Formulation of Sodium Valproate Nanospanlastics as a Promising Approach for Drug Repurposing in the Treatment of Androgenic Alopecia

September 2020 in “ Pharmaceutics ”

Farid A. Badria, Hassan E. Fayed, Amira Mofreh Ibraheem, Ahmed F. State, Eman A. Mazyed

Sodium Valproate nanospanlastics androgenic alopecia minoxidil topical delivery ex vivo permeation SV AGA Rogaine

Studysummary This study investigated a new formula called SV-loaded nanospanlastics for topical application to treat androgenic alopecia. It showed similar effectiveness to minoxidil lotion but with fewer adverse effects when used to enhance dermal delivery and efficacy of sodium valproate. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.

In 2020, a study was conducted to investigate the potential of Sodium Valproate (SV) nanospanlastics for the treatment of Androgenic Alopecia (AGA). The study involved the formulation and optimization of SV-loaded nanospanlastics, which were then characterized using various techniques. The optimized formula (F8) showed a significant improvement in ex vivo permeation compared to free SV. A clinical trial was conducted with 80 patients, divided into two groups. Group A was treated with the optimized SV-loaded nanospanlastic dispersion, while Group B was treated with a marketed 5% minoxidil lotion. The results showed that SV-loaded nanospanlastics were as effective as minoxidil in treating AGA, with fewer side effects. The study concluded that nanospanlastics could be a safe and effective method for improving the topical delivery of SV in the management of AGA.

View this study on mdpi.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

19 / 19 results

research Comparative Study Between Mesotherapy and Topical 5% Minoxidil by Dermoscopic Evaluation for Androgenic Alopecia in Males: A Randomized Controlled Trial

11 citations , January 2019 in “International Journal of Trichology”

This study observed no significant improvement of mesotherapy over 5% topical minoxidil for male androgenic alopecia, despite a small increase in hair shaft diameter variation with mesotherapy.

research Oleic Acid Nanovesicles of Minoxidil for Enhanced Follicular Delivery

27 citations , September 2018 in “Medicines”

This study reported that oleic acid-based nanovesicles improve follicular delivery and reduce side effects of minoxidil compared to traditional MXD lotions.

research Finasteride Nano-Transferosomal Gel Formula for Management of Androgenetic Alopecia: Ex Vivo Investigational Approach

24 citations , July 2018 in “Drug Design Development and Therapy”

This study found that nano-transferosomal gel formulations of finasteride improved its delivery across skin layers, potentially reducing major side effects associated with oral administration for treating male pattern baldness.

research Formulation and Optimization of Transfersome Containing Minoxidil and Caffeine

32 citations , December 2017 in “Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology”

This study found that co-delivery of minoxidil and caffeine in transfersomes with an optimized polysorbate formulation enhanced hair length and weight in vivo.

research Transdermal Permeation of Drugs in Various Animal Species

149 citations , September 2017 in “Pharmaceutics”

This review compares animal and human skin characteristics in in vitro permeation studies but reports no new results, highlighting variations and the need for better model correlations.

research Comparative Study of Efficacy of Topical Minoxidil 5% and Combination of Topical Minoxidil 5%, Topical Azelaic Acid 1.5% and Topical Tretinoin 0.01% Based on Dermoscopic Analysis in Androgenetic Alopecia

4 citations , December 2015 in “MVP journal of medical science”

In this study, topical minoxidil 5% was found to be just as effective as a combination treatment with minoxidil, azelaic acid, and tretinoin for treating androgenetic alopecia.

research Topical Minoxidil Fortified with Finasteride: Maintenance of Hair Density After Replacing Oral Finasteride

32 citations , January 2015 in “Indian Dermatology Online Journal”

This study found that a combination of topical minoxidil and finasteride helped maintain hair density in patients with androgenetic alopecia after initial oral finasteride treatment.

Topical Valproic Acid Increases Hair Count in Male Patients with Androgenetic Alopecia: A Randomized, Comparative, Clinical Feasibility Study Using Phototrichogram Analysis

research Topical Valproic Acid Increases Hair Count in Male Patients with Androgenetic Alopecia: A Randomized, Comparative, Clinical Feasibility Study Using Phototrichogram Analysis

37 citations , February 2014 in “Journal of Dermatology”

This study found that topical valproic acid significantly increased hair count in male patients with moderate androgenetic alopecia compared to placebo over 24 weeks.

research Niosomes as a Vesicular Carrier for Topical Administration of Minoxidil: Formulation and In Vitro Assessment

48 citations , December 2013 in “Drug Delivery and Translational Research”

This study found that minoxidil-loaded niosomes with a Span 60 and cholesterol ratio of 1:2 significantly increased skin retention of minoxidil compared to control gel.

research Female Pattern Alopecia: Current Perspectives

42 citations , August 2013 in “International Journal of Women's Health”

This review discusses the current therapeutic options for female pattern hair loss and emphasizes the need for managing patient expectations of permanent regrowth, reporting no new clinical results.

research A Case of Androgenetic Alopecia Treated with Valproic Acid

6 citations , April 2013 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

This correspondence article discusses a case of androgenetic alopecia treated with valproic acid but does not present new clinical findings.

research Application of the Basic and Specific Classification on Patterned Hair Loss in Indians

8 citations , January 2013 in “International Journal of Trichology”

This study found that the BASP classification is an effective and easily remembered method for diagnosing and treating male and female pattern hair loss in the Indian population.

research Valproic Acid Induces Hair Regeneration in Murine Model and Activates Alkaline Phosphatase Activity in Human Dermal Papilla Cells

85 citations , April 2012 in “PLOS ONE”

This study found that valproic acid promoted hair re-growth in C3H mice by activating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, suggesting its potential as a treatment for alopecia.

research Male Androgenetic Alopecia

100 citations , April 2010 in “Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy”

This article reviews existing treatments for male-pattern hair loss, noting that while they can slow progression, they generally achieve only partial hair regrowth.

research The Role of Scalp Dermoscopy in the Diagnosis of Alopecia Areata Incognita

150 citations , April 2008 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This study found that videodermoscopy reveals distinct dermoscopic features in patients with alopecia areata incognita, aiding in biopsy decisions by identifying the appropriate sampling area and potentially avoiding unnecessary procedures.

research Possible Mechanisms of Miniaturization During Androgenetic Alopecia or Pattern Hair Loss

116 citations , September 2001 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This study suggests that miniaturization in pattern hair loss may occur abruptly and can be reversed with treatment, as supported by histologic evidence in finasteride-responsive patients.

Changes in Hair Weight and Hair Count in Men with Androgenetic Alopecia After Application of 5% and 2% Topical Minoxidil, Placebo, or No Treatment

research Changes in Hair Weight and Hair Count in Men with Androgenetic Alopecia After Application of 5% and 2% Topical Minoxidil, Placebo, or No Treatment

115 citations , November 1999 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

In this study, men using 2% and 5% minoxidil solutions experienced a significant increase in hair weight for 96 weeks compared to placebo, with effects diminishing after treatment cessation.

research Tolerance to and Unwanted Effects of Valproate Sodium

16 citations , October 1994 in “PubMed”

This review, drawing on literature and personal experience, suggests that sodium valproate is a safe and effective antiepileptic drug for various epileptic conditions in children and adults, including the elderly.

research Classification of the Types of Androgenetic Alopecia (Common Baldness) Occurring in the Female Sex

666 citations , September 1977 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

This article presents a classification system for stages of female-pattern androgenetic alopecia to aid early diagnosis and mentions existing systems for rare male-pattern cases, but reports no new clinical results.