Using hair growth activity, physical stability, and safety tests to study hair tonics containing ethanol extract of licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra Linn.)

Sheila Meitania Utami, Joshita Djajadisastra, Fadlina Chany Saputri

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the safety, physical stability, and hair growth activity of ethanol extract of licorice. Methods: In this study, 2.5%, 5%, and 10% licorice extract was formulated into a hair tonic as a tonic is easier to use and is not sticky like a semisolid dosage. The hair growth activity test was conducted by rubbing the hair tonic preparations on rabbit’s backs; subsequently, the hair length, hair thickness, hair weight, and hair density were measured. Quantitative analysis of glycyrrhizic acid from the licorice ethanol extract with a ultraviolet spectrophotometer showed a level of about 156.65 mg/g or 15.665%. The physical stability test was performed on samples of the tonic stored at low (4±2°C), room (25±2°C), and high (40±2°C) temperature, and a cycling test was also performed. The safety test was performed using an eye irritation test that employed the Hen’s egg test–chorioallantoic membrane (HET-CAM) method and a skin irritation test that employed the patch test method. Results: The hair tonics containing 5% and 10% licorice extract had an equivalent activity of hair growth and even better than the positive control containing 2% minoxidil. The physical stability test showed that the licorice extract hair tonic has good physical stability. The results of the safety test showed no skin irritation, whereas the HET-CAM test showed that the hair tonic containing licorice extract showed mild eye irritation. Conclusions: Licorice ethanol extract hair tonic solutions in concentrations of 2.5%, 5%, and 10% had hair growth activity similar to that of the positive control (minoxidil). They have a good physical and chemical stability, also safe for topical use, except the 2.5% licorice ethanol extract hair tonic solution which caused mild eye irritation.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)44-48
Number of pages5
JournalInternational Journal of Applied Pharmaceutics
Volume9
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Oct 2017

Keywords

  • Glycyrrhizic acid
  • Hair growth activity
  • Licorice
  • Mild irritation

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