A Study on the Effect of the Leaf Essential Oil of Ocimum Gratissimum Linn. on Cyclophosphamide-Induced Hair Loss

This preliminary study investigated the efficacy of Ocimum gratissimum Linn (Ocimum oil) in promoting hair growth in cyclophosphamide-induced hair loss in rats. Six groups of 7 rats each were used, with 4 groups receiving cyclophosphamide to simulate chemotherapy-induced hair loss. Ocimum oil was applied topically to some groups either alone or in combination with cyclophosphamide. Histological examination and observations of hair regrowth indicated that Ocimum oil promoted active follicular proliferation and hair growth in both treated and untreated groups. The study suggested that Ocimum oil could enhance normal hair growth and mitigate hair loss caused by chemotherapy.