Development and Evaluation of Polyherbal Formulation for Hair Growth Activity

In 2011, a study was conducted to develop a polyherbal formulation for hair growth using extracts from five different plants. The study tested two formulations, F1 and F2, on male Wistar albino rats, with six animals in each group. The results showed that formulation F1 significantly increased hair length and diameter and reduced hair growth initiation time compared to the control group. The study concluded that F1 exhibited excellent hair growth activity and could be a potential treatment for alopecia. Although F1 did not outperform the standard minoxidil treatment, it was free from minoxidil's side effects. Essential oils in the formulation, containing terpenes/terpenoids, likely acted as penetration enhancers, facilitating the delivery of the active ingredients to the hair follicles.