Formulation and Activity Test of Cinchonine Niosomesas Hair Growth Stimulants.

Cinchonine is practically insoluble in water, slightly soluble in chloroform and alcohol, so that penetration of cinchonine passes through the transfollicular into the dermal papillae is low. Thus, it requires a delivery system that can reduce the hydrophobicity and increase the penetration of cinchonine into the dermal papillae. Niosomes is a vesicle system that able to reduce hydrophobicity and increase cinchonine penetration into the dermal papillae. The aim of this study was formulation and activity test of cinchonine niosomes as hair growth stimulants. Cinchonine niosomes was made by using thin layer hydration method. Formulation of cinchonine niosomes was Span 60 100 µmol, cinchonine 0,03% w/v and cholesterol 15% from the total number of surfactants. The stability test of cinchonine niosomes was stored at room temperature and 40oC, humidity level of 75% for 28 days with 7-day observation interval. The in vivo test included the irritation test using male rabbits of New Zealand strain with observation interval 1, 24, 48 and 72 hours, and the activity test of the hair growth stimulant using male guinea pig of Hartley strain for 14 days with 2-day observation interval. The result of the stability test showed that the cinchonine niosomes had good stability was seen from the vesicle size parameter of 200 - 350 nm, vesicle polydispersity index 0,250 - 0,450 and the entrapment efficiency of cinchonine 83 - 85%. The result of irritation test showed that cinchonine was non-irritant with erythema and edema index of 0. The result of activity test showed that cinchonine had activity as hair growth stimulant was seen from the hair length of test area was 17-43% lengthier than the control area (p<0.05) and the number of hairs was 22- 30% more than the control area. Cinchonine stimulates hair growth by telangiectasis through the mechanism of angiogenesis and vasodilation of blood. Cinchonine stimulates the production of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) cytokines produced by endothelial cells that play a role in the vasodilation process and stimulates new blood formation, thereby increasing the supply of nutrients and oxygen needed for hair growth and regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]