Effects of Sandalwood Oil on Hair Growth in a C57BL/6 Mouse Model of Alopecia

The study investigated the effects of sandalwood oil (SO) on hair growth in a C57BL/6 mouse model of alopecia. Mice were divided into three groups: normal (saline), positive control (3% minoxidil), and experimental (3% SO). SO was applied topically for 4 weeks, and hair growth was monitored for 16 weeks. Results showed that both the minoxidil and SO groups had significantly greater hair growth compared to the saline group, with 23% hair growth in the treatment groups versus 13% hair loss in the saline group by week 10. Histological analyses revealed increased hair follicle number, depth, and dermal thickness, along with decreased mast cell numbers in the treatment groups. The study concluded that SO, similar to minoxidil, promoted hair growth, maintained the anagen phase, and delayed the catagen phase in the mouse model.