Hair Loss News

Doctors in India tested a plant-based herbal hair growth solution on mice and found it to be effective.

The formula was derived from three herbs traditionally acclaimed for their hair growth-promoting potential.  The herbs are Cuscuta reflexa (Roxb.), Citrullus colocynthis (Schrad.), and Eclipta alba (Hassk.)

In the study they used several herbal formulations containing petroleum ether extracts of the three herbs in varying ratios and evaluated the formulations for their hair growth-promoting activity.

In tests done on mice the hair growth cycles were sped up and a greater number of hair follicles were in the anagen or growth phase from the use of the herbal formula, compared to the control solution.

They also tested it alongside 2% minoxidil and it appears it was comparable in terms of promoting hair growth in the mice.

The doctors concluded that the prepared formula holds the potential to be used as a hair loss treatment.   The actual formula with the percentage of each ingredient that yielded this result was not disclosed.

Development and evaluation of polyherbal formulation for hair growth-promoting activity.

J Cosmet Dermatol. 2007 Jun;6(2):108-12
Roy RK, Thakur M, Dixit VK.
Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dr. H.S. Gour University, Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, India.

Background: Cuscuta reflexa (Roxb.), Citrullus colocynthis (Schrad.), and Eclipta alba (Hassk.) are traditionally acclaimed herbs for their hair growth-promoting potential.

Aim: In the present study, it was envisaged to prepare herbal formulations containing petroleum ether extracts of the three herbs in varying ratio and evaluating the formulations for the hair growth-promoting activity.

Methods: The formulations as well as minoxidil (2%) solution (positive control) were applied topically on shaved skin of rats, and the time required for initiation and completion of hair growth cycle was recorded.

Results and conclusions: Hair growth initiation time was markedly reduced to one third on treatment with the prepared formulation compared with control animals. The time required for complete hair growth was also reduced by 32%. Quantitative analysis of hair growth cycle after treatment with formulations and minoxidil (2%) exhibited greater number of hair follicles in anagenic phase compared with control.

The results thus corroborate with the traditionally acclaimed hair growth-promoting capabilities of the plants. The prepared formulation also holds potential for treatment of alopecia.

PMID: 17524127