Sumanta Mondal1*, Debjit Ghosh2, Seru Ganapaty1, M. Sushrutha1
1GITAM Institute of Pharmacy, GITAM University, Visakhapatnam-530045, Andhra Pradesh, India
2Department of Chemistry, GITAM Institute of Science, GITAM University, Visakhapatnam-530045, Andhra Pradesh, India
*For correspondence:
Dr. Sumanta Mondal
Assistant Professor
GITAM Institute of Pharmacy, GITAM University,
Visakhapatnam-530045, Andhra Pradesh, India.
Mob: +91-9703615761
Abstract
Objectives: The present study deals with the preliminary phytochemical analysis of ethanol extract of Eclipta alba leaves (EEEAL) and also study the effect of the extract on hair growth stimulating activity on Wistar albino rats. Materials and methods: Preliminary phytochemical test were performed according to standard methods to detect the possible presence of different phytochemical groups in the extract. Investigation of hair growth stimulating potential were performed on Wistar albino rats. Primary skin irritation test were performed to detect any possible abnormal effects after shaving the dorsal hairs of the rats. The rats were then divided into three groups with six animals (rats) each where group I received water (control), group II was applied with 2% minoxidil (positive control) and group III was treated with 10% ethanol extract of Eclipta alba leaves. The average length of the hair was also recorded on 10th day, 20th day and 30th day. Results: Preliminary phytochemical screening of the extract revealed the presence of alkaloids, sterols, carbohydrates, saponins, flavonoids, tannins, and triterpenoids. Significant hair growth stimulating activity was revealed in the extract when compared with the control group. Conclusion: The ethanol extract of Eclipta alba leaves possesses potent hair growth stimulating activity which confirms its folkloric use as a hair promoting agent. Thus it can also be used as a potential hair stimulating agent.
Keywords: Eclipta alba L.; Hair growth stimulating activity; Minoxidil; Phytochemical analysis; Primary skin irritation test
