Formulación de una Crema para Peinar a Base de Fitosteroles para Contrarrestar la Alopecia Androgénica

Abstract

The formulation of a combing cream based on phytosterols to counteract androgenic alopecia was carried out in the laboratories of Natural Products, Faculty of Sciences of ESPOCH. The research starts from the extraction and identification of steroid compounds present in the unsaponifiable matter of olive oil and corn oil followed by successive extractions in hexane and water. When extra virgin olive oil was brought to dryness, an unctuous white powder was obtained which was identified as ß-sitosterol by thin layer chromatography with a hexane-ether solvent system (1:1) H2SO4 Vanillin H2SO4 developer. No steroid compound was found in the refined corn oil. The combing cream was then prepared and applied to 18 volunteer patients between 18 and 58 years of age. They were divided into 3 groups corresponding to the percentages used in the formulation, and each group was divided into subgroups corresponding to the number of applications of the product. The treatment was carried out for 8 consecutive weeks, the affected area was measured before, during and at the end of the treatment, the result is expressed in percentage of inhibition of the applied area which was on average 12.42%. It is concluded that the combing cream presented ideal characteristics for its use without leaving a greasy appearance, giving softness and hydration to the applied area, in addition to the fact that with continuous use the hair will be renewed, improving the patient's quality of life. It is recommended that all cosmetic products should be formulated based on the pH of the skin to achieve better results. At an industrial level, the use of waste products from the alkalinization of oils as a source of phytosterols can be suggested.