Natural Stevia-Based Compound Shows Promise in Enhancing Hair Loss Treatments

Androgenetic alopecia, commonly known as male or female pattern baldness, affects millions worldwide. Conventional topical treatments like minoxidil are approved but often face challenges such as poor water solubility and limited skin penetration. Recent groundbreaking research published in Advanced Healthcare Materials has introduced an innovative approach utilizing stevioside, a natural sweetener extracted from the stevia plant, to improve drug delivery for hair loss therapies.

Scientists have discovered that stevioside can significantly enhance the absorption of minoxidil into the skin. In experimental studies involving mouse models, a dissolving patch formulation containing both stevioside and minoxidil effectively stimulated hair follicles to enter the growth phase, resulting in the development of new hair. This suggests that stevioside not only acts as a natural compound but also enhances the efficacy of existing hair loss treatments.

According to co–corresponding author Lifeng Kang, Ph.D., from the University of Sydney, using stevioside as a delivery enhancer represents a promising advance towards more effective and natural therapies for hair loss. This approach could potentially benefit millions by providing a more efficient and possibly less invasive treatment option.

The research highlights the potential of natural compounds like stevioside in medical applications beyond their traditional use as sweeteners. With further development, stevioside-based formulations could revolutionize how topical treatments are delivered for androgenetic alopecia and other skin-related conditions.

For more detailed information, the study titled "Natural sweetener stevioside-based dissolving microneedles solubilize minoxidil for the treatment of androgenic alopecia" is available in Advanced Healthcare Materials (2025). The full research can be accessed via DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202503575.

This innovative research underscores the growing trend of incorporating natural compounds into medical treatments, potentially leading to more effective, safer, and accessible options for patients worldwide.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-10-stevia-derived-sweetener-hair-loss.html