Using a Natural Clay Mineral as an Active Drug Carrier to Promote Hair Growth

The study investigates the use of illite, a natural clay mineral, as a carrier for minoxidil to promote hair growth, addressing the limitations of traditional formulations that cause scalp irritation. By modifying illite, researchers increased its surface area, allowing it to effectively carry minoxidil. In experiments with C57BL/6 mice, the minoxidil/illite formulation showed similar efficacy to free minoxidil in promoting hair regrowth, while eliminating solvent toxicity. Illite enhances hair growth by increasing cell proliferation, reducing apoptosis, and suppressing inflammatory pathways. The study suggests that illite-based carriers could improve adherence to minoxidil therapy by providing a biocompatible, hydroalcohol-free alternative, though further research is needed to confirm these results in humans.