Nanocarriers for Topical Minoxidil in Androgenetic Alopecia: Systematic Review of Preclinical and Clinical Evidence

This systematic review evaluated the potential of nanocarrier-based topical minoxidil, or "nanominoxidil," for treating androgenetic alopecia (AGA). The review included 20 studies, mostly preclinical, with one study assessing cutaneous tolerability in healthy volunteers. Nanominoxidil demonstrated increased follicular deposition and cutaneous retention, improving hair growth indicators and markers related to angiogenesis and stem cells. Local tolerability was generally acceptable, and systemic exposure was minimal. However, the evidence is primarily preclinical, with significant variability in study designs and a lack of randomized, blinded trials, limiting the ability to generalize findings. The review concludes that while nanominoxidil shows promise in experimental settings, randomized clinical trials are necessary to establish its efficacy and safety for routine use in AGA patients.