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

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.