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In vivo hair growth-promoting efficacies of herbal extracts and their cubosomal suspensions
Abstract
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.
... Coixlacryma-jobi, and Polygonummultiflorum Thunberg] using cubosome technology and compared their hair growing activity [254]. The extracts and their cubosomal suspensions were applied for 20days to the C57BL/6male mice. ...
... Ethosomes were initially developed by Touitou et al. as novel lipids made of ethanol, phospholipids, and water [254]. They have shown a significant role in improving the delivery of various drugs through the skin. ...
... The presence of ethanol inside the vesicles makes it a perfect permeation enhancer. It is believed to act by affecting the intracellular region of the striatum [254]. Moreover, the presence of ethanol in a high amount makes the lipid membranes less tightly packed than conventional vesicles. ...
Skin is the largest non – parenchymal organ of the human body. It constitutes a natural barrier against pathogens and harmful environmental exposures and contributes to the human body's homeostasis. Conditions affecting the skin range from infections and injury to autoimmune diseases and cancer. Herbs have been used in the treatment of dermatological conditions for a long time. Traditional approaches to delivering herbs to the skin include ointments, gels, creams, and lotions. However, poor lipophilicity or hydrophilicity in most herbal preparations results in limited bioavailability and poor penetration, restricting their effectiveness. Nanotechnology-based approaches have a major potential to this end, showing promising results in enhancing transdermal penetration compared to traditional approaches. This review article summarizes such advances and sheds light on future directions on the use of nanotechnology-based strategies.
... 11 Platycladus orientalis (L.) Franco is an ever-green tree and an extract of its leaves has been used for hair growth promotion and hair loss inhibition. 14, 15 The leaves have been reported to contain abietane, isopimarane, diterpenes, dihydrobenzofuran, neolignane, sesquiterpene glycosides, phenolic glycosides, 16 monoterpenes, such as thujone, cedrol, and isopimaric acid, diterpenes, including pinusolide, lambertianinc acid, hinokiol, and sandaracopimaric acid, glycosides (4-E-propenyl-phenol-1-O-βd-rutinoside and degalloylmacarangioside B), flavonoids (acacetin, quercetin, isoquercitrin, quercitrin, amentoflavone, and rutin), 17 and polyphenols (apigenin, myricetin, luteolin, kaempferol, and allopurinol). 18 The monoterpene cedrol, isolated from P. orientalis leaves, showed hair growth-promoting activity with safe status. ...
... 19 In addition, it has been reported that hair growth promoted by Thuja orientalis extract is prompted when it is treated with monoolein cubosomal suspensions that enhance skin permeation of the herbal extracts. 15 α-Terpineol, a major monoterpene alcohol, is a volatile compound found in many plant aromatic species. 20 It is known to be a skin penetration enhancer at concentrations of 1%, 21 2.5%, 22 and 5% 23 by either increasing solubility within the stratum corneum (the outermost layer of the skin) or lipid fluidity of the intracellular lipid bilayers, which can retain substances in the skin. ...
... It has been reported that the leaf extract of P. orientalis shows hair growth-promoting activity. 15,16 In addition, it has been demonstrated that the extract from a herbal complex containing P. orientalis, Cnidium officinale Makino, and Angelica gigas Nakai shows a hair growth-stimulating effect. 30,32,33 In our current study, we mixed P. orientalis leaf extract with α-terpineol. ...
In this study, we investigated the effect of a mixture of Platycladus orientalis (L.) Franco leaf extract and α-terpineol, a natural monoterpene alcohol (PEaT), on hair growth and its mechanisms. C57/BL6 mice (total n = 14) in the telogen phase of hair growth were used. Either distilled water as vehicle or PEaT was topically applied to the dorsal skin for 17 days. Chronological hair growth change was examined by hair growth-promoting scores. In addition, to find out mechanisms of PEaT on hair growth, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), Ki-67, wnt3, and β-catenin expressions were investigated by using immunohistochemistry. We found that PEaT remarkably promoted hair growth by inducing early anagen transition compared with the control group. In addition, treatment with PEaT significantly increased numbers of Ki-67-positive cells and expressions of IGF-1, VEGF, wnt3, and β-catenin in the outer root sheath. These results indicate that PEaT used in this study might be a good hair growth promoter, showing that PEaT treatment increased growth factors and cell proliferation through upregulation of wnt3 and β-catenin expressions.
... Various marketed formulations containing G. biloba extracts are available, though these formulations present several challenges, such as low bioavailability and short half-life. In an attempt to overcome these limitations, Jin et al. (2013) prepared a niosomal preparation of the extract for oral administration. Niosomes were prepared by a film dispersion homogenization method and were freeze-dried to improve the stability. ...
... The preparation methods generally include both top-down and bottom-up techniques. Seung et al. (2013) have reported monoolein cubosomes of six herbal extracts, formed voluntarily by hydration. Incorporation of herbal extracts had no effect on the tortuous striped structure of the cubosome, comprising two intercrossing water channels spanning throughout monoolein cubic phase. ...
... Moreover, photodynamic therapy employing methyl aminolevulinic acid for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia demonstrated inefficient results with failure in photodynamic therapy [45]. Administration of prednisolone belonging to the class of corticosteroid for the management of Alopecia universalis and Alopecia totalis was also brought in use [136] (continued on next page) however, due to the different systemic adverse effects of steroids and relapse of hair loss after cessation of therapy, steroids were usually not considered efficient for the management of alopecia [46,47]. Minoxidil, finasteride, betamethasone valerate, and several drugs were employed in combination or alone for management of alopecia. ...
... Herbal extract of Poria cocos, Thuja orientalis, Espinosilla, Lycium chinense, Coix lacryma-jobi and Polygonum multiflorum were loaded in monoolein and Pluronic F127 stabilised cubosomal suspension. Cubosomal suspension containing 1% concentration of herbal extract was found to be equivalent in potency to minoxidil 2.4 % solution, when evaluated for hair growth in C57BL/6 male mice for 20 days [136]. ...
In recent times, more than 50% of the global population is facing hair-related issues (alopecia) which is seen mostly among the people in the age group of 30-40 years. The conventional topical dosage forms available in the market falls short in effectively managing alopecia. Despite various advancements in topical dosage forms, it is still disposed to limited clinical application and provides poor penetration of drug molecules into the skin. The exact etiology of alopecia is still unknown and various researchers link lifestyle, hereditary, and auto immune-based events with its existence. Nanoparticulate-based delivery are hence brought in use to enhance the permeability properties of the drug. In comparison to conventional methods nanotechnology-based drug delivery system tames drug molecules to a specific site with much better efficacy. This review is engrossed in the journey and role of nano technological-based drug delivery in the management of alopecia and its clinical application.
... Various marketed formulations containing G. biloba extracts are available, though these formulations present several challenges, such as low bioavailability and short half-life. In an attempt to overcome these limitations, Jin et al. (2013) prepared a niosomal preparation of the extract for oral administration. Niosomes were prepared by a film dispersion homogenization method and were freeze-dried to improve the stability. ...
... The preparation methods generally include both top-down and bottom-up techniques. Seung et al. (2013) have reported monoolein cubosomes of six herbal extracts, formed voluntarily by hydration. Incorporation of herbal extracts had no effect on the tortuous striped structure of the cubosome, comprising two intercrossing water channels spanning throughout monoolein cubic phase. ...
... To further optimize the ground and nutrition components, Flammulina velutipes Polysaccharides-Derived Supports (FPDSs) were fabricated via the treatment of original Flammulina velutipes polysaccharides scaff old (labeled FPS) by NaOH, cysteine. In summary, FPDSs exhibit potential functions as seedbeds to promote the regeneration of the "seed" including hair follicles and injured skin, opening a new avenue for wound healing [31,32]. ...
Throughout old history, mushrooms are considered a rich source of many important phytonutrients such as polysaccharides and other nutrients, in addition to many essential amino acids, which are building blocks of vital proteins. In overall, mushrooms offer a wide range of health benefits with a large spectrum of pharmacological properties, including antidiabetic, antioxidative, antiviral, antibacterial, nephroprotective, hepatoprotective and others. Both wild edible and medicinal mushrooms possess strong therapeutic and biological activities. The multifunctional activities of the mushroom extracts and the targeted potential of each of the compounds in the extracts have a wide-ranging of applications, especially in anti-hair loss and anti-ageing skin. This review aims to provide a clear insight on mushrooms natural bioactive compounds, and their extracts are whichever presently used or original to be used as cosmetics products for their antioxidant, anti-aging, anti-wrinkle, skin whitening, moisturizing effects and anti-Hair loss. Future outlook and prospective challenges.
