Recent Advances in Topical Nanotechnological Strategies for Treatment of Alopecia

Alopecia can be characterized as a hair-related disorder leading to decreased hair growth, especially on the scalp. It has affected approximately 2% of the world population. The hair loss may emerge due to genetic or environmental factors like stress, infectious agents, tensile forces or medications. The pathogenetic pathway of induction of alopecia comprises of different factors, but exploitation of hair follicle immune privilege system (HFIP) is the most prominent one. Alopecia can be classified into two types: scarring alopecia or non-scarring alopecia. Although, many conventional dosage forms have been formulated against alopecia, but they have been associated with different adverse effects such as weight gain, palpitations, itching etc. In order to overcome the adverse effects associated with conventional dosage forms, the topical nano-formulations have been used for the treatment of dermatological disorders. Nano-formulations are known to increase the contact time of drug with the target site, thereby, achieving sustained and controlled release of the drug leading to enhanced therapeutic compliance. This review provides an in-depth study of developed nanocarriers like liposomes, nano-emulsions, ethosomes, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) along with their composition, method of preparation, results obtained after formulation, suitable use and along with their potential use in treatment of different forms of alopecia.