Purpose:
To investigate the effect of
Glycyrrhiza glabra
root extract on hair growth in female Wistar
rats.
Methods:
Female Wistar rats were used for the hair growth promotion studies. They were divided into
three groups(n = 6) and their dorsal skin was completely denuded to completely remove hair. Paraffin oil
(control), 2 % minoxidil solution (reference) or petroleum ether (60 – 80
0C) root extract of
G. glabra (2
%), was applied to the denuded skin once daily for 30 days. During this period, they were observed
visually for hair growth and thereafter skin biopsy was taken for evaluation of follicular density and cyclic
phases of hair growth.
Results:
Animals treated with petroleum ether extract of
G. glabra roots showed longer hair than those
treated with either minoxidil or control. Furthermore, the time (5 – 13 days) for commencement of hair
growth and to reach complete hair growth was least in extract-treated animals, followed by those
treated with minoxidil (6 - 19 days). A maximum of 76 % of hair follicles were in anagenic stage (active
growth phase of hair) in extract-treated animals, compared to 66 and 45 % in minoxidil-treated and
control groups, respectively.
Conclusion:
This study indicates that the petroleum ether extract of
G. glabra roots has potentials as a
hair growth promoting agent for females.