Fabrication of Composite Pastes with Minoxidil-Loaded Nanoparticles and Valproic Acid for Androgenetic Alopecia Treatment

July 2023 in “ International Journal of Biological Macromolecules ”

Peixin Li, Yanfang Sun, Lei Nie, Amin Shavandi, Khaydar E. Yunusov, Yinjian Hua, Guohua Jiang

androgenetic alopecia minoxidil valproic acid carboxymethyl cellulose hyaluronic acid polyvinylpyrrolidone ferulic acid lignin nanoparticles roller-microneedles hair follicle regrowth microchannels AGA Rogaine VPA CMC HA PVP

From the encyclopedia

Minoxidil →

An essential vasodilator with some anti-androgenic effects

Valproic acid →

an anticonvulsant repurposed for hair loss via histone inhibition

Hyaluronic Acid →

Studysummary In this study, researchers developed a composite paste system using minoxidil-loaded nanoparticles and valproic acid, enhanced by roller-microneedles, which significantly stimulated hair regeneration and perifollicular vascularization in an androgenetic alopecia mouse model, reducing side effects compared to traditional treatments.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

The study developed a treatment for androgenetic alopecia (AGA), a common hair loss condition, using a composite paste system. This system uses minoxidil-loaded nanoparticles and valproic acid, delivered through microchannels created in the skin by roller-microneedles. The paste is composed of carboxymethyl cellulose, hyaluronic acid, and polyvinylpyrrolidone. The combination of valproic acid, which stimulates hair follicle regrowth, and the microchannels created by the roller-microneedles, resulted in faster hair regeneration at a lower administration frequency in an AGA mouse model compared to using minoxidil alone. This method reduces the risk of infection from subcutaneous injection and significantly decreases the side effects of lower-dose minoxidil.

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