... The result suggested that the petroleum ether combination of H. annuus seed oil extract and M. annua seed oil extract are good for hair growth potential and produce telogen to anagen process fast in phase of the hair cycle (Fig. 2). [6,22,23] ...
The surface scalp of hair matrix cells differentiation during migration induces by vigorous proliferation result hair growth. The objective of current investigation was to explore the needs to know of Helianthus annuus seed oil extract and Martynia annua seed oil extract as a potential of hair growth. In albino mice on to the back skin surface spread prepared oil extract to assess telogen to anagen phase transition. The quantitative and qualitative analysis was performed and observed. The outcomes of their research revealed that Helianthus annuus seed oil extract of petroleum ether and Martynia annua oil extract of petroleum ether in combination shows exhibited prominent activity. In different dosage of petroleum ether oil extract of both plant combinations of dosage applied topically 10 mg/ml, 20 mg/ml and 30 mg/ml, in to the shaved skin of albino mice treated groups observed for 21 days. Result shown that petroleum ether oil extract of both plant in combination shown significantly hair growth potential in a different dosage dependent manner observed, particularly on albino mice. Albino mice groups treated with petroleum ether 30 mg/ml of both plants required shorter time to the control (positive) group and 2% minoxidil (standard) group at different growth stages. The hair length of albino mice treated with petroleum ether 30 mg/ml oil extract of both plants showed remarkable increase 21.35±0.25 mm. and the thickness of hair of albino mice group treated with combination of both plant oil extract is 0.020±0.0010 mm with respect to 2% minoxidil (0.021±0.008). These finding suggested that Helianthus annus seed oil extract and Martynia annua oil extract have the potential of show hair growth.
... Beyond the aforesaid applications of cubosomes, there are several reports which exhibit some more applications but with scarcity of significances (Table 1). Cubosomes are used in personal care and consumer products, i.e., L'Oréal utilizes the cubosomes as o/w emulsion stabilizer and pollutant absorbent in some cosmetic products [33,88,187]. Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) have been used to treat photo-damaged skin through poloxamer (P407) gel based cubosomal nanoparticulate system, which results in improved skin color and texture with no adverse effects like irritation, peeling etc. [188]. ...
Cubosomes are the aqueous dispersions of lipid-based liquid-crystalline bi-continuous phases, with the inner structure comprised of triply periodic, non-intersecting, curved, bilayers folded in cubic symmetry, and are organized to form two disjoined continuous water channels on an infinite periodic minimal surface. This review emphasized the peer findings about history and origin of cubosomes, including preparation, characterization and evaluation techniques, along with its promising features as a bio-therapeutics biodegradable cargo nano-material in descriptive manner. The structures of cubosomes, e.g. Q223, Q227, Q212, Q230 etc. are discussed here reflecting their versatile applicability. The automated cubosome preparation method in addition to the general preparation methods and assessment of cubosomes with the aid of both, ordinary visual characterization as well as sophisticated instruments like cryo-TEM, Cryo-FESEM, SAXS, LUMiFuge® have been described. Physical parameter's quantification approves the drug-carriers system fit in therapeutics, i.e stability analysis, permeation, entrapment efficiency (EE), loading capacity (LC), drug content of dispersions, in-vitro drug release studies, HPLC analysis, in-vivo studies, etc., which are framed here in detail. Cubosomes owes the versatility and desired characteristic of a nanoparticle for drug delivery and other biomedical applications. Therefore, we have described here the up to date wide area applications of cubosomes administered through various routes.
... Researchers have shown that skin permeation of minoxidil (a hair growth promoter) was increased when encapsulated in cubosomes compared with minoxidil in propyleneglycol/water/ethanol solution [78]. Cubosomes are also known to enhance the skin permeation of the herbal extracts by their interaction with skin lipids [79]. Cubosomes carrying silver sulfadiazine has been reported for the treatment of skin burns. ...
In recent years, there has been a rising trend in using nanoscale materials to develop nanocosmetics. Several types of nanomaterials are of supreme interest for applications in the cosmetic industry, owing to their unique structural, chemical, physical, physiochemical, and functional features, which are mostly lacking in non-nanoscale counterparts. Regardless of the materials type, shape, morphology, and composition, there are two main uses of nanomaterials in cosmeceutical products, i.e., (1) nanoconstructs as ultraviolet (UV) filters and (2) nanoconstructs as bioactive agents for topical and other cosmeceutical related products, e.g., moisturizers, hair care products, skincare, makeup, sunscreen, etc. In the former case, several types of nanoparticles, e.g., silver, gold, titanium, and zinc, have been used as UV filters or UV protectants that block or absorb UV light to protect the skin from harmful effects. In the second scenario applications, nanoliposomes are used as delivery vehicles. Thus, nanomaterials enriched nanocosmetics have been identified as potential next-generation cosmeceutical products for a blooming beauty that provides improved skin hydration, bioavailability, stability of the agent, and controlled UV occlusion. In spite of several noteworthy applications, safety considerations and regulatory aspects of nanomaterials in cosmetic products cannot be ignored, which are mostly lacking in the existing literature. Therefore, considering the above potentialities of nanomaterials and critiques, herein, we first reviewed the valuable aspects of nanoparticles and nanoliposomes as UV filters and delivery vehicles. The second half of the work focuses on the safety considerations and regulatory aspects of nanomaterials used in cosmetic formulations. Finally, the work is summed up with concluding notes and recommendations for future research that will be helpful for the material scientists to safely exploit the nanomaterials in commercial scale products.
... Cedarwood, lavender, thyme, and rosemary oils have been used anecdotally for over 100 years to treat hair loss (Hosking et al., 2019). Other medicinal herbs have also been explored for their potential in enhancing hair growth (Lee et al., 2010;Dhanotia et al., 2011;Seo et al., 2013;Oh et al., 2014;Jain and Dass, 2015;Jain et al., 2016;Shahtalebi et al., 2016;Ash et al., 2019). ...
Essential oils are one of the most popular natural products, with broad applications in dermatology. Hair loss is a disorder in which the hair falls out from skin areas where they are usually present, such as the scalp and the body.
The aim of the work was to formulate oleogels containing two essential oils (Cedarwood and Rosemary) singly and in combination and evaluate their hair growth enhancing effect on an animal model. Oleogels were formed using beeswax as the organogelator with concentrations of 10 % for the oils when used singly or 5 % each for the oils when formulated in combination. Characterization of oleogels were done using spreadability, oil binding capacity (OBC), gas chromatography (GC) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Hair growth evaluation was carried out in 18 albino rats in six groups of threes. A hair removal cream was applied on the experimental animals and the Oleogel applied for six-weeks.
GC analysis of the oils revealed the presence of thujopsene, alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, pentane, alpha cedrenea, beta cedrenea, alpha cedrol, gamma-terpene, acetonitrite, atlantone, terpinolene in cedarwood oil while rosemary oil contained 1-8 cineole, camphor, alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, camphene, p-cymene, alpha-terpinene, gamma terpinene, gamma-humulene, beat-bisabolene, genaniol and terpinolene. DSC thermogram of the oleogel formulations showed varying degrees of amorphicity.
Spreadability results showed that the oleogels containing cedarwood oil were more spreadable. Conversely, oil binding capacity values were higher with Rosemary oil than Cedar wood oil with values ranging from 91 % (for the oleogel containing 10 % rosemary oil) to 81 % for the bland oleogel (no essential oil). Hair growth evaluation revealed that the oleogel containing rosemary oil (10 %) had similar effects as the positive control (Minoxidil, 2 %) at the end of the six-week period.
Oleogels made from cedar wood and rosemary oils have hair growth enhancing effects.
... There are many examples in the literature describing liquid crystalline formulations for dermal treatment for burns [99,100]; topical delivery of antimicrobial peptides for treatment of skin infections caused by bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus [101]; topical photodynamic therapy [102]; therapy of melanoma [103,104]; rheumatoid arthritis [105]; atopic dermatitis [106]; and hair loss [107]. Apart from drug molecule dermal delivery of peptides [108], as well as siRNAs [109], have been reported. ...
