TLDR Minoxidil mixed with 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin in water can improve hair growth more than minoxidil alone.
In 2017, researchers developed a water-soluble complex of minoxidil and 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-ß-CD) to improve hair growth treatment. The complex was confirmed to be water-soluble and was tested on rats. Both the complex and minoxidil alone significantly promoted hair growth by day 14, but the complex had a slightly higher effect, suggesting it targeted more drug to the hair follicles. The study concluded that replacing the organic solvent in minoxidil topical solution with water is feasible and that using HP-B-CD to formulate an aqueous minoxidil solution warrants further investigation.
77 citations,
January 2015 in “International Journal of Biological Macromolecules” Chitosan nanoparticles improve minoxidil delivery to hair follicles for better alopecia treatment.
43 citations,
August 2014 in “Dermatologic Therapy” Minoxidil response testing helps treat hair loss effectively and safely.
20 citations,
April 2014 in “Dermatologic Therapy” Sulfotransferase in hair follicles helps predict how well minoxidil works for female hair loss.
24 citations,
April 2011 in “Journal of Chemical & Engineering Data” Minoxidil dissolves best in methanol and least in water.
28 citations,
April 2008 in “Journal of Inclusion Phenomena and Macrocyclic Chemistry” Minoxidil mixed with β-cyclodextrin improves solubility and gradual release.
23 citations,
November 2006 in “Journal of Dermatological Science” Ethosomal minoxidil improves hair growth by penetrating deeper into skin and shortening hair cycle.
181 citations,
July 2004 in “Journal of controlled release” Smaller nanoparticles improve minoxidil absorption through hair follicles.
16 citations,
March 2017 in “Journal of inclusion phenomena and macrocyclic chemistry” Minoxidil mixed with 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin in water can improve hair growth more than minoxidil alone.
