Title : Evaluation of Nigella sativa nanoemulsion loaded with finasteride as topical delivery system for androgenetic alopecia management
Abstract:
Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a common disorder of hair loss that disturbs millions of people. Finasteride (FND) is a drug aimed to cure AGA. Nevertheless, oral consumption of FND shows sexual side effects. Nanoemulsion loaded with finasteride (NE-FND) has been developed to promote targeted drug delivery with enhanced bioavailability. We aimed to develop Nigella sativa NE-FND as a topical delivery system to increase drug availability against AGA. The nanoemulsion was prepared using an ultrasonication technique with a suitable ratio of oil, surfactant mixture, and distilled water. The prepared NE-FND were additionally subjected to classifications like size, surface charge, pH, TEM morphology, and in vitro release. Finally, the efficiency of NE-FND was investigated using C57BL/6 mice. The size of NE-FND was observed to be 20.1 nm with a negative zeta-potential (− 11.5 ± 0.35 mV). The pH of 5.07 ± 0.32 of the established nanoemulsion was found to be, near to the skin ph. The formulation was detected to be harmless and unchanging for 90 days. Furthermore, macroscopic examination exhibited a significant difference in hair growth among control and treated group in vivo. Skin irradiation test exhibited no symptom of irritation, after 72h post management. This study showed that developed nanoemulsion as topical delivery systems increase aqueous distribution, penetrability, Delayed-release and drug availability of finasteride on the skin against AGA.
