Hair Growth Promoting Activity of Eclipta Alba in Male Albino Rats

In a 2008 study, the hair growth-promoting effects of Eclipta alba extracts were tested on male albino rats and compared with 2% minoxidil. The study found that the petroleum ether extract of E. alba significantly reduced the time for hair growth initiation and completion, with complete hair growth observed by the 19th or 20th day, faster than the control group's 25 days. The extract also induced a higher percentage of hair follicles in the anagenic phase (68-70%) compared to minoxidil (67%), and increased the length of hair follicles. The study concluded that E. alba extracts, particularly the petroleum ether extract, have a significant hair growth-promoting effect, potentially due to the presence of phytosterols like ß-sitosterol, and could be a natural alternative to minoxidil for hair loss treatment.