Plant Extracts and Safflower Extract-Loaded Nanostructured Lipid Carriers for Hair Growth Promotion
January 2012
TLDR Safflower extract in nanostructured carriers was more effective than minoxidil for hair growth without irritating skin.
The study investigated the effects of 26 Thai plant extracts on 5α-reductase, an enzyme associated with hair loss, and developed a hair lotion formulation. The extracts were tested for their ability to inhibit 5α-reductase, with safflower extract showing the highest inhibition and outperforming minoxidil in promoting hair growth in mice. Additionally, a stable Nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC) was created to improve the delivery of safflower extract to hair roots. This NLC, loaded with safflower extract, was more effective than minoxidil in promoting hair growth and did not cause skin irritation in mice.