Encapsulation of Clitoria ternatea L. Blue Flower Petal Extract in Lipid Vesicles for Enhancing Hair Growth-Promoting Activity
Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to develop hair lotions containing butterfly pea (Clitoria ternatea) blue flower petal extract-loaded phytosomes (BP phytosomes) and to evaluate their hair growth-promoting activity.
Material and Methods: A standardized aqueous butterfly pea petal extract (BP extract) was encapsulated into phosphatidylcholine-based lipid vesicles via a complexation method and incorporated into a Sepigel® 305 lotion base. Hair growth-promoting activity was evaluated in female Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) mice following once-daily topical application to a shaved dorsal area for 28 days. Hair length, thickness, and bulb size were measured weekly, and histological examination and hair follicle counting were performed after treatment.
Results: The optimized phytosome formulation exhibited an entrapment efficiency of 57.1±2.9%, vesicle size of 170.3±4.2 nm, and zeta potential of −9.9±0.5 mV in citrate buffer (pH 5.5). Treatment with BP extract and BP phytosome significantly increased hair length compared with the no-treatment and vehicle groups (p-value<0.05). Notably, the BP phytosome group showed significantly greater hair length and higher hair follicle counts than the minoxidil-treated group (p-value<0.05), with no skin irritation throughout the study period.
Conclusion: The encapsulation of BP extract into phytosomes enhances hair growth-promoting activity, highlighting its potential as a natural-based strategy for hair growth formulations.
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