title: Development and evaluation of polyherbal formulation for hair growth-promoting activity.
abstract: 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.
  
  
  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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dr. H.S. Gour University, Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, India.
authors.forename: Ram Kumar
authors.initials: RK
authors.lastname: Roy
authors.forename: Mayank
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Thakur
authors.forename: V K
authors.initials: VK
authors.lastname: Dixit
mesh_terms: D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000818:Animals; D029773:Citrullus; D034182:Cuscuta; D017453:Dermatitis, Irritant / Q000209:etiology; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000633:toxicity; D004355:Drug Stability; D036601:Eclipta; D006197:Hair / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000254:growth & development; D018859:Hair Follicle / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000254:growth & development; D008914:Minoxidil / Q000494:pharmacology; D008517:Phytotherapy; D035261:Plant Components, Aerial; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000633:toxicity; D011817:Rabbits; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D023422:Skin Irritancy Tests
chemical_list: D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D010936:Plant Extracts; D008914:Minoxidil