Screening of Hair Growth Promoting Activity of Punica Granatum L. (Pomegranate) Leaves Extracts and Its Potential to Exhibit Antidandruff and Anti-Lice Effect

In 2021, a study was conducted to investigate the hair growth promoting activity of Punica granatum L. (pomegranate) leaves extracts, and its potential to exhibit antidandruff and anti-lice effects. The study used albino mice and found that the pomegranate leaf extract significantly promoted hair growth, with a higher percentage of hair follicle count and length compared to the control group. The transition from the telogen to anagen phase of hair growth was observed in approximately 45% of animals treated with the alcoholic extract, 27% with the aqueous extract, and 51% with Minoxidil. The extract also demonstrated potent antidandruff activity by inhibiting the growth of dandruff-causing fungus, Malassezia furfur, and showed anti-lice activity. The main compound responsible for these effects was identified as Maltol. These findings suggest that pomegranate leaf extract could be a potential natural remedy for hair loss, dandruff, and lice infestation.