ABSTRACT
Introduction: Pathologies of hair growth can be psychologically distressing but they are poorly controlled. Hormones and paracrine factors regulate the hair follicle and its associated glands. However, our understanding of their mechanisms is limited, restricting the development of new treatments for hair disorders. Therefore better treatments for hair loss disorders are required. Some plant extracts are believed to have effect on hair growth. Urtica Cannabina L and other are used traditionally as stimulators of human hair growth, but their effects on hair growth in vivo has not been studied yet. Goal: The aim of this study was to investigate the actual effects of those local plant extracts used as a traditional herbal treatment for hair loss, using in vivo mouse model; and to compare their effectiveness with the best medical treatment available. Material and methods: Effects of extracts from Urtica Cannabina L, and Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch both prepared separately and mixed at recommended concentrations. Experimental groups were compared with standard (positive control) and negative control groups. Shaved back of Balb/c mice (4 weeks old) were treated daily for 28 days (four groups, n=6 per group), and degree of their effectiveness was observed and compared with each other and with both of positive and negative control. Results: show that mixture of the two herbal extract have similar significant hair growth promotion effect compared with other groups and negative control. Therefore, extracts stimulates rodent pelage follicles in vivo, thus possible to use as promoter of hair growth. Keywords: Urtica Cannabina L, Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch, hair follicle, hair loss, mice.