Biology and Medicine

Abstract

In vivo hair growth activity of Prunus dulcis seeds in rats

R Suraj , G Rejitha, J Anbu Jeba sunilson, K Anandarajagopal, P Promwichit

Seeds of Prunus dulcis were traditionally known for its hair growth activity. The study was aimed to investigate the efficacy of various extracts of P. dulcis as a potential hair growth promoter. Petroleum ether, methanol, chloroform and water extracts of P. dulcis seeds incorporated in oleaginous ointment base were applied topically on shaved denuded skin of albino rats and screened for hair growth activity. Petroleum ether extract showed consistent and significant increase in the length of hair (p<0.001) and also showed a good percentage of hair follicles in the anagen phase after histological studies. The total number of days taken to complete hair growth for petroleum ether was 24 where as for methanol, water and chloroform extracts were 28, 29 and 30 respectively. From this study it can be concluded that the seed extracts of P. dulcis exhibits a significant potency in promoting hair growth.