Lyotropic liquid crystals result from the self-assembly process of amphiphilic molecules, such as lipids, into water, being organized in different mesophases. The non-lamellar formed mesophases, such as bicontinuous cubic (cubosomes) and inverse hexagonal (hexosomes), attract great scientific interest in the field of pharmaceutical nanotechnology. In the present review, an overview of the engineering and characterization of non-lamellar lyotropic liquid crystalline nanosystems (LLCN) is provided, focusing on their advantages as drug delivery nanocarriers and innovative vaccine platforms. It is described that non-lamellar LLCN can be utilized as drug delivery nanosystems, as well as for protein, peptide, and nucleic acid delivery. They exhibit major advantages, including stimuli-responsive properties for the “on demand” drug release delivery and the ability for controlled release by manipulating their internal conformation properties and their administration by different routes. Moreover, non-lamellar LLCN exhibit unique adjuvant properties to activate the immune system, being ideal for the development of novel vaccines. This review outlines the recent advances in lipid-based liquid crystalline technology and highlights the unique features of such systems, with a hopeful scope to contribute to the rational design of future nanosystems.
... The lyotropic liquid cubic phase was prepared and dispersed into cubosomes (CUB) as previously described in previous studies [18][19][20]. Briefly, molten monoolein (50 • C) was mixed with MilliQ water at a mass ratio of 60:40 to form the cubic phase. ...
Tamarillo extract is a good source of phenolic and anthocyanin compounds which are well-known for beneficial antioxidant activity, but their bioactivity maybe lost during digestion. In this study, promising prospects of tamarillo polyphenols encapsulated in cubosome nanoparticles prepared via a top-down method were explored. The prepared nanocarriers were examined for their morphology, entrapment efficiency, particle size and stability during in vitro digestion as well as potential fortification of yoghurt. Tamarillo polyphenol-loaded cubosomes showed cubic shape with a mean particle size of 322.4 ± 7.27 nm and the entrapment efficiency for most polyphenols was over 50%. The encapsulated polyphenols showed high stability during the gastric phase of in vitro digestion and were almost completely, but slowly released in the intestinal phase. Addition of encapsulated tamarillo polyphenols to yoghurt (5, 10 and 15 wt% through pre- and post-fermentation) improved the physicochemical and potential nutritional properties (polyphenols concentration, TPC) as well as antioxidant activity. The encapsulation of tamarillo polyphenols protected against pH changes and enzymatic digestion and facilitated a targeted delivery and slow release of the encapsulated compounds to the intestine. Overall, the cubosomal delivery system demonstrated the potential for encapsulation of polyphenols from tamarillo for value-added food product development with yoghurt as the vehicle.
... In a study conducted by Seo et al. [40] in vivo hair-growth efficacies of six kinds of herbal extracts (obtained from Poria cocos, Thuja orientalis, Espinosilla, Lycium chinense, Coix lacryma-jobi and Polygonum multiflorum) were evaluated by observation of hair regrowth on the backs of C57BL/6 male mice (alopecia model) and histological observation of their hair follicles. It was verified that T. orientalis, P. multiflorum and Espinosilla extracts showed a hair-growthÀpromoting efficacy with the help of cubosomes that presented the same potency as minoxidil solution (2.4%). ...
New generation nanotechnology for development of cosmetics using plant extracts
... Protection against proteolytic degradation by infectionaffiliated enzymes has earlier been reported in in vitro studies when different AMPs were encapsulated into LNCs or cubosomes (Boge et al., 2017(Boge et al., , 2019, which likely relates to the fact that the peptide is less accessible for proteolytic enzymes in nanoparticles compared with free peptide. Nanocarriers have also shown to enhance the skin penetration and delivery of several active substances (Lopes et al., 2006(Lopes et al., , 2007Rattanapak et al., 2012;Seo et al., 2013). On the basis of these previous findings, we hypothesized that the efficacy of DPK-060 in treating wound infections would be enhanced in vivo when adsorbed to nanoparticles. ...
Antimicrobial peptides, also known as host defense peptides, have recently emerged as a promising new category of therapeutic agents for the treatment of infectious diseases. This study evaluated the preclinical in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo antimicrobial activity, as well as the potential to cause skin irritation, of human kininogen-derived antimicrobial peptide DPK-060 in different formulations designed for topical delivery. We found that DPK-060 formulated in acetate buffer or poloxamer gel caused a marked reduction of bacterial counts of Staphylococcus aureus in vitro (minimum microbicidal concentration <5 μg/ml). We also found that DPK-060 in poloxamer gel significantly suppressed microbial survival in an ex vivo wound infection model using pig skin and in an in vivo mouse model of surgical site infection (≥99 or ≥94% reduction in bacterial counts was achieved with 1% DPK-060 at 4 h post-treatment, respectively). Encapsulation of DPK-060 in different types of lipid nanocapsules or cubosomes did not improve the bactericidal potential of the peptide under the applied test conditions. No reduction in cell viability was observed in response to administration of DPK-060 in any of the formulations tested. In conclusion, the present study confirms that DPK-060 has the potential to be an effective and safe drug candidate for the topical treatment of microbial infections; however, adsorption of the peptide to nanocarriers failed to show any additional benefits.
... Extract and pure compounds from PM roots are attributed for various biological and therapeutic uses including antialopecia (Seo et al. 2013), anti-atherosclerosis (Yang et al. 2005;Zhang et al. 2007), anti-bacterial (Zuo et al. 2008), anti-diabetic (Li et al. 2010;Wang et al. 2013), anti-HIV (Lin et al. 2010), anti-inflammatory (Cha and Jeon 2009), anti-oxidant (Chan et al. 2003;Ip et al. 1997;Lv et al. 2007), and liver and kidney protection activities (Huang et al. 2007;Lee et al. 2012). PM is also quite useful in curing cardiovascular diseases (Liu et al. 2007;Xie et al. 2012), and dementia Zhang et al. 2006). ...
A vast array of plant-based compounds has enriched red biotechnology to serve the human health and food. A peculiar medicinal plant which was an element of traditional Chinese medicine for centuries as a liver and kidney tonic, for life longevity and hair blackening, is Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. (PM) which is popularly known as “He shou wu” or “Fo-ti” and is rich in chemical components like stilbenes, quinones, and flavonoids which have been used as anti-aging, anti-alopecia, anti-cancer, anti-oxidative, anti-bacterial, anti-hyperlipidemia, anti-atherosclerosis, and immunomodulating and hepatoprotective agents in the modern medicine. The health benefits from PM are attained since long through commercial products such as PM root powder, extract, capsules, tincture, shampoo, and body sprays in the market. Currently, the production of these pharmaceuticals and functional foods possessing stilbenes, quinones, and flavonoids is through cell and organ cultures to meet the commercial demand. However, hepatotoxic effects of PM-based products are the stumbling blocks for its long-term usage. The current review encompasses a comprehensive account of bioactive compounds of PM roots, their biological activities as well as efficacy and toxicity issues of PM ingredients and future perspectives.
... 8,9 Cedrol is the major ingredient in the volatile oil of Platycladus orientalis (L.) Franco, which is widely used to resist alopecia and promote hair growth. [10][11][12] It is a sesquiterpene compound with a high boiling point (molecular weight, 222.37), which has been reported to have antispasmodic, sedative, anti-cancer, antifungal, analgesic and anti-inammatory effects. [13][14][15][16][17][18] Its safety for topical administration has been conrmed. ...
Topical use of cedrol ethanol has been reported to have a beneficial effect on hair loss. However, the use of cedrol has been limited by application-related issues, such as poor water solubility and volatile features. Therefore, the present study developed a cream formulation of cedrol and evaluated various physicochemical parameters of the prepared cream. The optimized cedrol cream was selected after orthogonal tests and determined further. The dermatopharmacokinetics were studied to investigate the absorption difference between cedrol cream and cedrol ethanol after dermal application, and the concentrations of cedrol in skin were analysed by the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method. By comparison, the area under the curve (AUC0-24 h) of cedrol cream was almost three times higher than that of cedrol ethanol. Moreover, this study was undertaken to evaluate the hair growth promoting efficacy of cedrol cream in C57BL/6 mice and Wistar rats. Macroscopic assessment and alopecia score showed that C57BL/6 mice treated with cedrol cream showed a faster production of pigmentation and a higher score at different growth stages than other groups. The hair length of the cedrol cream-treated group was much longer than those of the cedrol ethanol and minoxidil groups. Histological analyses indicated that in the cedrol ethanol group, most follicles of the C57BL/6 mice were in the catagen phase, whereas nearly 83% of hair follicles in the cedrol cream group remained in the anagen phase. Taken together, our data strongly suggest that the cream formulation of cedrol has a stronger hair growth promotion effect, gave no irritation and was safe for topical administration.
