ABSTRACT:

Herbal formulations have always attracted considerable attention because of their good activity and comparatively lesser or nil side effects as compared to synthetic drugs. Alopecia is a dermatological disorder with psychosocial implications on patients with hair loss. The objective of present study involves preparation of herbal hair oil using amla, hibiscus, brahmi, methi, henna and its evaluation for increase in hair growth activity. The oils with different drug concentrations ranging from 1–10% were prepared using direct boiling, paste and cloth method and were tested for increase in hair growth activity. Finally oil having all drugs mixed in two concentrations 5% and 8% prepared by direct boiling method, was applied topically on shaved denuded skin of albino rats. The time (in days) required for hair growth initiation as well as completion of hair growth cycle and length of hair was recorded. Minoxidil 2% solution was applied topically and served as positive control for comparison. Hair growth initiation time was significantly reduced to half on treatment with the oil, as compared to control animals. The time required for complete hair growth was also significantly reduced. The result of treatment with 8% oil was similar with the positive control minoxidil 2% treatment. From the study it is concluded that
treatment with 8% oil, exhibits more potency on hair growth.