Abstract

DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION OF POLYHERBAL OINTMENT FOR HAIR GROWTH PROMOTING ACTIVITY

Vinitha Edula*, Malothu Nagulu and Papagatla Poli Reddy

ABSTRACT

Alopecia is one of the dermatological disorders a global problem, affecting both genders of all races. The present study is an effort to formulate and investigate hair growth promoting activity of polyherbal ointment. Polyherbal ointment formulation was prepared by fusion method. The ethanolic extracts of Piper betle (Leaves), Chrysanthemum indicum (Flowers), Ficus benghalensis (Roots), Ziziphus mauritiana (Leaves) and Thymus vulgaris (Leaves) (5% w/w) was incorporated in hydrophilic USP base. Primary skin irritation test was performed on rats and all the prepared formulations are safe from producing erythema or edema. The ointments were applied topically on shaved skin of rats for 30 days. Hair length, hair density and total protein estimations were carried out. Obtained results revealed that polyherbal ointment shown significant hair growth as compare to single extracts ointments. Flavonoids, tannins present in the polyherbal ointment may be responsible for hair growth promoting activity. Lastly we conclude that the formulated ointment is promising and even better results are expected with variation in the proportion of these drugs. Further studies have to be emphasized on isolating the bioactive molecules in the polyherbal ointment responsible for hair growth promotion.

Keywords: Piper betle, Chrysanthemum indicum, Ficus benghalensis, Ziziphus mauritiana and Thymus vulgaris.