... Lipid based colloidal systems have shown ability to effectively deliver and transport drugs to and through the skin as they can help fluidizing skin lipids [31][32][33]. Furthermore, LCNPs can enhance the skin penetration and delivery of several active substances, such as peptides, vitamins, herbal extracts, vaccine adjuvants and anti-inflammatory drugs with no observed skin irritation [34][35][36][37][38]. Moreover, cubosomes were recently used to deliver photosensitizers for photodynamic therapy (PDT) of human skin melanoma cells [39]. ...
In this study, the use of cubosomes for topical delivery of the antimicrobial peptide (AMP) LL-37 was investigated. Topical delivery of AMPs is of great interest for treatment of skin infections caused by bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus. AMP containing cubosomes were produced by three different preparation protocols and compared: (i) pre-loading, where LL-37 was incorporated into a liquid crystalline gel, which thereafter was dispersed into nanoparticles, (ii) post-loading, where LL-37 was let to adsorb onto pre-formed cubosomes, and (iii) hydrotrope-loading, where LL-37 was incorporated during the spontaneously formed cubosomes in an ethanol/glycerol monooleate mixture. Particle size and size distribution were analyzed using dynamic light scattering (DLS), liquid crystalline structure by small angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) and release of LL-37 by a fluorescamine assay. Proteolytic protection of LL-37 as well as bactericidal effect after enzyme exposure was investigated. The skin irritation potential of cubosomes was examined by an in vitro epidermis model. Finally, the bacterial killing property of the cubosomes was examined by an ex vivo pig skin wound infection model with Staphylococcus aureus. Data showed that a high loading of LL-37 induced formation of vesicles in case of cubosomes prepared by sonication (pre-loading). No release of LL-37 was observed from the cubosomes, indicating strong association of the peptide to the particles. Proteolysis studies showed that LL-37 was fully protected against enzymatic attacks while associated with the cubosomes, also denoting strong association of the peptide to the particles. As a consequence, bactericidal effect after enzyme exposure remained, compared to pure LL-37 which was subjected to proteolysis. No skin irritation potential of the cubosomes was found, thus enabling for topical administration. The ex vivo wound infection model showed that LL-37 in pre-loaded cubosomes killed bacteria most efficient.
... PC has been applied in treatment of cough, gout, asthma, chronic bronchitis, hemorrhage disease and hair loss [1]. Recently, there has been growing evidence in different biological activities of PC, including antiphlogistic [2][3][4], antioxidant [5][6][7], hemostatic [8], neuroprotective [9,10] and hair growth promoting [11][12][13]. For example, the flavonoids in PC were reported to have a significant anti-inflammatory effect on lipo-polysaccharide-induced macrophage cells [2]. ...
Platycladi Cacumen (PC) is a traditional Chinese medicine used for the treatment of hemorrhages, cough, asthma and hair loss. To get a better understanding of the chemical constituents in PC, ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) and diagnostic ion filtering strategy were firstly employed for chemical profiling of PC. A total of 43 compounds including organic acids and derivatives, flavonoids as well as phenylpropanolds were unambiguously or reasonably identified. Coumarin and lignan were reported for the first time in PC. Chemical variation of 39 batches of PC from different geographical origins and 10 batches of processed product of PC was subsequently investigated by quantitation of nine major flavonoids. The results determined by UPLC coupled with diode array detection (UPLC-DAD) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) indicated that the contents of flavonoids in PC samples differ greatly. This work provides an efficient approach to comprehensively evaluate the quality of PC.
... Minoxidil is administered topically as a 4-5% solution for the treatment of alopecia but has adverse systemic effects such as anorexia and myocardial infarction [12]. Recently, natural products and plant extracts that can promote hair growth have been widely used in the hair care industry [13][14][15][16]. As a natural product, insect wax is secreted by male Ericerus pela Chavanness, which live mainly on Chinese privet (Ligustrum lucidum) and Chinese ash (Fraxinus chinensis) which are widely distributed in most parts of China, Japan and the Korean peninsula from the subtropics to temperate regions [17,18]. ...
Insect wax is secreted by Ericerus pela Chavanness. It has been traditionally used to treat hair loss in China, but few reports have been published on the hair growth-promoting effect of insect wax. In this work, we examined the hair growth-promoting effects of insect wax on model animals. Different concentrations of insect wax were topically applied to the denuded backs of mice, and 5% minoxidil was applied topically as a positive control. We found that insect wax significantly promoted hair growth in a dose-dependent manner, 45% and 30% insect wax both induced hair to regrow, while less visible hair growth was observed in blank controls on the 16th day. The experimental areas treated with 45% and 30% insect wax exhibited significant differences in hair scores compared to blank controls, and hair lengths in the 45% and 30% insect wax group was significantly longer than in blank controls on the 16th and 20th days. There were no new hair follicles forming in the treated areas, and the hair follicles were prematurely converted to the anagen phase from the telogen phase in experimental areas treated with 45% and 30% insect wax. Both 45% and 30% insect wax upregulated vascular endothelial growth factor expression. The results indicated that 45% and 30% insect wax showed hair growth-promoting potential approximately as potent as 5% minoxidil by inducing the premature conversion of telogen-to-anagen and by prolonging the mature anagen phase rather than increasing the number of hair follicles, which was likely related to the upregulation of VEGF expression. The dissociative policosanol in insect wax was considered the key ingredient most likely responsible for the hair growth promoting potential.
... The bottom-up strategy is more suitable for large scale production and has several advantages comparing to the top-down approach as it requires less energy input, it allows working with thermosensitive materials, it produces smaller particles with longer-term stability and with similar or better properties than the ones fabricated by the top-down approach [135]. This technology caught the attention not only of the scientific community but also of cosmetic brands such as L'Oréal or Procter and Gamble [134,[136][137][138]. ...
Delivery systems are extensively used in cosmetic products. This literature review describes some of the delivery systems used in the cosmetic industry, some general considerations about their presence and incorporation in cosmetic formulations, as well as their skin interactions. This review also covers the manufacturing process of a cosmetic cream formulation, including basic ingredients, natural antioxidants in particular. In addition, future perspectives, recent concerns, and further work regarding the cosmetic industry are also described.
... Ethosome formulation containing 2 and 5% of leaf extracts of Moringa oleifera showed hair growth activity comparable to 2% minoxidil [16]. Monoolein cubosomal suspension containing 3% herbal extracts mixture (Poria cocos, Thuja orientalis, Espinosilla, Lycium chinense Mill, Coix lacryma-jobi, Polygonum multiflorum Thunberg) significantly enhances the skin permeation of the herbal extracts as potent as minoxidil solution (2.4%) [134]. Among them T. orientalis, P. multiflorum and Espinosilla extract showed hair growth-promoting efficacy. ...
Currently available conventional therapies of hair loss using synthetic drugs are still imperfect and have a number of limitations. Their effectiveness as well as the safety of their use is often questioned. It has led to an increased interest in alternative treatments with fewer side-effects such as formulations containing herbs and/or their active constituents. For this purpose several electronic databases and hand-searched references were used to summarize current knowledge regarding topically used herbal products for the treatment of hair loss acquired on the basis of preclinical and clinical studies. Moreover, mechanism of their action, follicular penetration and possible adverse effect of herbal products will be also described.
... In mice treated with T. orientalis, authors observed an increase in both the number and size of hair follicles [34,36]. Even, cubosomal suspension of T. orientalis extract was found to be more effective due to increased skin penetration of the T. orientalis [37]. ...
... They may be achieving a greater bio-availability by avoidance of the hepatic first pass metabolism, reduction in dosage and sustained release drug action by one time dosing that has an advantage when compared with the repeated application [1]. During the last decades, novel systems of drug delivery were designed for herbal medicines to improve high herbal delivery and enhance their pharmacological efficacy [2]. Various herbal medicines are famously used worldwide in different pharmaceutical dosage forms, for examples flaxseed oil, ginseng, garlic, echinacea, and ginger. ...
