Development and evaluation of polyherbal formulation for hair growth–promoting activity

In 2007, researchers developed a polyherbal formulation with extracts from Cuscuta reflexa, Citrullus colocynthis, and Eclipta alba to test its effectiveness in promoting hair growth. The study involved applying these formulations to the shaved skin of rats and comparing the results with a 2% minoxidil solution. The herbal formulation significantly reduced the time for hair growth initiation by one third and the time for complete hair growth by 32% compared to the control group. Quantitative analysis showed a higher number of hair follicles in the growth phase for both the herbal treatment and minoxidil compared to the control. The most effective formulation, CET 3, resulted in the quickest hair growth initiation and completion, with the maximum number of hair follicles in the growth phase, outperforming minoxidil. Formulations CET 1 and CET 2 also showed comparable activity to minoxidil. The study concluded that the herbal formulation has potential as a treatment for alopecia and suggested further research into the mechanisms of action of these extracts, particularly their effect on 5α-reductase, which is a major cause of hair loss.