Evaluation of Hair Growth Promoting Activity of Musa Paradisiaca Unripe Fruit Extract

The study, conducted in 2011, investigated the hair growth promoting effects of Musa paradisiaca (banana) unripe fruit extract on Swiss Albino mice, which were divided into four groups. One group was treated with a 2% minoxidil solution, another with the banana extract, and a control group received a vehicle treatment. After 30 days of application to the shaved backs of the mice, the banana extract was found to initiate hair growth earlier than the control and showed results comparable to minoxidil. Additionally, a higher percentage of hair follicles in the anagen phase was observed in the extract-treated groups compared to the control. The study concluded that Musa paradisiaca unripe fruit extract could be a potential hair growth promoter, with effects similar to minoxidil, and recommended further research to explore the mechanism of action and validate the results.