PLANTS FOR HAIR GROWTH PROMOTION

Alopecia is a universal problem, having affected both sexes of all races to different extents for as long as mankind has existed. It has been suggested that alopecia could have an adverse effect on physiological life and self esteem between both the genders. Alopecia effects approximately 50% of men over 40 years of age and may also affect just as many as women. The majority of men and women (90%) or more want to reverse, halt hair loss. In traditional Indian system of medicine, many plants and herbal formulations are reported for hair growth promotion, but lack of sound scientific backing and information limits their use. The present study is an effort to formulate and evaluate hair growth promoting activity of polyherbal formulation, which include various concentrations of Cicer arietinum, Ocimum sanctum and Cyperus rotundus. The herbs Cicer arietinum and Cyperus rotundus were selected on the basis of their traditional use and Ocimum sanctum was selected based on its anti- androgenic property.