This study describes the formulation of new buccoadhesive films containing Myrrh extract as a natural and safe antimicrobial agent to give a long local medication. Buccoadhesive films of Myrrh extract were developed using solvent evaporation technique. The fabricated Myrrh extract films were evaluated for their palatability, weight, surface pH, and their content uniformity. In addition, tensile strength and the percentage of elongation of the films as well as in vitro mucoadhesive time were determined. Also, the films were tested for their antimicrobial activities. Obtained results showed that the tested films are elegant in appearance and have neutral pH, palatable by volunteers and have good tensile strength and elasticity. They also exhibited antibacterial activities against different types of bacterial strains as well as antifungal activity against Candida albicans.
... The leaves [ Figure 2a], root tuber [ Figure 2b] and rhizomes [ Figure 2c] of this plant have been used as tonic and anti-aging agents [7][8][9][10][11][12] whereas the stem [ Figure 2d] is used to alleviate insomnia and even to have an antidiabetic therapeutic activity as well. [13][14][15] Laboratory studies and clinical practice have demonstrated that PMT possesses various biological and therapeutic actions, including anti-tumor, [16,17] antibacterial, [18] anti-inflammatory, [13] anti-oxidant, [19][20][21] anti-HIV, [22] liver protection, [23,24] nephroprotection, [25] antidiabetic, [15,26] anti-alopecia, [27,28] and anti-atherosclerotic activities. [29,30] It has been also reported to exert preventive activity against neurodegenerative diseases, [31][32][33][34][35] cardiovascular diseases and to reduce hyperlipidemia as well. ...
Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. (PMT), officially listed in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, is one of the most popular perennial Chinese traditional medicines known as Heshouwu in China and East Asia, and as Fo-ti in North America. Mounting pharmacological studies have stressed out its key benefice for the treatment of various diseases and medical conditions such as liver injury, cancer, diabetes, alopecia, atherosclerosis, and neurodegenerative diseases as well. International databases such as PubMed/Medline, Science citation Index and Google Scholar were searched for clinical studies recently published on Polygonum multiflorum. Various clinical studies published articles were retrieved, providing information relevant to Pharmacokinetics-Pharmacodynamics analysis, sleep disorders, dyslipidemia treatment, and neurodegenerative diseases. This review is an effort to update the clinical picture of investigations ever carried on PMT and/or its isolated bio-compounds and to enlighten its therapeutic assessment.
Alopecia is a common dermatological disorder of patchy hair loss with substantial patient burden. Phytotherapeutic compounds are increasingly used as a source of new therapeutic options. This review aimed to synthesize the evidence on plant species in hair growth and the methodological aspects of in vivo experimental models. The systematic scoping review was conducted following the PRISMA checklist, Joanna Briggs Institute and in accordance with Cochrane. A systematic search was carried out in the Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science, and SciELO databases. In vivo experiments that evaluated hair growth activity using natural substances of plant origin were included. Data collection and analysis: A total of 1,250 studies were identified, of which 175 were included for qualitative synthesis. Of these, 128 used mice, 37 rats, 10 rabbits, 1 guinea pig, and 1 sheep as animal models. The methodologies mapped were: hair growth analysis, histological analysis, immunohistochemistry, gene expression analysis, Western blot, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and biochemical analysis. Minoxidil and finasteride were the most commonly used positive controls. The studies evaluated plant species (166), algae (11) or isolated substances (31). Overall 152 plant species and 37 isolated substances were identified. This is the first systematic scoping review on methodological aspects of in vivo hair growth activity. We created a checklist to be completed by authors to allow data comparison and reproducibility, facilitate data interpretation by readers and ensure better quality of evidence. This work may become a valuable tool for future research and contribute to significant advances in hair growth studies.
The cosmetic industry is rapidly rising worldwide. To overcome certain deficiencies of conventional cosmetics, nanomaterials have been introduced to formulations of nails, lips, hair, and skin for treating/alleviating hyperpigmentation, hair loss, acne, dandruff, wrinkles, photoaging, etc. Innovative nanocarrier materials applied in the cosmetic sector for carrying the active ingredients include niosomes, fullerenes, liposomes, carbon nanotubes, and nanoemulsions. These exhibit several advantages, such as elevated stability, augmented skin penetration, specific site targeting, and sustained release of active contents. Nevertheless, continuous exposure to nanomaterials in cosmetics may pose some health hazards. This review features the different new nanocarriers applied for delivering cosmetics, their positive impacts and shortcomings, currently marketed nanocosmetic formulations, and their possible toxic effects. The role of natural ingredients, including vegetable oils, seed oils, essential oils, fats, and plant extracts, in the formulation of nanocosmetics is also reviewed. This review also discusses the current trend of green cosmetics and cosmetic regulations in selected countries.
Non-lamellar lyotropic liquid crystalline (LLC) lipid nanomaterials have emerged as a promising class of advanced materials for the next generation of nanomedicine, comprising mainly of amphiphilic lipids and functional additives self-assembling into two- and three-dimensional, inverse hexagonal and cubic nanostructures. In particular the lyotropic liquid crystalline lipid nanoparticles (LCNPs) have received great interest as nano-carriers for a variety of hydrophobic and hydrophilic small molecule drugs, peptides, proteins, siRNAs, DNAs, and imaging agents. Within this space, there has been a tremendous amount of effort over the last two decades elucidating the self-assembly behaviour and structure-function relationship of natural and synthetic lipid-based drug delivery vehicles in vitro, yet successful clinical translation remains sparse due to the lack of understanding of these materials in biological bodies. This review provides an overview of 1) the benefits and advantages of using LCNPs as drug delivery nano-carriers, 2) design principles for making LCNPs with desirable functionalities for drug delivery applications, 3) current understanding of the LLC material-biology interface illustrated by more than 50 in vivo, preclinical studies, and 4) current patenting and translation activities in a pharmaceutical context. Together with our perspectives and expert opinions, we anticipate that this review will guide future studies in developing LCNP-based drug delivery nano-carriers with the objective of translating them into a key player among nanoparticle platforms comprising the next generation of nanomedicine for disease therapy and diagnosis.
This article discusses the mechanisms via topically applied products containing herbs and their active constituents affect the hair growth process. It was reported that the mechanisms involving (1) insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), (2) vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), (3) epidermal growth factor (EGF), (4) fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2), (5) endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), (6) Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway, (7) prostaglandin E (PGE), (8) prostaglandin F (PGF) stimulate hair growth, whereas the mechanisms engaging (1) 5α-reductase and dihydrotestosterone (DHT), (2) transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), (3) fibroblast growth factor 5 (FGF-5), (4) prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) inhibit hair growth. The knowledge summarized in the paper may be an inspiration to create new preparations for the treatment of hair loss.
Platycladus orientalis (L.) Franco is traditionally known to potentiate hair growth promotion. However, there has been no report on its main active ingredient responsible for the hair growth activity. In the current work, cedrol as a major constituent from P. orientalis was evaluated for its potential on hair growth in vivo. Different concentrations of cedrol (10, 20 and 30mg/mL) were applied topically over the shaved skin of C57BL/6 mice and monitored for 21days. Results indicated that cedrol significantly promoted hair growth in a dose-dependent manner, particularly for the female mice. Both male and female mice groups treated with 30mg/mL cedrol required shorter time than the blank control and 2% minoxidil groups at different growth stages. Compared with the blank control (8.87mm) and 2% minoxidil (9.94mm) groups at 21days, the hair length of female mice treated with 30mg/mL cedrol showed a remarkable increase with the value of 11.07mm. Hair in male and female mice groups treated with 30mg/mL cedrol was heavier than the 2% minoxidil (38.2 and 35.9mg, respectively) groups with the weight of 42.6 and 45.2mg, respectively. Further observation of the hair follicle demonstrated that cedrol exerted a remarkable effect on the hair follicle length. These findings suggested that cedrol may be the main active ingredient of P. orientalis and have the potential of becoming a new hair growth promoter.
