Topical Delivery of Fenugreek Seed Extract Loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticles Based Hydrogels for Alopecia

The study aimed to develop a novel herbal formulation for alopecia treatment using Fenugreek seed extract loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) to minimize systemic side effects. The SLN was prepared by melt emulsification and probe sonication, using GMS, Tween 80, and Soya lecithin, and then incorporated into a gel. The SLN gel showed a particle size of 223.36 nm, a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.313, and an entrapment efficiency of 74.56±0.12%. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed the spherical nature of the nanoparticles. The gel demonstrated extended drug release over 24 hours, following the Higuchi model with an R2 of 0.9964, and an ex vivo permeability study showed 72.05±0.15% skin deposition of the extract. The formulation remained stable for three months. These results suggest that the Fenugreek seed extract loaded SLN gel could be a promising alternative for alopecia treatment, with enhanced permeation, improved skin retention, and extended release, warranting further in vivo studies.