Can a Natural Sweetener Improve Hair Regrowth Outcomes? Study Provides Insights - Video

A new study published in Advanced Healthcare Materials demonstrates that stevioside, a glycoside extracted from the Stevia rebaudiana plant, can significantly enhance the transdermal delivery of minoxidil, a first-line pharmacologic treatment for androgenetic alopecia. The study, published in Advanced Healthcare Materials, highlights a novel approach using a dissolvable patch containing both stevioside and minoxidil to stimulate hair regrowth in a mouse model of androgenetic alopecia.

Androgenetic alopecia, commonly known as male or female pattern hair loss, is a chronic, progressive condition influenced by genetic predisposition and androgenic activity—specifically, heightened sensitivity of hair follicles to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a testosterone derivative. This interaction gradually miniaturizes follicles, shortening the anagen (growth) phase and eventually ceasing hair production.

Minoxidil, a vasodilator approved for topical use, can help prolong the anagen phase and promote regrowth. However, its therapeutic efficacy is limited by poor aqueous solubility and low skin permeability, necessitating prolonged, frequent application with variable patient outcomes.

To address these limitations, researchers developed a microneedle transdermal delivery system combining minoxidil with stevioside as a natural penetration enhancer. In vivo testing on a mouse model of alopecia showed that the patch effectively reactivated hair follicles and initiated new hair growth. “Using stevioside to enhance minoxidil delivery represents a promising step toward more effective and natural treatments for hair loss, potentially benefiting millions worldwide,” said co-corresponding author Lifeng Kang, PhD, of the University of Sydney.

The findings underscore the potential of biocompatible enhancers in improving dermal drug absorption and therapeutic outcomes. Future research may focus on clinical translation and optimization of such delivery systems to advance personalized, non-invasive treatments for hair loss.

Reference: Junying Zhang, Tianyu Shao, Hailiang Li, Luying Zhu, Lamyaa Albakr, Nial J. Wheate, Lifeng Kang, Chungyong Wu. Natural Sweetener Stevioside‐Based Dissolving Microneedles Solubilize Minoxidil for the Treatment of Androgenic Alopecia. Advanced Healthcare Materials, 2025; DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202503575