ABSTRACT:
This study aims to formulate and evaluate a topical solution for treating male androgenetic alopecia using both In- silico and In-vivo approaches in male Wistar rats. In-silico analysis was conducted using SWISS ADME/T and PyRx virtual screening tools to evaluate the therapeutic potential of Berberine, Caffeine, Gamma-Oryzanol, Ferulic Acid, and para coumaric acid. Molecular docking studies targeted androgen receptors and 5-alpha reductase to assess binding affinity. Berberine HCl demonstrated stable hydrogen bonding with Arg752 and Asn705 with a binding energy of –8.5kcal/mol. Gamma-Oryzanol showed moderate binding via hydrophobic interactions with Met745 and Leu707, and ASN A:193, with binding energies of –9.7 and –12.3kcal/mol. Ferulic Acid and p-coumaric acid showed moderate to strong binding with 5-alpha reductase, particularly interacting with Tyr58 and His117. Caffeine exhibited weak binding to androgen receptors, suggesting it may act through alternate mechanisms. For in-vivo evaluation, 16 male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: control, standard (5% Minoxidil), and two test groups receiving topical formulations with different ratios of the five compounds. Test Group 1 received a 1:1:1:1:1 ratio, while Test Group 2 received a 1.5:1.5:1:0.5:0.5 ratios. Treatments were applied for 21 days post hair removal. Efficacy was evaluated through hair follicle growth parameters, including length and surface area. Results revealed that the control group exhibited minimal growth. The standard group showed growth, reaching (2.60±0.10) by Day 21. Test-1 group showed the most significant growth (3.10±0.12), indicating greater efficacy than the standard. The findings highlight that Berberine HCl, Gamma-Oryzanol, and Ferulic Acid strongly interact with androgen-related targets, while p-coumaric acid shows moderate potential. Test-1 formulation significantly outperformed other groups, supporting its potential as topical treatment for androgenetic alopecia.