Enhanced Skin Permeation and Controlled Release of Beta-Sitosterol Using Cubosomes Encrusted with Dissolving Microneedles for the Management of Alopecia

April 2023 in “ Pharmaceuticals ”

Kousalya Prabahar, Ubaidulla Uthumansha, Nehal M. Elsherbiny, Mona Qushawy

β-sitosterol cubosomes dissolving microneedles glyceryl monooleate testosterone-induced alopecia transdermal penetration encapsulation efficiency beta-sitosterol CUBs-MND

Studysummary This study found that cubosomes combined with dissolving microneedles enhanced transdermal penetration and hair growth efficacy of beta-sitosterol for treating alopecia.

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The study investigates a novel delivery system using cubosomes encrusted with dissolving microneedles (CUBs-MND) for the enhanced skin permeation and controlled release of β-sitosterol (β-ST) in managing alopecia. This system significantly improved the transdermal penetration and hair growth efficacy of β-ST compared to cubosomes alone. The cubosomes, prepared with glyceryl monooleate, demonstrated high encapsulation efficiency and a controlled release profile. In testosterone-induced alopecia animal models, significant hair growth was observed with CUBs-MND treatment, suggesting its potential as an effective topical treatment for alopecia. However, further human clinical trials are necessary to confirm its practical application.

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