Colocynth more potent then minoxidil and Finasteride

Citrullus colocynthis Schrad is a traditionally acclaimed hair tonic in Indian system of medicine. Studies were therefore undertaken in order to evaluate petroleum ether and ethanolic extract of C. colocynthis for their effect on hair growth in albino rats. The extracts incorporated into oleaginous ointment base were applied topically on shaved denuded skin of albino rats. The time required for initiation of hair growth as well as completion of hair growth cycle was recorded. Minoxidil 2% solution was applied topically and served as positive control. Hair growth initiation time was significantly reduced to half on treatment with the extracts compared to control animals. The time required for complete hair growth was also considerably reduced. The treatment was successful in bringing a greater number of hair follicles (>70%) in anagenic phase than standard minoxidil (67%). The results of treatment with 2% and 5% petroleum ether extracts were comparable to the positive control minoxidil.

Alopecia is a psychologically distressing phenomenon. Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common form of alopecia, which affects millions of men and women worldwide, and is an androgen driven disorder. Here, the Citrullus colocynthis Schrad fruit is evaluated for hair growth activity in androgen-induced alopecia. Petroleum ether extract of C. colocynthis was applied topically for its hair growth-promoting activity. Alopecia was induced in albino mice by testosterone administration intramuscularly for 21 days. Its inhibition by simultaneous administration of extract was evaluated using follicular density, anagen/telogen (A/T) ratio and microscopic observation of skin sections. Finasteride (5alpha-reductase inhibitor) solution was applied topically and served as positive control. Petroleum ether extract of C. colocynthis exhibited promising hair growth-promoting activity, as reflected from follicular density, A/T ratio and skin sections. The treatment was also successful in bringing a greater number of hair follicles in anagenic phase than the standard finasteride. The result of treatment with 2 and 5% petroleum ether extracts were comparable to the positive control finasteride. The petroleum ether extract of C. colocynthis and its isolate is useful in the treatment of androgen-induced alopecia.