Antioxidant and 5α-Reductase Inhibitory Activity of Momordica Charantia Extract, and Development and Characterization of Microemulsion

The study explored the antioxidant and 5α-reductase inhibitory activities of Momordica charantia (bitter melon) extracts and developed a microemulsion (MELM) for potential hair-loss prevention. The aqueous extract of the fruit's inner tissue showed high total phenolic content (780.75 mg GAE/g) and significant 5α-reductase inhibitory activity (0.461 mg finasteride equivalence/g). The MELM, optimized with a 1:1 ratio of tween 80 and ethanol, demonstrated stable physical properties over 12 weeks at various temperatures and enhanced skin permeability. These findings suggest that MELM could be further developed into cosmetic or pharmacological products to manage hair loss.