Germacrone and Sesquiterpene-Enriched Extracts from Curcuma Aeruginosa Roxb. Increase Skin Penetration of Minoxidil, a Hair Growth Promoter

The study conducted 5 years ago found that germacrone and sesquiterpene-enriched extracts from Curcuma aeruginosa Roxb. significantly increased the skin penetration of minoxidil, a hair growth promoter. The research showed that skin penetration of minoxidil was increased approximately 4-fold with 0.2 and 2% extract, 10-fold with germacrone, and 20-fold with C. aeruginosa essential oil. This suggests that the efficacy of minoxidil is promoted, lower doses of minoxidil could suffice, and C. aeruginosa extract/essential oil or germacrone can supplement treatment outcomes by acting as an anti-androgen, thereby introducing a more effective topical treatment strategy for androgenic alopecia.