Development of Microemulsions Containing Carthamus Tinctorius Extract for 5α-Reductase Inhibition

The study aimed to develop a microemulsion containing Carthamus tinctorius (CT) extract to inhibit 5α-reductase activity. CT extract was prepared using ethanol and tested for its ability to inhibit 5α-reductase. Four microemulsion formulas (F1, F2, F3, and F4) with 2% CT extract were evaluated for physical properties, skin permeation, and stability. The CT extract showed no toxicity to DU145 cells and significantly inhibited 5α-reductase type-1 activity at 0.05 mg/mL, outperforming finasteride and dutasteride. The microemulsion improved the stability and permeation of CT extract, with F3 being the most effective formula. The study suggested that nanotechnology could enhance the transdermal delivery of bioactive compounds for better skin and hair follicle permeation.