Preparation and In Vitro Evaluation of Protective Effects of Silibinin-Loaded Polymeric Micelles on Human Hair Against UV-B Radiation

The study investigated the protective effects of Silibinin-loaded polymeric micelles on human hair against UV-B radiation. Silibinin, a flavonoid from milk thistle, has shown protective effects against UVB-induced damage, but its low solubility limits its penetration into hair. To overcome this, Silibinin was loaded into polymeric micelles, increasing its solubility and allowing controlled release. The study found that the micelle formulations had a particle size range between 25 and 120 nm, suitable for hair penetration. The selected formulation had a loading efficiency of 45.34 ± 1.31 percent and a particle size of 43.19 ± 4.29 nm. It showed a rapid release of about 40% of the drug in the first 10 hours and about 70% during the first 48 hours. The selected formulation and a positive control group showed a slower rate of protein loss, indicating their protective effect against UV-B radiation-induced hair protein loss. The study concluded that Silibinin, when delivered via polymeric micelle formulation, can protect hair against UV-B radiation.