Screening of hair growth promoting activity of Punica granatum L. (pomegranate) leaves extracts and its potential to exhibit antidandruff and anti-lice effect

Abstract

The intent of the present investigation was to explore the utility of alcoholic and aqueous extract of Punica granatum L. as hair growth promoter along with anti-lice and antidandruff activity. A filter paper diffusion approach was employed for screening of the pediculocidal and ovicidal activity. Albino mice, preselected for their telogen phase of hair growth were used during the study. The prepared extracts, Minoxidil and control were applied over shaved skin surface on to the backs of mice to assess telogen to anagen transition. The qualitative and quantitative analysis was performed. The outcome of the studies revealed that Punica granatum L. alcoholic and aqueous extracts exhibited prominent anti-lice activity. The transition of telogen to anagen phase of the number of anagen hair follicle was observed in approximately 45, 27 and 51% of animals treated with alcoholic and aqueous extract of Punica granatum L., and Minoxidil, respectively, which suggest the hair growth promoting potential of the extract of Punica granatum L. Also, 3 % Punica granatum L. alcoholic extracts exhibited a potent antidandruff activity against fungal strains tested. Maltol, was identified as a principal phytoconstituent in the alcoholic extract. The findings greatly suggest anti-lice, antidandruff and hair growth promoting potential of the extract of Punica granatum L.

Keywords: Anti-lice; Antidandruff; GC-MS; Hair growth; Histopathology study; Punica granatum L.; UTHSCSA image tool 300.

Figure 1

Antidandruff activity of A) P. grantum alcoholic extract B) P. grantum aqueous extract C) Fluconazole D) Control against Candida Albicans, Aspergillus Niger and Penicillin notatum.

Figure 2

Effects of topical P. grantum aqueous and alcoholic extract on hair regeneration in mice. The back skin was topically applied with P. grantum aqueous extract (3 %), P. grantum alcoholic extract (3 %), 1% minoxidil or vehicle. Photographs were taken on 0^th and, 30^th days after applying extract or vehicle on the shaved dorsal skin.

Figure 3

Effect of P. grantum aqueous and alcoholic extracts on hair weight (mg), hair length parameter after 20^th, 25^th and 30^th days, % hair follicle (Telogen and Anagen), skin thickness and length of the hair follicle.

Figure 4

Histopathological studies, the number of hair follicles counted in subcutis A. Effect of vehicle (Control group); B. Effect of 2% minoxidil solution; C. Effect of 3 % P. grantum aqueous extract; D. Effect of 3 % P. grantum alcoholic extract.

Figure 5

GC-MS graph of P. grantum alcoholic extract.