Characteristics And Alopecia Activity Of Pakis Gajah (Angiopteris Evecta) Growing In Galunggung Mountainside, West Java

The study investigated the characteristics and potential hair growth-promoting effects of Pakis Gajah (Angiopteris evecta) from the Galunggung mountainside in West Java. The plant was extracted with 95% ethanol and underwent phytochemical screening, revealing the presence of polyphenols, flavonoids, steroids, triterpenoids, quinones, monoterpenoids, and sesquiterpenoids. The extract's physical properties were also determined, including shrinkage, ash content, and solubility characteristics. The alopecia activity was tested on male Angora rabbits using the Tanaka method, and it was found that the water fraction and n-hexane extract of A. evecta stimulated hair growth, with the water fraction showing the most significant activity. Ethyl acetate extract did not show hair growth activity. These results were compared with the standard hair growth drug, minoxidil. The conclusion drawn from the study was that the water fraction of A. evecta exhibited the most substantial hair growth activity in the animal model, but further research on human subjects with baldness is necessary before it can be recommended for human use.