How the seeds of Delphinium staphisagria promote hair growth in humans is yet to be discovered. This lack of information leads us to the investigation of hair promoting effects of seeds of Delphinium staphisagria in-vitro. Extract prepared from the Seed of Delphinium staphisagria (ESDS) - traditionally used for hair loss treatment - was selected and tested for the cytotoxic and angiogenic potential in endothelial cells (HUVECs) and human keratinocytes (HaCaT) cells. The effects of extract was determined by using in-vitro colorimetric MTT [3-(4,5-dimethythiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] cytotoxicity assay. To identify the compounds that induce angiogenesis, we applied matrigel capillary assay in-vitro using HUVECs. Vinegar and water extracts of D. staphisagria seeds significantly promoted the proliferation of human keratinocyte cells by 137, 139, 143, 149 and 147 % at the concentration of 100, 120, 200, 250 and 300 µg/mL compared with vehicle –treated control, respectively at 24 h. HUVECs viability remained the same with the control group at the concentration 1, 10, 20 and 40 µg/mL after 24 h. Results demonstrated that ESDS did not cause toxicity in human keratinocytes and endothelial cells, while inducing the angiogenic activity in-vitro. D. staphisagria seeds promote hair growth without overt cytotoxicity and through inducing angiogenesis. Based on the information from the traditional uses and our experimental results, D. staphisagria’s seeds appear to be a good candidate for the promotion of hair growth.
The adipocyte differentiation-inhibiting efficacies of cubic phase nanoparticle/herbal extract mixture suspensions were much higher than those of herbal extract suspensions (grape, apple, mugwort, barberry root, and green tea). Confocal laser scanning microscopy and fluorescenceactivated cell sorting analysis revealed that cubic phase nanoparticle promoted the internalization of a watersoluble dye (e.g. calcein) into adipocyte cell. Cubic phase nanoparticle/herbal extract mixture suspensions decreased the blood contents of aspartate aminotransferase, total cholesterol, triglyceride, urea nitrogen, and low density lipoprotein more than herbal extract suspensions. Cubic phase nanoparticle also promoted the efficacy of the herbal extracts in suppressing the body weight gain and the liver weight of rats. The amount permeated through hairless mouse skin was higher when cubic phase nanoparticle was included in barberry root extract suspension. © 2015, The Korean Society for Biotechnology and Bioengineering and Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.
Monoolein (MO) cubic phases containing cinnamic acid (CA) were prepared by hydrating the mixture melts of MO and CA with buffer solutions. The release degree of methylene blue (MB, a cationic dye) from the cubic phases was higher when the pH value of release medium was lower and was suppressed more when the CA content was higher. On the contrary, the release degree of amaranth (AM, an anionic dye) from the cubic phases was higher at a higher pH value and at all the pH values tested was little affected by the CA content.
In this study, we discuss applications of the electrochemical impedance (EI) response of tethered bilayer membranes (tBLMs) in protein (peptide)/phospholipid membrane interaction studies. Because of highly asymmetric geometry, tBLMs exhibit unique EI response, which cannot be modeled by simple equivalent circuits consisting of capacitors and resistors. Special functions describe the characteristic features of EI spectra. They take into account the structural and the dielectric properties of the tBLMs. The analysis of the EI response provides the theoretical background for the utility of tBLMs as bioanalytical sensors for the membrane-damaging agents, such as pore-forming toxins. We demonstrate that the magnitude and frequency of the minimum of the negative of the phase as well as the modulus of impedance are the parameters indicative of the extent of the membrane damage and may be used to estimate the defect density in bilayers. The precision of such estimates is highly dependent on the knowledge of the physical properties of the submembrane reservoir separating phospholipid bilayer and solid surface. Clustering of the defects affects the EI response in a unique way, which may be used for the qualitative analysis of protein-membrane interactions.
Lyotropic liquid crystalline nanostructured particles, such as cubosomes, have grown in popularity as drug delivery systems in the last few years. These systems require steric stabilizers to maintain colloidal stability in an aqueous medium, with Pluronic®F127, a block copolymer, being the most commonly employed stabilizer. However, in recent years, alternative, more effective stabilizers, as well as rationally designed systems with opportunities for further biofunctionalization have been reported. The purpose of this chapter is to collate and collectively interpret studies in the field of steric stabilization of this important emerging class of nanoparticles for drug and medical imaging agent delivery.
The identification of biomaterials that support appropriate cellular attachment, proliferation, and functions is critical for tissue engineering and cell therapy. There is a growing interest in functional organic/inorganic composites where a small amount of nanometer-sized material yields better physicochemical properties for cells to attach, grow, and differentiate. In this work, we prepared polymer/nanodiamond composite layers based on hexamethyldisiloxane and detonation-generated nanodiamond (DND) particles, in which the particles were either embedded into a polymer matrix or deposited on the preliminary formed plasma-polymerized (PP) layer. The surface properties of composites, such as roughness and wettability, as well as adhesion, growth, and functions of osteosarcoma MG-63 cells and primary rat mesenchymal stem cells were studied. We aimed to investigate the influence of the incorporation methods of DND into the polymer on the material surface properties and the cell response in order to control them by manipulating diamond-containing composite surfaces. We found differences between both composites in respect to their physicochemical properties and to the cell behavior suggesting that the method of particle incorporation into polymers should be taken in account during the development of new biomaterials for a specific application.
This review presents an overview on plants identified to possess hair growth activity in various ethno-botanical studies and surveys of tradition medicinal plants. It also highlights the developments in hair rejuvenation strategies from 1926 till-date and reviews the potential of herbal drugs as safer and effective alternatives. There are various causes for hair loss and the phenomenon is still not fully understood. The treatments offered include both natural or synthetic products to treat the condition of hair loss (alopecia), nonetheless natural products are continuously gaining popularity mainly due to their fewer side effects and better formulation strategies for natural product extracts. Plants have been widely used for hair growth promotion since ancient times as reported in Ayurveda, Chinese and Unani systems of medicine. This review covers information about different herbs and herbal formulation that are believed to be able to reduce the rate of hair loss and at the same time stimulate new hair growth. A focus is placed on their mechanism of action and the review also covers various isolated phytoconstituents possessing hair growth promoting effect.
Novel drugs delivery systems (NDDS), formulations from plant actives and extracts are still a matter of thrust and hot cake among the researchers working with phytomedicine. Novel delivery systems such as polymeric liposomes, colloidisomes, aquasomes, ethosomes, niosomes, proliposomes,
phytosomes®, nanoparticles, nanocapsules, nanoemulsions, microsphere and transferosomes have been proven to be a better carrier for delivery of the phyto-constituents as already done by various eminent scientists. Due to increased bioavailability, protection from toxicity, enhancement
of pharmacological activity, enhancement of stability, improved tissue macrophages distribution, sustained delivery, and protection from physical and chemical degradation novel delivery systems are more suitable delivery system in compare to the conventional systems. This articled, highlight
the remarkable findings in the recent past by innovators exclusively working on novel drug delivery systems for phyto-constituents.
We have produced transgenic mice containing up to 250 copies of a sheep wool intermediate filament keratin gene to study the effect of its expression on hair structure and development. Several transgenic lines expressed the gene and in the one containing 250 transgenes, a pattern of hair-loss and regrowth was stably established. Successive waves of hair growth follow periods of denuding like the natural progression of hairs in the mouse hair cycle. By in situ hybridization we have shown that the sheep transgenes are expressed at the correct stage in mouse hair development and at a high level. The transgenic hairs contain not only an elevated level of intermediate filament keratin protein but also a decreased level of the filament-associated proteins. This imbalance disrupts the normal ordered array of these proteins in the cells of the hair cortex and leads to weakened fibres which are prematurely lost.
Over the last decade surgical management of hair loss has become an increasingly popular and satisfying procedure for both men and women, as innovations in donor harvesting, graft size, and hairline design have resulted in consistently natural-appearing hair restoration.
In addition, a better understanding of the regulation of the hair-growth cycle has led to advances in the pharmacologic treatment of androgenetic alopecia.
Currently there are two U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved agents that promote hair regrowth: over-the-counter topical minoxidil solution for men and women and prescription oral finasteride tablets for men. In October 2001, a group of 11 international experts on hair loss and hair transplantation convened to review the physiology and effects of pharmacologic treatments of hair loss and to discuss the value of administering topical minoxidil therapy as an adjunct to hair transplantation.
This article presents the key findings and consensus points among the participants, including their current use of pharmacologic treatments, strategies for optimal results both pre- and postsurgery, and the importance of realistic patient expectations and compliance.
