EFFECT OF MEDICATED OIL OF MARTYNIA ANNUA LEAVES AND FRUITS ON TESTOSTERONE INDUCED ALOPECIA IN MICE

Abstract

Objective: The present study aims to evaluate the hair growth promoting activity of leaves and fruits of Martynia annua in testosterone induced alopecia in mice.

Methods: Medicated oils of Martynia annua leaves and fruits were prepared for topical application as per process mentioned in Ayurveda. Alopecia was induced in albino mice by testosterone (1 percent w/w) administration subcutaneously for 20 days. Its inhibition by simultaneous administration of medicated oils prepared from leaves and fruits were evaluated using follicular density and anagen/telogen (A/T) ratio, wherein, Finasteride (5-alpha-reductase inhibitor) (0.2 percent) solution served as positive control.

Results: Medicated oil of leaf extract of Martynia annua exhibited promising hair growth-promoting activity, as reflected from follicular density and A/T   ratio. The treatment was also found successful in bringing greater number of hair follicles in anagenic phase, when compared with control.

Conclusion: Our results concluded that the medicated oil of leaf extract (MOLE) of Martynia annua plant shows excellent hair growth activity along with antiandrogenic activity in testosterone induced alopecia model as compared to standard Finasteride.