TLDR Microparticles containing artocarpin extract could effectively treat hair loss and acne with minimal side effects.
The study from 2007 explored the use of alginate/chitosan (ACS) microparticles for targeted delivery of artocarpin (Ar), a compound with potential for treating androgen-dependent disorders such as male pattern alopecia and acne. The researchers developed ACS microparticles that successfully encapsulated Ar with an 18.7% entrapment efficiency and released only 0.7% of Ar over 6 hours, indicating their potential for sustained release. In an in vivo experiment with 51 hamsters, the topical application of ACS-Ar microparticles suppressed the growth of hamster flank organs, an effect comparable to a tenfold higher dose of Ar in solution form, but without significant systemic action. This suggested that ACS-Ar microparticles could be an effective and safer alternative for treating conditions like androgenic alopecia with minimal systemic effects.
316 citations,
June 2004 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology” Microspheres about 1.5 micrometers in size can best penetrate hair follicles, potentially reaching important stem cells.
37 citations,
November 1995 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology” Topical finasteride and flutamide reduce gland size and enzyme activity, with flutamide being more potent, potentially treating acne, seborrhea, hirsutism, and androgenic alopecia.
4 citations,
December 2009 in “Elsevier eBooks” Breadfruit is nutritious and has potential health and medicinal benefits, but is currently underused.
26 citations,
March 2014 in “International journal of pharmaceutics” Researchers created a skin treatment that could effectively deliver medication into hair follicles.
19 citations,
May 2014 in “Molecules” Avicequinone C, a compound found in the Avicennia marina plant, can reduce hair loss by inhibiting a hormone linked to androgenic alopecia.
45 citations,
August 2011 in “Journal of Microencapsulation” Chitosan microparticles improve minoxidil sulphate delivery, potentially reducing daily applications.
59 citations,
May 2014 in “Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Targets” The document concludes that targeting 5α-reductase, the androgen receptor, and hair growth genes, along with using compounds with anti-androgenic properties, could lead to more effective hair loss treatments.