Based on the surgeons' clinical experience, the use of approved hair regrowth agents in hair transplant patients with viable but suboptimally functioning follicles in the region to be transplanted can increase hair density, speed regrowth in transplanted follicles, and complement the surgical result by slowing down or stopping further hair loss.
The penetration and storage behavior of dye-containing nanoparticles (diameter 320 nm) into the hair follicles was investigated. The results were compared to the findings obtained with the same amount of dye in the non-particle form. In the first part of the experiments, the penetration of the dye into the hair follicles was investigated in vitro on porcine skin, which is an appropriate model for human tissue. It was found that the nanoparticles penetrate much deeper into the hair follicles than the dye in the non-particle form, if a massage had been applied. Without massage, similar results were obtained for both formulations. Subsequently, the storage behavior of both formulations in the hair follicles was analyzed in vivo on human skin by differential stripping. Using the same application protocol, the nanoparticles were stored in the hair follicles up to 10 days, while the non-particle form could be detected only up to 4 days. Taking into consideration the surface structure of the hair follicles, it was assumed that the movement of the hairs may act as a pumping mechanism pushing the nanoparticles deep into the hair follicles.
The aim of this work was to formulate minoxidil loaded liposome and niosome formulations to improve skin drug delivery. Multilamellar liposomes were prepared using soy phosphatidylcholine at different purity degrees (Phospholipon 90, 90% purity, soy lecithin (SL), 75% purity) and cholesterol (Chol), whereas niosomes were made with two different commercial mixtures of alkylpolyglucoside (APG) surfactants (Oramix NS10, Oramix CG110), Chol and dicetylphosphate. Minoxidil skin penetration and permeation experiments were performed in vitro using vertical diffusion Franz cells and human skin treated with either drug vesicular systems or propylene glycol-water-ethanol solution (control). Penetration of minoxidil in epidermal and dermal layers was greater with liposomes than with niosomal formulations and the control solution. These differences might be attributed to the smaller size and the greater potential targeting to skin and skin appendages of liposomal carriers, which enhanced globally the skin drug delivery. The greatest skin accumulation was always obtained with non-dialysed vesicular formulations. No permeation of minoxidil through the whole skin thickness was detected in the present study irrespective of the existence of hair follicles. Alcohol-free liposomal formulations would constitute a promising approach for the topical delivery of minoxidil in hair loss treatment.
Finasteride is a 5alpha-reductase inhibitor approved for the treatment of male pattern hair loss. Originally approved for the treatment of benign prostatic hypertrophy in 1992, its approval was expanded in 1997 to include the treatment of androgenetic alopecia (AGA) in men at a dose of 1 mg/day. Finasteride inhibits 5alpha-reductase, thereby prohibiting the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is implicated in the development of hairless in some men. Reduction in DHT results in a significant improvement in subjective and objective assessments of hair growth and density. Finasteride is well-tolerated with a favourable adverse event history. The most common adverse events include reduced libido, decreased ejaculate volume and gynaecomastia.
Monoolem (MO) cubic phases were prepared by hydrating MO using distilled water or 12 wt.% H2O2 solution so that the content of aqueous phase in the cubic phase is 30 wt.%. The thermal transition of the isotropic cubic phase to reversed hexagonal phase was observed on a polarizing photomicroscope and the transition temperature was found to be around 65degreesC on a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC. Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) patterns indicated the cubic phases had diamond surfaces. The cubic phase released H2O2 into an aqueous phase in a saturation manner so that approx. 50% of total loaded H2O2 release in the first 10h and thereafter relatively slow was observed over 40 h. The cubic phase was stable at 45degreesC for 56 days before it broke down into an oily phase and an aqueous phase in 70 days. According to H-1 NMR spectrum, glycerol moiety and -CH2=CH2- of the oily phase were detected less in number than those of intact MO. Therefore, the hydrolysis and the oxidation of MO would be responsible for the breakdown of the cubic phase. The tensile adhesive forces of the cubic phases were higher than a skin-adhesive patch prepared using polyacrylate. The cubic phase containing H2O2 could be used as a topical disinfected gel for a wounded skin.
The aerial parts of three gymnosperms, Pinus roxburghii Sarg. (bark, needles and female cones), Cycas circinalis Linn. (stem and leaves) and Thuja orientalis Linn. (stem and leaves) were extracted by Soxhlet apparatus using petroleum ether, ethanol, chloroform and water as solvent. The extracts were subjected to preliminary phytochemical screening and tested against four human pathogenic bacteria (Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Enterobacter aerogenes) and one plant pathogenic bacteria, Agrobacterium tumefaciens by disc diffusion method. Among these extracts, the petroleum ether was found to be most effective in all the three plants. Maximum inhibition (20 mm) was recorded for needles extract of P. roxburghii against Klebsiella pneumoniae. The study suggests that these plants are promising phytomedicine for antibacterial activity.
Background: Androgenetic alopecia (male pattern hair loss) is caused by androgen-dependent miniaturization of scalp hair follicles, with scalp dihydrotestosterone (DHT) implicated as a contributing cause. Finasteride, an inhibitor of type II 5α-reductase, decreases serum and scalp DHT by inhibiting conversion of testosterone to DHT. Objective: Our purpose was to determine whether finasteride treatment leads to clinical improvement in men with male pattern hair loss. Methods: In two 1-year trials, 1553 men (18 to 41 years of age) with male pattern hair loss received oral finasteride 1 mg/d or placebo, and 1215 men continued in blinded extension studies for a second year. Efficacy was evaluated by scalp hair counts, patient and investigator assessments, and review of photographs by an expert panel. Results: Finasteride treatment improved scalp hair by all evaluation techniques at 1 and 2 years (P < .001 vs placebo, all comparisons). Clinically significant increases in hair count (baseline = 876 hairs), measured in a 1-inch diameter circular area (5.1 cm2 ) of balding vertex scalp, were observed with finasteride treatment (107 and 138 hairs vs placebo at 1 and 2 years, respectively; P < .001). Treatment with placebo resulted in progressive hair loss. Patients’ self-assessment demonstrated that finasteride treatment slowed hair loss, increased hair growth, and improved appearance of hair. These improvements were corroborated by investigator assessments and assessments of photographs. Adverse effects were minimal. Conclusion: In men with male pattern hair loss, finasteride 1 mg/d slowed the progression of hair loss and increased hair growth in clinical trials over 2 years. (J Am Acad Dermatol 1998;39:578-89.)
We have previously established that the relative concentrations of propylene glycol and ethanol as a binary solvent system have a significant effect on the skin penetration of 2% solutions of minoxidil at 50 μL/cm2. The present work extends these studies and investigates the penetration of minoxidil from the different vehicle combinations as functions of application volume and occlusion. Decreasing the application volume has a variable effect which depends on vehicle composition. Penetration of minoxidil from 100% ethanol solutions decreased linearly with application volume. Generally, irrespective of the volume applied, the penetration of minoxidil increased with increasing ethanol fraction with a maximum penetration at 90% ethanol. Penetration from all the formulations was enhanced upon occluding the skin, with greatest increase evident in solutions with higher volatile fraction. Penetration of minoxidil in vivo showed trends similar to those seen in vitro.
Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) imaging of several different polymers in aqueous and organic solutions using the negative staining technique is demonstrated, to emphasise the possibilities of this specimen preparation technique for polymer science. Negative stains can readily be prepared in both water and organic solvents (e.g. dimethyl formamide (DMF), dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and tetrahydrofurane (THF)). Polymer particle size, size distribution and shape seen in negative stain correlates well with those of unstained materials. The particle surface and smaller particles (e.g. 10–20 nm) are more clearly defined in the presence of a negative stain. The inherent problems of sample overload, anomalous double-sided sample spreading of the sample on the carbon support film and rapid drying of polymer and negative stain from organic solvents, do not prevent the production and selection of satisfactory specimen regions for TEM study. The presence of metallic clusters within polymer particles is not masked by negative stain and assessment of the number of metallic clusters entrapped within the polymer and/or free in the solvent can be readily made. The cationic negative stain, uranyl actetate (UA), is widely used as the stain of choice for polymer solutions, but the anionic negative stains (phosphotungstic acid (PTA) and ammonium molybdate (AM)) have also been successfully employed in this work.
