Preparation and optimization of aloe ferox gel loaded with Finasteride-Oregano oil nanocubosomes for treatment of alopecia

Abstract

Alopecia areata is a skin disorder characterized by scarless, localized hair loss that is usually managed by topical treatments that might further worsen the condition. Therefore, the current study aimed to develop nano-cubosomes loaded with finasteride (FI) and oregano oil (Or) to improve drug solubility and permeation through skin and then incorporate it into an aloe ferox gel base. An l-optimal coordinate exchange design was adopted to optimize nano-cubosomes. Phytantriol and Alkyl Acrylate were employed as the lipid material, and surfactant respectively for cubosomes manufacture. The produced formulations were assessed for their particle size, entrapment efficiency (EE%), FI steady-state flux (Jss) and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against Pro-pionibacterium acnes. Optimal FI-Or-NCu had a particle size of 135 nm, EE% equals 70%, Jss of 1.85 μg/cm2.h, and MIC of 0.44 μg/ml. The optimum formulation loaded gel gained the highest drug release percent and ex vivo skin permeation compared to FI aqueous suspension, and pure FI loaded gel. Aloe ferox and oregano oil in the optimized gel formulation had a synergistic activity on the FI permeation across the skin and against the growth of p. acne bacteria which could favor their use in treating alopecia. Thus, this investigation affirms the ability of FI-Or-NCu loaded aloe ferox gel could be an effective strategy that would enhance FI release and permeation through skin and maximize its favorable effects in treating alopecia.

A nanocomposite competent to overcome solubility and permeation issues of capsaicin and thiocolchicoside simultaneously in gout management: Fabrication of nanocubosomes

“…Factors such as lipid GMO, surfactant, co-surfactant, viscosity, and spread ability affect the amount of medication released from a pharmaceutical dosage form ( Chaudhary & Sharma, 2021 ). According to the study conducted by Hosny et al (2022) , the GMO composed of lipid material exhibits a significant effect on the retention of drugs inside the layers of the skin, while it also acts as a permeation enhancer. The skin's ability to absorb drugs is affected by various aspects, as demonstrated by an earlier research conducted by Rai et al (2018) .…”

Recent Advances in the Use of Cubosomes as Drug Carriers with Special Emphasis on Topical Applications

“…This may be due to the synergistic effect between FS and OG against Propionibacterium acnes . Therefore, this study highlights the potential of FS-OG-CBs gel as a promising strategy for treating alopecia areata [ 150 ].…”

Nanodrug Delivery Strategies to Signaling Pathways in Alopecia

“…Hosny et al 192 synthesized aloe ferox gel incorporated finasteride-oregano oil nanocubosomes fabricated by phytantriol and alkyl acrylate for the therapy of AA. Oregano oil is a phenolic volatile oil isolated from Origanum vulgare leaves that inhibits the growth of Propionibacterium acnes, a pathogenic factor of AA.…”