Evaluation of the effectiveness of nanostructured lipid carriers containing Lavandulla anguostifouliya plant oil compared to 2% Minoxidil to control alopecia; Clinical trial

Abstract

Introduction: Androgenic hair loss is a common disorder in men caused by hormonal disorders, especially dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which affects the appearance of the individual and causes a decrease in self-confidence. FDA-approved drugs, including minoxidil, are not very satisfactory due to increased hair loss after discontinuation; therefore, there is a desire to use drugs with few side effects and high efficacy. The use of modern drug delivery systems increases the effectiveness of topical drugs.Aim: To investigate the effectiveness of lipid nanostructures containing lavender essential oil to control male pattern hair loss.Materials and Methods: In this study, 20 male volunteers with androgenic hair loss were selected, and each volunteer received 2% minoxidil solution on the right side of the head, and a lavender essential oil lipid nanoparticle formulation on the left side of the head for 24 weeks. Finally, head hair photography was performed at time zero, 12, and 24 weeks.Results: Stable nanoparticles with a particle size of 200 nm were prepared with a loading rate of nearly 100%. According to the results of the Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test, there was a statistically significant difference between the two variables of the physician's score for progress on the right and left sides of the head and the satisfaction of the volunteers based on the questionnaire (p-value=0.007). After 24 weeks, the growth and density on the left side of the head increased significantly compared to the right side of the head, and no local or systemic side effects of the product were observed and reported in the volunteers.Conclusion: Based on the results, nanostructured lipid carriers of lavender essential oil with weekly use had better efficacy than 2% minoxidil solution with daily use in male pattern hair loss.