Preparation and Evaluation of Minoxidil Foamable Emu Oil Emulsion

In 2015, a study was conducted to develop a foamable emulsion of minoxidil and emu oil, aiming to enhance minoxidil's permeation into the skin and increase hair growth. Seventeen formulations were prepared, with the most stable one, F17, selected for evaluation. This formulation showed good pharmaceutical characteristics and a controlled drug release over 6 hours. It was stable at 8°C and 25°C for a month, but showed slight phase separation at 40°C. It did not cause skin irritation in rats. The hair growth activity evaluation showed a significant increase in the number of hair follicles in the anagen phase in the group receiving the F17 formulation compared to the control group. By the 30th day, the F17 formulation showed the maximum number of anagen hair follicles (96%) compared to the control group and other formulations. The study concluded that the F17 formulation significantly improved hair growth and was well compatible with skin, causing no sensitivity reaction in the animal model used. Further studies in humans were recommended to confirm its suitability and safety profile.