Green tea (Camellia sinensis, L.) ethanolic extract as hair tonic in nutraceutical: Physical stability, hair growth activity on rats, and safety test

Objective: Herbal and synthetic cosmetic products have been developed to unravel problem of hair loss, yet synthetics are potential to give side effects (e.g. local irritation), whilst herbal products are generally safer. Green tea is one of food derived active ingredient potential as topical hair grower. The purpose of this study is to formulate nutraceutical hair tonic(s) which is stable, effective towards hair growth, and safe. Methods: Ethanolic green tea extract (GTE) was formulated into varied concentrations i.e. 2.5%, 5%, and 7.5%. Physical stability test performed was cycling test, storage in high temperature (40°C ± 2°C), room temperature (25°C ± 2°C), and low temperature (4°C ± 2°C). Activity of hair growth test was conducted by hair length measurements on day 7, 14, and 21, plus diameter measurements and total weights of hair on day 21. Safety test was carried out on 9 volunteers' upper hands. Results: Results showed the hair tonic was stable in storage, except in low temperature (4°C ± 2°C). In addition to giving hair growth activity, all of the formulas had greater activity than synthetic drug i.e. minoxidil 2.5%. These hair tonics were safe and did not irritate skin. Conclusion: The most optimal formulation was formula 1 with GTE concentration of 2.5%.