Summary The second most common alopecia—Androgenetic alopecia (AGA)—occurs due to hormonal imbalance. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) an androgenic hormone is a sex steroid, produced in the gonads. The target sites of DHT are similar to that of testosterone, and it attaches easily remaining bound for 53 minutes as compared to 35 minutes of testosterone. Excess of DHT causes miniaturization of hair reducing the anagen phase and increasing the telogen phase leading to hair loss. Normally up to ten percent of testosterone in the body irreversibly gets converted into DHT by the action of enzyme 5‐alpha‐reductase. Inadequate blood flow to the scalp can also be another reason for hair loss encountered due to lower oxygen and nutrients reaching it. AGA affects both sexes; however in males, it leads to major hair loss. Conventional drugs such as minoxidil and finasteride are widely used for the treatment. However, several drawbacks such as allergic contact dermatitis, burning, ejaculation disorder, and decreased libido are reported. Available literature suggests the role of herbal drugs to have the action against 5‐alpha‐reductase enzyme inhibiting it and reducing the hair loss. This can be further potentiated since they exhibit lesser side effects. Recent advancements observed in the medicinal, cosmetic, and engineering fields can prove to be an asset. This article focuses on herbs which can be used in AGA. A review of Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens), Green tea (Camellia sinensis), Pumpkin seed (Curcurbita pepo), Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), Grape seed (Vitis vinifera), and Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is attempted.

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Purpose: To design, develop and evaluate an Azelaic acid encapsulated Ethosomal formulation for acne. Methods: Encapsulated ethosomes were prepared by three methods viz. hot method, cold method and thin film hydration method. Central Composite Design was employed for optimisation of ethosomal formulations. Concentrations of phospholipid, cholesterol and ethanol were selected as independent variables and their effect on the dependent variables (Entrapment Efficiency and Drug Diffused) was studied. The optimised vesicular carriers were evaluated for vesicle size, entrapment efficiency, in-vitro and ex-vivo diffusion studies, anti-microbial activity, skin irritation studies and stability studies as per ICH guidelines. Ethosomal formulations with varying soya phosphatidylcholine, cholesterol and ethanol were prepared. Results: Vesicles were spherical, unilamellar with a smooth surface. The optimised formulation showed a vesicle size of 4.25 ± 1.35 μm and entrapment efficiency of 91.86 ± 2.25%. In-vitro and exvivo drug diffusion of the ethosomal gel was compared with a conventional gel and a marketed cream. The developed novel formulation exhibited enhanced anti-acne activity as compared to conventional gel and a marketed cream. Conclusion: We can conclude that the ethosomal formulation is an efficient vesicular carrier system for topical delivery.

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Rai and Ravikumar: Development and Evaluation of Microsphere FormulationThe aim of this work is to develop microsphere formulation and study the impact of drug-polymer ratio, surfactant concentration and stirring speed on particle size and drug entrapment during preparation. Clotrimazole-loaded Eudragit S100 microspheres were prepared by emulsion solvent evaporation method. A three level factorial Box-Behnken design was used to characterize and optimize the formulation. The result of analysis of variance test indicated that the test is significant. The optimum drug:polymer ratio (X1), surfactant concentration (X2) and stirring speed (X3) was found to be 1:4, 1.5% and 1000 rpm, respectively to obtain particle size and maximum entrapment efficiency of microspheres as 35.6 µm and 83.3%, respectively. The drug release from microsphere based cream exhibited a controlled release pattern.