hair restoration technique have been mentioned briefly. As a result, patients and physicians seem equally satisfied from this procedure for its naturally looking results which are cosmetically more acceptable and esthetically pleasing for longer period of time.

The Effect of Topical Minoxidil Pretreatment on Nonsurgical Delay of Rat Cutaneous Flaps: Further Studies

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of topically applied minoxidil in the pharmacological delay phenomenon and to demonstrate the comparable microscopic and macroscopic changes between minoxidil-pretreated flaps and surgically delayed flaps. A modified version of the McFarlane flap was used. Group 1 rats, in which a caudally based dorsal skin flap was raised and sutured back, were the control group. In group II, minoxidil solution was spread over the marked skin flap area for 7days. On the 7th day, a caudally based dorsal skin flap was elevated and then sutured back. Group III rats underwent a surgical delay procedure alone. On the 7th day after flap elevation, evaluation was done by histologic examination and calculation of the flap survival areas in all groups. The lowest flap survival rate appeared in group I and was statistically different from groups II and III. The mean surviving skin flap area in the minoxidil-pretreated group was significantly larger than that in the control group. After histologic evaluation, moderate angiogenesis was also detected in group II. We also found that surgical delay significantly reduced flap necrosis when compared to the minoxidil pretreatment group. According to our study, minoxidil may be considered an effective vasoactive agent for the stimulation of angiogenesis in rat cutaneous flaps and capable of achieving pharmacological delay and increasing flap survival. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Quality of life in women with female pattern hair loss and the impact of topical minoxidil treatment on quality of life in these patients

Female pattern hair loss (FPHL) is the most common hair loss disorder in women and it may impact on the psychological and social activities of patients, thereby reducing their quality of life (QoL). Topical minoxidil has been shown to be effective and safe in the treatment of patients with FPHL. The aim of this study was to assess the QoL of patients with FPHL and investigate whether topical minoxidil solution treatment improves the QoL of these patients. In this study, we enrolled 125 female patients aged 16–72 years to answer visual analog scale (VAS) and dermatology life quality index (DLQI) questionnaires. Of these patients, 31 were recruited for the follow-up study after 12 months of treatment with 2% minoxidil. Each index and the change in QoL prior to and following treatment were statistically analyzed. There was identified to be a correlation between clinical severity and the values of the indices in all patients. There was a statistically significant difference between the VAS and DLQI scores prior to and following treatment with 2% minoxidil. A comparison between the good responders (n=23) and the poor responders (n=8) revealed no significant difference in the improvement of VAS and DLQI scores. The QoL of the patients was severely impaired by FPHL. The DLQI and VAS used in this study were validated as useful indices for the evaluation of QoL due to their high reliability, sensitivity and simplicity. This evaluation is recommended for the management of FPHL treatment. The results of the study demonstrated that topical minoxidil improved the QoL of the patients.

Hair Growth Promotant Activity of Petroleum Ether Root Extract of &lt;i&gt;Glycyrrhiza Glabra&lt;/i&gt; L (Fabaceae) in Female Rats

Purpose: To investigate the effect of Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract on hair growth in female Wistar rats. Methods: Female Wistar rats were used for the hair growth promotion studies. They were divided into three groups(n = 6) and their dorsal skin was completely denuded to completely remove hair. Paraffin oil (control), 2 % minoxidil solution (reference) or petroleum ether (60 – 80 0 C) root extract of G. glabra (2 %), was applied to the denuded skin once daily for 30 days. During this period, they were observed visually for hair growth and thereafter skin biopsy was taken for evaluation of follicular density and cyclic phases of hair growth. Results: Animals treated with petroleum ether extract of G. glabra roots showed longer hair than those treated with either minoxidil or control. Furthermore, the time (5 – 13 days) for commencement of hair growth and to reach complete hair growth was least in extract-treated animals, followed by those treated with minoxidil (6 - 19 days). A maximum of 76 % of hair follicles were in anagenic stage (active growth phase of hair) in extract-treated animals, compared to 66 and 45 % in minoxidil-treated and control groups, respectively. Conclusion: This study indicates that the petroleum ether extract of G. glabra roots has potentials as a hair growth promoting agent for females.

In vivo hair growth-promoting efficacies of herbal extracts and their cubosomal suspensions

In vivo hair growth-promoting efficacies of 6 kinds of herbal extracts (obtained from Poria cocos, Thuja orientalis, Espinosilla, Lycium chinense Mill, Coix lacryma-jobi and Polygonum multiflorum Thunberg) and monoolein cubosomal suspensions containing the extracts were investigated after they were daily applied on the backs of C57BL/6 male mice for 20 days in the herbal extract concentration of 3% and the cubosome concentration of 1%. The hair growth-promoting efficacies were evaluated 0 day, 10 days, 15 days, and 20 days after the application through the hair re-growth area and the histological observation of hair follicles. Among them, Thuja orientalis extract, Polygonum multiflorum Thunberg extract, and Espinosilla extract showed some hair-growth promoting efficacy. Cubosomes significantly enhanced the efficacies of the herbal extracts, and the cubosomal suspensions containing the extracts were as potent as Minoxidil solution (2.4%) in propylene glycol/water/ethanol (20/30/50, v/v/v). Cubosome is believed to enhance the skin permeation of the herbal extracts.