Hair growth activity of formulated ointment based on hydro alcoholic extract of Globularia alypum L: in vivo study

Globularia alypum L. is a medicinal plant belonging to the Globulariaceae family, widespread in the Mediterranean region and very popular in Algeria. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Globularia alypum L. extract on hair growth in female albino rats. On this basis, an extract was obtained by hydroalcoholic maceration, followed by phytochemical screening and determination of the main secondary metabolites. The toxicity (LD50) of the plant extract was assessed on female albino mice by intraperitoneal injection of different doses (500mg/kg, 1000mg/kg, 2000mg/kg, and 5000 mg/kg). Globularia alypum L. leaf extract was used to formulate an ointment which was applied twice daily to the dorsal skin (8cm2) of post-shaved rats for 20 days. The length of 10 strands was measured in millimeters at days 5th, 10th, 15th and 20th.. Quantitative analysis shows that the plant is rich in polyphenols and flavonoids with the following values: 127.33 ± 2.68 EAG/g and 35.40 ± 0 EQ/g respectively. According to toxicity tests, the plant showed no mortality even at a dose of 5000 mg/kg. Application of Globularia alypum L ointment increased significantly hair length after 20 days to an average of 18.02 ± 1.719 mm, compared with 11.8 ± 1.239 mm for the control group (p<0,001). The histological study showed that hair follicles in the ointment -treated group were longer and denser than in the control and minoxidil (2%) groups. This demonstrated the possible beneficial effect of Globularia alypum L. on hair growth in rats.