In vivo evaluation of hair growth potential of Stachytarpheta jamaicensis ethanolic leaves extract on sprague-dawley rats Full Paper M.H.Wan Rozianoor*, M.Fatin Nadia, D.Dzulsuhaimi Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA,40450, Shah Alam, Selangor, (MALAYSIA) E-mail: rozianoor@salam.uitm.edu.my Stachytarpheta jamaicensis; in vivo; Hair; Ethanolic extract KEYWORDS ABSTRACT This study was carried out to determine the effectiveness of S.jamaicensis leaves extract as hair growth promoter on Sprague Dawley rats. The rats were divided into three groups; control group, positive control group and test group which received no treatment, 2% minoxidil, and S.jamaicensis leaves extract respectively. All of the treatments were done in 30 days. The length of the hair was measured every five days. Primary irritation test shows that there was no erythema or edema on the rats after being applied with 10% concentration of extract. Hair length with the most significant value was on rats treated with 2% minoxidil (14.58–0.02 mm) towards day 30, followed by 2% extract (14.23–0.05 mm), and control group (11.07–0.14 mm). Histology was done every ten days to determine the anagen to telogen ratio hair phases. Anagen phase on day 30 reached 96% of rats treated with 2% minoxidil, followed by 84% with 2% extract, and control group, 83%. In conclusion, S.jamaicensis is an effective hair growth promoter as hair length treated with S.jamaicensis leaves extract showed significant difference (p value=0.05). This may be due to the presence of palmitic acid that has antiandrogenetic alopecia property.  2014 Trade Science Inc. - INDIA INTRODUCTION Patterned hair loss, is unwelcome event that may cause anxiety and concern [1] . This problem occurs up to 50 % of people throughout their lifetime [2] . Even though hair disorders are not life threatening, it s pro- found impact on social interactions and on patients  psy- chological wellbeing is no longer undeniable [3] .According to [4] , American Hair Loss association reported that hair loss has been emotionally disturbing and distressing besides making the affected person vulnerable in terms of physically and mentally. Thinning of the scalp hair in middle aged as well as the older women had become a phenomenon nowadays. Several researches have suggested that hair loss condi- tions are caused by hormonal imbalance or stress, and nutrition intake. In addition, other possible cause of hair loss is the long-term use of hair dyes, indirectly termed as  colourants. Interference with the hair function may cause diminished rate of growth and renewal, leads to a lesser number of hairs per unit area [5] . Recent studies demonstrate that even taking medicines may cause hair loss. However, it may also occur in response to a num- ber of triggers including fever, hemorrhage, severe ill- ness, stress, and childbirth [6] . The most common hair loss (alopecia) is caused by abnormal hair follicle cycling and changes in the hair follicle structure itself. One of the products that can be found in the mar- An Indian Journal Volume 10 Issue 1 NPAIJ, 10(1), 2014 [17-21] Natural Products Natural Products ISSN : 0974 - 7508