Effects of a Local Commercial Herbal Cleanser on Hair Growth in Wistar Rats

A decade ago, a study was conducted to evaluate the hair growth promoting effect of a local commercial herbal cleanser containing three Chinese herbs: Camellia oleifera Abel., Radix Angelica sinensis, and Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. The cleanser showed mild cytotoxic activity in in vitro toxicology testing on the human fibroblast cell line, CCD-118Sk. An in vivo study was also conducted on male and female Wistar rats, where their shaved dorsal skin was treated daily with 10 and 20% solutions of the herbal cleanser for 30 days. The results showed no apparent toxicity on the rats' skin from the cleanser. Instead, a significant increase in hair follicles count was observed, with more anagen phase hair follicles induced compared to the control group, suggesting the herbal cleanser has potential for promoting hair growth.