| dc.description.abstract | Alopecia refers to excessive hair loss from the scalp due to traction, hormonal deficiencies and hereditary linages. In cases of severe hair loss, there can be negative psychological consequences, such as lowered self-esteem and anger, which can then lead to depression, social withdrawal, inappropriate personal relations, psychological pain, etc. A study in Nigeria showed that the prevalence of alopecia among females was 46.7%, with traction alopecia being the most common (97.5%). The age range of those with alopecia was mainly 20-29 years. Hair loss was more common in subjects who had chemically treated their hair (P < 0.001). In Uganda, there are not statistics quantifying alopecia but we believe they correlate with from Nigeria since they are in the same geographical area (Sahel region).
The treatment options available in Uganda are minoxidil, surgical skin hair grafting and imported topical preparations all of which are expensive to the locals hence the need to formulate a cheap product from the locally available herbs.
To develop a topical poly-herbal oil product from a combination of Rosmarinus officinalis oil, Mentha piperita oil, Persea americana oil, Lavandula angustifolia oil and aloe vera oil for treatment of baldness. Also to examine the safety and toxicity profile of the final product.
This was an experimental study design to develop a topical polyherbal oil product from essential oils and evaluating its effectiveness on alopecia and beard hair growth problems using minoxidil as the control drug. In-vivo studies were conducted on 14 albino rats at College of Veterinary Medicines (COVABs), Mak.
There was no hair growth in all the study groups at the end of week 1, but at the end of week 3, minoxidil treated group showed the highest hair growth stimulation of approximately 85% followed by final product treated group with 75% and then carrier oil and saline treated groups with <20%. While at the end of week 4, the minoxidil and product treated groups showed >98% of hair growth promotion but carrier oil and saline treated groups showed <50% of hair growth. Dermal toxicity was more prominent in minoxidil treated group compared to other groups which showed no significant toxicity.
Final product had maximum effectiveness in promoting hair growth as compared to carrier oil and saline hence it can be used in the treatment of alopecia. The product also showed significant competition to MXD in inducing and maintaining hair growth. The final product caused mild to no dermal toxicity as compared to MXD. | en_US |
