Solid Lipid Nanoparticles of Platycladus orientalis L. possessing 5-alpha Reductase Inhibiting Activity for Treating Hair Loss and Hirsutism

Hair loss and hirsutism have been major complaints due to increased concentrations of dihydrotestosterone. The plant Platycladus orientalis, with 5-alpha reductase inhibitor properties, has been used to treat these disorders. Its formulation with lipophilic carriers in SLN possesses high loading capacity and greater permeability to hair follicles. The present study aimed to determine the content of active ingredients in the extract of P. orientalis L. and to prepare and characterize the solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) of Platycladus orientalis L. extract as a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor. The total methanolic extract was obtained following the maceration technique. This preparation was analyzed by HPLC using Quercetin and Cedrol as standard components. SLNs were prepared by high-shear homogenization and ultrasound. Four Glucire-GMS-Compritol-Precirol lipids and three poloxamer-tween80-Labrasol surfactants were further used in the formulations. Particle size, zeta potential, nanoparticle morphology, encapsulation percentage, crystal structure, physical stability, size, and zeta potential were studied 0, 3, and 6 months after preparation. Within 1-7 days after preparation, formulations containing GMS and compritol lipids became solid and jelly. Meanwhile, the formulations with Precirol as the lipid and Poloxamer as the surfactant with 0.3% extract exhibited desirable properties such as average particle size (192 nm), the encapsulation of the extract inside the nanoparticles was almost 71%, and good zeta potential. This formulation containing precirol as a lipid, poloxamer as a surfactant, and 0.3% plant extract exhibited greater 5-alpha reductase inhibitor activity, and it can be recommended to treat hair loss and hirsutism.