Microemulsion Formulation of Aloe Vera Gel and Apium Graveolens Ethanol Extract for Optimizing Hair Growth Promotion

The study investigated the effects of microemulsion formulations containing Aloe vera gel and Apium graveolens (celery) ethanolic extract on hair growth promotion in Wistar rats. Two types of microemulsions were developed: water in oil (W/O) and oil in water (O/W), with average globule sizes of 61.7 nm and 81.5 nm, respectively. These formulations were stable after six freeze-thaw cycles. When applied to shaved areas on the backs of rats, the W/O microemulsion significantly increased hair growth by 220% at day 7, 275% at day 14, and 163% at day 21. The O/W microemulsion showed delayed but sustained hair growth promotion with increases of 143.7% at day 7, 214.5% at day 14, and 171.9% at day 21. Both microemulsion types doubled hair density compared to a combination of Aloe vera and celery extract in water. The study concluded that incorporating hair growth-promoting substances into nano-sized globules within W/O and O/W microemulsions effectively targets the pilosebaceous unit and optimizes hair growth promotion.