Hair growth promoting activity of Eclipta alba in male albino rats

Abstract

Alopecia is a dermatological disorder with psychosocial implications on patients with hair loss. Eclipta alba Hassk. is a well-known Ayurvedic herb with purported claims of hair growth promotion. In the reported work attempts were undertaken to evaluate petroleum ether and ethanol extract of E. alba Hassk. for their effect on promoting hair growth in albino rats. The extracts were incorporated into oleaginous cream (water in oil cream base) and applied topically on shaved denuded skin of albino rats. The time (in days) required for hair growth initiation as well as completion of hair growth cycle was recorded. Minoxidil 2% solution was applied topically and served as positive control for comparison. Hair growth initiation time was significantly reduced to half on treatment with the extracts, as compared to control animals. The time required for complete hair growth was also significantly reduced. Quantitative analysis of hair growth after treatment with petroleum ether extract (5%) exhibited greater number of hair follicles in anagenic phase (69 +/- 4) which were higher as compared to control (47 +/- 13). The result of treatment with 2 and 5% petroleum ether extracts were better than the positive control minoxidil 2% treatment.

In vitro Antibacterial Activity of Alkaloids Isolated from Leaves of Eclipta alba Against Human Pathogenic Bacteria

“…The plant is commonly used in hair oil all over India for healthy black and long hair. 3 This plant is well documented and several in vitro and in vivo studies describe its anti-ageing agent and anti-hepatotoxic properties. 4 Coumestans like wedelolactone, desmethyl wedelolactone, 5 furano-coumarins, ecalbatin, 6 eleanane & taraxastane glycosides, 7,8 are the consisting main active principles in E. alba.…”

Herbal Hair Gel Formulation having 5α-Reductase Inhibitory Activity and its Standardization by HPTLC

“…Hibiscus rosa sinensis flower 1% w/w, Eclipta alba whole plant 1% w/w and Solanum nigrum plant berries 0.5% w/w extract were used as active herbal ingredients in the gel [4,9,12]. The detail composition being reported in Table 1.…”

“…It is reported to have a number of useful physiological activities including 5 α-reductase inhibitor; androgenic; anorectic; antiadenomic; antiandrogenic; antibacterial; anticancer; antiestrogenic; antiedemic; antifeedant; antifertility; antigonadotropic; antiinflammatory; antileukemic; antilymphomic; antimutagenic [5]. Eclipta alba is reported to have β-sitosterol as the most abundant phytoconstituent [9].…”

Eclipta alba (L.) An Ethnomedicinal Herb Plant, Traditionally Use in Ayurveda

“…Wedelolactone has been reported to have the property used for treating hepatitis and cirrhosis [2], as antibacterial, and antihemorrhagic [3]. Petroleum ether and ethanol extract of Eclipta alba have reduced hair growth time by about 50% tested in albino rats (Table 1) [4]. …”