Stevia-Derived Sweetener Enhances Hair Regrowth in Mouse Study
A sugar-based gel incorporating stevioside, a natural sweetener derived from the stevia plant, has shown notable promise in boosting the effectiveness of minoxidil, a common hair loss treatment, according to a new study published in Advanced Healthcare Materials. Researchers demonstrated markedly improved hair regrowth in mice using a microneedle delivery system infused with the stevioside-minoxidil combination.
The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Sydney and Zhejiang University, found that hair grew back in 25.7 percent of the treated area by day 35 – a ample betterment compared to minoxidil alone. Notably, hair regrowth also began approximately one week earlier with the enhanced treatment. The team utilized microneedles to deliver the minoxidil and stevioside directly to the skin, optimizing absorption and minimizing potential side effects.
“Using stevioside to enhance minoxidil delivery represents a promising step toward more effective and natural treatments for hair loss, potentially benefiting millions worldwide,” stated pharmacologist Lifeng Kang of the University of Sydney.
While the results are encouraging, researchers emphasize that the findings are currently limited to animal studies. Further testing in larger animal models is necessary before initiating human clinical trials to assess efficacy and safety.the team is continuing to refine the microneedle delivery system and minoxidil mix to determine the optimal method for application, considering factors like metal versus soluble microneedles and sustained-release mechanisms. A key consideration for future growth will be long-term viability and the frequency of application needed to maintain results, as current minoxidil treatments typically require daily use.
The research was published in Advanced Healthcare Materials (DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202503575).
