Effects of Herbal Extracts on Hair Growth Promotion in Experimental Animal Model

    June 2011 in “ Journal of Biomedical Research ”
    Bong Su Kang, Ja Seon Yoon, Dang-Young Kim, Jae-Hwang Jeong, Eun Young Kim, Sang Yoon Nam, Young Won Yun, Jong-Soo Kim, Beom Jun Lee
    From the encyclopedia
    Rosemary →

    herb and oil with stimulant, circulatory, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties

    Lavender →

    plant and natural oil with antimicrobial and some anti-androgenic effects

    Minoxidil →

    An essential vasodilator with some anti-androgenic effects

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    Studysummary This study suggests that a herbal extract from Gardenia, Mentha arvensis, Rosemary, and Lavender may promote hair growth in mice at a rate comparable to minoxidil.
    Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer
    In a study conducted 12 years ago, researchers investigated the effects of herbal extracts on hair growth in a mouse model. The herbal extract (HE), derived from plants including Gardenia, Mentha arvensis, Rosemary, and Lavender, was topically applied to the shaved dorsal skin of 6-week-old C57BL/6 male mice daily for 3 weeks. The results showed that the application of HE significantly accelerated hair regrowth compared to the negative control (distilled water) and vehicle control (50% ethanol) groups after 2 weeks. Additionally, the HE and positive control (3% minoxidil) groups showed a significant decrease in mast cell population and increased activities of enzymes alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (γ-GT) compared to the control groups. These findings suggested that the herbal extract may have hair-growth promoting activity equal to that of minoxidil.
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