Monoolein (MO) cubic phases entrapping hydroxypropyl beta-cyclodextrin (HPbetaCD)/minoxidil (MXD) complex were prepared by hydrating molten MO with the complex solution, where the concentrations of HPbetaCD/MXD were 1.0%/0.32%-19.4%/1.98%. Without HPbetaCD, the maximum content of MXD loaded in the cubic phase was only 0.071%, but with aid of HPbetaCD, the content in the cubic phase increased up to 5.72%. The nanoparticles of the cubic phase were prepared by a bath type sonication using a Pluronic F127 as a dispersant. HPbetaCD/MXD complex had little effect on the size and the structure of cubic phase nanoparticles. In vitro skin permeation of MXD loaded in the cubic phase nanoparticles (2.44 mg/cm(2) for 18 h), were higher than that of MXD dissolved in propylene glycol/water/ethanol (20/30/50, v/v/v) (1.91 mg/cm(2) for 18 h), but the amount of MXD remained within skin was higher with the MXD solution (0.068 mg/cm(2) for 18 h) than with the nanoparticles (0.023 mg/cm(2) for 18 h).
Numerous factors of intrinsic or extrinsic origin may influence growth of hair in normal persons. Genetic factors are the most important, but their inheritance is complex and little understood. Considerable overlap is observed between normal men and women in the amounts and distribution of terminal hair, the main differences being quantitative rather than qualitative. The endocrine control of growth of hair is effected through the secretion of androgens, especially testosterone, which is the principal stimulus for its growth. However, the ability to respond is an intrinsic quality unique to the hair follicle itself.
The Journal of Investigative Dermatology publishes basic and clinical research in cutaneous biology and skin disease.
To study at the ultrastructural level which part of the skin is associated with percutaneous iodide transport by passive diffusion and iontophoresis.
Following passive diffusion or iontophoresis of iodide, the morphology and the ion distribution of the skin was preserved by rapid freezing. The skin was kept frozen until and during examination by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray microanalysis (XRMA). The intrinsic electron absorbing characteristics of cryopreserved skin allow direct TEM examination without additional staining. XRMA can be used to obtain in a relatively nondestructive way in situ information on ion distributions across the skin.
After passive diffusion, iodide was mainly found in the stratum corneum (SC), whereas there was little iodide in the viable epidermis. Iontophoresis up to 300 microA/cm2 did not significantly affect this distribution. With iontophoresis at 1,000 microA/cm2, the amount of iodide increased dramatically and was equally distributed over the SC and viable epidermis. The presence of iodide in the SC suggests that iodide is present inside corneocytes.
Iontophoresis up to 300 microA/cm2 does not significantly perturb skin structures in contrast to iontophoresis at 1,000 microA/cm2. The presence of iodide inside corneocytes suggests the possibility of transcellular percutaneous iodide transport.
Three kinds of topical dosage forms of minoxidil (MXD), namely vesicles, double emulsions, and an inclusion complex with hydoxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (HP-beta-CD), were prepared. The skin retention of MXD in the preparations was evaluated in vitro using hairless mouse skins. After applying the preparations onto the skin and rinsing it, the amount of the drug left on the skin was determined using HPLC. Retention was the highest when the drug was encapsulated in cationic vesicles. Nonionic vehicle, the double emulsion, and HP-beta-CD left no significant amount of the drug after rinsing the skin. Thus, an ionic interaction between the cationic vehicle and negatively charged skin is likely responsible for the relatively high skin retention. In vivo hair growth-promotion effect of each dosage form was investigated, in which the sample application onto the clipped backs of female mice (C57BL6) and the subsequent rinsing of the backs were done once a day for 30 days. Only MXD in the cationic vesicles had hair growth promotion effect, possibly due to significant skin retention.
Oral finasteride, a type II 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor, has been shown to increase hair growth and slow progression of thinning in men with androgenetic or male pattern balding (Hamiliton type) but has no affect on hair growth in postmenopausal women with female pattern hair loss (Ludwig type). We describe 4 cases of hair loss with characteristics of both male and female patterns in women with hyperandrogenism in which finasteride has improved or stabilized the alopecia. Improved hair growth was seen after 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, and 2.5 years, respectively. The finding that finasteride treatment improves pattern hair loss in women with hyperandrogenism but does not affect those postmenopausal women with female pattern hair loss without hyperandrogenism supports the concept that not all types of female hair loss have the same pathophysiology.
Finasteride is a 5alpha-reductase inhibitor approved for the treatment of male pattern hair loss. Originally approved for the treatment of benign prostatic hypertrophy in 1992, its approval was expanded in 1997 to include the treatment of androgenetic alopecia (AGA) in men at a dose of 1 mg/day. Finasteride inhibits 5alpha-reductase, thereby prohibiting the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is implicated in the development of hairless in some men. Reduction in DHT results in a significant improvement in subjective and objective assessments of hair growth and density. Finasteride is well-tolerated with a favourable adverse event history. The most common adverse events include reduced libido, decreased ejaculate volume and gynaecomastia.
Monoolein (MO) cubic phases were prepared by hydrating MO using distilled water or 12wt.% H(2)O(2) solution so that the content of aqueous phase in the cubic phase is 30wt.%. The thermal transition of the isotropic cubic phase to reversed hexagonal phase was observed on a polarizing photomicroscope and the transition temperature was found to be around 65 degrees C on a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) patterns indicated the cubic phases had diamond surfaces. The cubic phase released H(2)O(2) into an aqueous phase in a saturation manner so that approx. 50% of total loaded H(2)O(2) release in the first 10 h and thereafter relatively slow was observed over 40 h. The cubic phase was stable at 45 degrees C for 56 days before it broke down into an oily phase and an aqueous phase in 70 days. According to (1)H NMR spectrum, glycerol moiety and -CH(2)=CH(2)- of the oily phase were detected less in number than those of intact MO. Therefore, the hydrolysis and the oxidation of MO would be responsible for the breakdown of the cubic phase. The tensile adhesive forces of the cubic phases were higher than a skin-adhesive patch prepared using polyacrylate. The cubic phase containing H(2)O(2) could be used as a topical disinfected gel for a wounded skin.
An alternative to currently marketed topical minoxidil solutions is desirable.
To assess the efficacy and safety of a new 5% minoxidil topical formulation in a propylene glycol-free foam vehicle in men with androgenetic alopecia (AGA).
This was a 16-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 5% minoxidil topical foam (MTF) in 352 men, 18 to 49 years old. At week 16, 143 subjects continued on an open-label phase to collect 52 weeks of safety information on 5% MTF.
At week 16 compared with baseline, there was a statistically significant increase in (1) hair counts in the 5% MTF group versus placebo (P < .0001) and (2) subjective assessment of improved hair loss condition (P < .0001) in the 5% MTF group versus placebo. The 5% MTF was well tolerated over a 52-week period.
There was no collection of efficacy data beyond 16 weeks.
We believe that 5% MTF is a safe and effective treatment for men with AGA.
Nanocapsules containing hinokitiol (HKL) were prepared by an emulsion-diffusion method. In an emulsification step in preparing nanocapsules, cetyltrimethylamonium chloride (CTAC) was employed as a cationic emulsifier, Poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL) was use as a wall material and HKL dissolved in octylsalicylate (OS) was used as a core material. The submicron-sized nanoparticle was observed on a TEM. The size ranged 55-234 nm and the mean diameters were 223 nm, which were determined by a dynamic light scattering method. According to the results of pH-dependent microelectrophoresis, the absolute value of the surface potential of the nanocapsules was greater than 20 mV. The nanocapsules were colloidally stable over the pH range of 3-11. The nanocapsules were included in two kinds of preparations, namely shampoo and hair tonic, and the preparations were applied every day for 3 weeks on the clipped backs of 6 week-old mouse (C57BL/6) to investigate the hair growth-promoting effect. The degree of hair growth was evaluated by image-analysing the photographs of the backs and, in parallel, by the histological observation of the formation and the growth of hair or hair bulbs. The results were compared with those of commercially available Minoxidil solution (3%). Phosphate buffered saline was used as a control. The in vivo hair growth-promoting effects of the two preparations were comparable to those of Minoxidil solution. These results are in a good agreement with the histological and structural changes of follicles of the model animals, of which skins were treated with either the testing samples or the control in the same way the experiments of in vivo hair growth promotion were performed.