Ex vivo permeation parameters and skin deposition of melatonin-loaded microemulsion for treatment of alopecia

Abstract Background Melatonin (MEL) is a powerful antioxidant molecule with anti-androgenic property. A microemulsion (ME) system loaded MEL was designed for treatment of androgenic alopecia. Pseudo-ternary phase diagram constructed, and ME formulae were developed using coconut oil, Tween 80 PEG 400. In the present study, characterized evaluated droplet size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, morphology TEM imaging. ex vivo permeation study through rat skin followed by tape stripping stratum corneum (SC) performed different formulae, to determine parameters detect SC-MEL deposition. Results Spherical uniform particles MEL-loaded formulated high stability. exhibited low steady-state flux along pronounced SC deposition which prevailed controlled release manner. Conclusion The results suggested that could be promising candidate further in studies alopecia treatment.