Plant Nanovesicles Integrate Bioactivity and Transdermal Finasteride Delivery for Androgenetic Alopecia
November 2025
in “
OPAL (Open@LaTrobe) (La Trobe University)
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New to Finasteride? There is a guide in the encyclopedia. Read the guide → Studysummary This study found that transdermal delivery of finasteride using biomimetic Platycladi cacumen-derived nanovesicles enhanced hair regrowth in a mouse model of androgenetic alopecia, outperforming minoxidil by improving skin permeation, reducing oxidative stress, and boosting local drug retention.
Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer
This study addresses androgenetic alopecia (AGA) by developing biomimetic nanovesicles derived from the medicinal herb Platycladi cacumen (PcNs) for transdermal delivery of finasteride (FIN), aiming to reduce systemic side effects associated with oral administration. The PcNs enhanced skin permeation and drug retention, reduced oxidative stress, and effectively reversed hair follicle miniaturization in a testosterone-induced AGA mouse model. FIN-loaded PcNs (FIN-PcNs) demonstrated superior efficacy in hair regrowth compared to minoxidil by scavenging reactive oxygen species, modulating inflammatory pathways, and upregulating genes related to hair regeneration. This plant-derived nanovesicle platform offers a promising, safe, and effective strategy for AGA treatment, highlighting the potential of plant-based nanocarriers in dermatology.
