Khaberni - Researchers from China and Australia have revealed that a natural sweetener extracted from the "Stevia" plant can make a significant difference in treating hereditary hair loss, known scientifically as male pattern baldness (AGA), which is the most common type of hair loss in men and women around the world, according to a report published by the scientific site "ScienceAlert".
According to the study published in the journal Advanced Healthcare Materials, adding the compound stevioside, a substance extracted from the "Stevia" plant known as a natural sweetener, to the traditional drug treatment with minoxidil, may double its effectiveness when used through microneedle patches.
"Minoxidil" is typically used as a topical treatment that is rubbed onto the scalp to stimulate blood flow to the hair follicles, which helps with hair regrowth. However, one of the main challenges is that only a small amount of the drug is absorbed through the skin.
Microneedle Technology
In the new research, the team worked on developing a new system that combines microneedles and the "stevioside" compound, which enhances the solubility of "minoxidil" in water and facilitates its absorption into the skin to directly reach the hair roots.
The experiments, conducted on genetically modified mice to become bald, showed that hair growth returned faster and denser in those treated with "minoxidil" through patches containing "stevioside", compared to traditional treatment.
The researchers noted in their report: "We noted a significant increase in hair follicles transitioning to the growth phase, resulting in 67.5 percent coverage of the treatment area in just 35 days."
In contrast, traditional "Minoxidil" achieved coverage of no more than 25.7% during the same period. Hair growth also began about a week earlier in the mice treated with "stevioside" compared to those in the control group.
Promising Yet Preliminary Results
Although the results are promising, the scientists emphasized that the trials are still in the animal testing stage, and that moving to clinical trials on humans requires further research to evaluate the effectiveness and safety over the long term.
The team explained that they need to determine the best design for microneedles and controlled release systems for the drug, to match different clinical cases.
Levings Kang, Professor of Pharmacology at the "University of Sydney" and one of the participants in the study, said: "The use of stevioside to enhance the absorption of minoxidil is a promising step towards developing natural and more effective treatments for hair loss, which could benefit millions around the world."
The researchers hope that this technology will help make hair loss treatments more effective and longer-lasting in the future, as traditional "minoxidil" requires daily use, while microneedle patches may extend the duration of its effect and reduce the need for continuous use.
