Effect of Citrullus Colocynthis on Hair Growth in Albino Rats

The study from 2007 investigated the hair growth-promoting effects of Citrullus colocynthis extracts on albino rats. It was found that the petroleum ether extract significantly reduced the time for hair growth initiation by half and increased the percentage of hair follicles in the anagenic phase to 70%, slightly higher than the 67% achieved with 2% minoxidil. Both 2% and 5% concentrations of the petroleum ether extract showed effects comparable to minoxidil. The ethanol extract also promoted hair growth but was less effective than the petroleum ether extract. After 30 days, the anagen/telogen ratio was significantly better in the petroleum ether extract-treated group, with 67±0.5% to 75±0.2% of hair follicles in the anagen phase. The study concluded that the petroleum ether extract of C. colocynthis could be an effective natural alternative for hair loss treatment.