Unlocking Finasteride's Potential Via Carboxymethyl-Beta-Cyclodextrin Inclusion Complex For Androgenic Alopecia

March 2025 in “ Carbohydrate Polymer Technologies and Applications ”

Reza Allahyari, Behnam Mahdavi, Esmail Rezaei‐Seresht, Mehdi Baghayeri

finasteride carboxymethyl-β-cyclodextrin androgenic alopecia CM-β-CD inclusion complex bioavailability solubility encapsulation efficiency thermodynamic profile cytotoxicity tests drug release study Propecia

TLDR The new method improves finasteride's effectiveness for hair loss treatment.

The study investigates the use of carboxymethyl-β-cyclodextrin (CM-β-CD) to enhance the delivery and effectiveness of finasteride for treating androgenic alopecia. By forming a CM-β-CD/Fin inclusion complex, the research improves finasteride's solubility, stability, and bioavailability, achieving a 9.36-fold increase in solubility and an encapsulation efficiency of 85%. The complex shows a favorable thermodynamic profile and is safe, maintaining high cell viability in cytotoxicity tests. The drug release study indicates an initial rapid release followed by controlled release, potentially improving therapeutic outcomes and patient compliance by reducing dosing frequency. However, regulatory challenges must be addressed for clinical application.

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Research cited in this study

11 / 11 results

research Topical Finasteride Dose Evaluation for Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia Using Computer Simulations

August 2021 in “Annales pharmaceutiques françaises”

Topical finasteride at 0.25% is effective and has fewer side effects than oral finasteride for hair loss.

research Physicochemical Characterization of Finasteride Nanosystem for Enhanced Topical Delivery

10 citations, February 2021 in “International Journal of Nanomedicine”

Chitosan-decorated finasteride nanosystems improve skin retention and could be a better treatment for hair loss.

research Encapsulation of Finasteride with Native and Modified Gamma-Cyclodextrins: Extensive Characterization of the Complexes

8 citations, July 2020 in “International Journal of Pharmaceutics”

Finasteride's solubility improves with native y-CDs, enhancing hair loss treatment and reducing side effects.

research Enhancement of Dermal Delivery of Finasteride Using Microemulsion Systems

18 citations, October 2019 in “Advanced Pharmaceutical Bulletin”

Microemulsions can improve skin delivery of finasteride.

research Applications of Steroid Drugs Entrapped in Cyclodextrins

23 citations, March 2019 in “Environmental Chemistry Letters”

Cyclodextrins improve how steroid drugs work and are used in marketed medications and environmental applications.

Experimental, Molecular Docking Investigations and Bioavailability Study on the Inclusion Complexes of Finasteride and Cyclodextrins

research Experimental, Molecular Docking Investigations and Bioavailability Study on the Inclusion Complexes of Finasteride and Cyclodextrins

23 citations, June 2017 in “Drug Design Development and Therapy”

Cyclodextrins improve finasteride's solubility and bioavailability for hair loss treatment.

research Androgenetic Alopecia: A Review

153 citations, March 2017 in “Endocrine”

Male pattern baldness involves genetics, hormones, and needs better treatments.

Preparation and Evaluation of a Multimodal Minoxidil Microemulsion Versus Minoxidil Alone in the Treatment of Androgenic Alopecia of Mixed Etiology: A Pilot Study

research Preparation and Evaluation of a Multimodal Minoxidil Microemulsion Versus Minoxidil Alone in the Treatment of Androgenic Alopecia of Mixed Etiology: A Pilot Study

24 citations, May 2013 in “Drug Design Development and Therapy”

Multimodal minoxidil microemulsion is more effective in treating hair loss than minoxidil alone.

research Binary and Ternary Inclusion Complexes of Finasteride in HPβCD and Polymers: Preparation and Characterization

37 citations, April 2009 in “Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry”

Finasteride complexes with HPβCD and polymers improve solubility, potentially enhancing hair loss treatment.

research Androgen Dependence of Hirsutism, Acne, and Alopecia in Women

105 citations, January 2009 in “Medicine”

Hirsutism is more linked to high androgen levels than acne or hair loss, and a mix of hormonal tests is best for diagnosis; certain treatments can reduce symptoms.

research Finasteride

86 citations, July 1993 in “Drugs”

Finasteride treats enlarged prostate, shrinks it, improves urination, but may cause sexual dysfunction and isn't for women or children.

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community Increased Hair Shedding After Starting Finasteride

in Finasteride 75 upvotes 1 week ago

The user started finasteride in January 2025 and experienced increased hair shedding by March 2025, despite initial improvements from PRP treatment. They are concerned but have read that this shedding might be a temporary phase of the finasteride treatment.

community Need help to find a way to get 5mg fin in Germany/Hamburg

in Finasteride 77 upvotes 2 weeks ago

The user is seeking a way to obtain 5mg finasteride in Germany, as local dermatologists refuse to prescribe it. They are considering online options but have only found 1mg pills available.

community Should i start fin/min 33 y/o long hairs, mostly covered, Turbaned guy

in Finasteride 47 upvotes 2 weeks ago

A 33-year-old with long hair is experiencing hair loss and is considering starting finasteride and minoxidil or dutasteride and minoxidil. They are seeking advice on which treatment to choose and where to purchase it in North America.

community Help deciding: Preventive finasteride now (NW2-3) vs. waiting for visible changes? (28M with family history)

in Finasteride 193 upvotes 2 months ago

A 28-year-old male with a family history of baldness is deciding whether to start finasteride now or wait for visible hair changes. He is considering starting finasteride immediately to proactively address potential hair loss.

community Shedding after 9 months on Finasteride M(20)

in Finasteride 90 upvotes 2 months ago

A user experienced initial success with finasteride, noticing reduced hair fall and stronger hair, but later faced a heavy shedding phase. The shedding has since slowed, and they are seeking advice on what to do next.

community There are some young guys that started fin, can u tell your experience?

in Finasteride 15 upvotes 2 months ago

A 20-year-old started finasteride two weeks ago for hair loss at Norwood 2 and is seeking experiences from others who began treatment at a young age. The discussion focuses on age-related experiences with finasteride.

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research Use of Finasteride in the Treatment of Men With Androgenetic Alopecia

38 citations, June 2003 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings”

Finasteride effectively improves hair growth and slows hair loss in men with male pattern baldness.