Pumpkin Seed Oil-Loaded Niosomes for Topical Application: 5α-Reductase Inhibitory, Anti-Inflammatory, and Anti-Hair Loss Effects

The study explored the use of Pumpkin Seed Oil (PSO)-loaded niosomes as a potential treatment for hair loss. PSO-loaded niosomes, prepared from Tween 20 and cholesterol, showed better skin permeation and hair follicle accumulation than the PSO solution. They inhibited 5α-reductase activity, which can contribute to hair loss, and reduced IL-6 activity, indicating anti-inflammatory properties. A hair scalp serum with PSO-loaded niosomes was tested on 42 panelists and showed no skin irritation. It decreased hair fall by 44.42% and increased the anagen to telogen (A/T) ratio by 1.4-fold after 8 weeks, indicating improved hair growth. The study suggests that PSO-loaded niosomes could be further developed as a hair loss treatment.