Datta et al. (2009) investigated the efficacy of methanol extract of E. alba as hair growth promoter. E. alba is used in hair oil preparations since it promotes hair growth and maintains hair black. 10 % w/v of E. alba was a main ingredient in the preparation of herbal formulation for hair growth (Thorat et al., 2009). Alopecia is a dermatological disorder with psychosocial implications on patients with hair loss. E. alba is a well – known ayurvedic herb for hair growth. In the reported work petroleum ether and ethanolic 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. The result of treatment with 2 and 5 % petroleum ether extracts were better than the positive control minoxidil 2 % treatment (Roy et al., 2008).

Hair growth promoting activity of Eclipta alba in male albino rats.

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.