Effectiveness test of fenugreek seed (trigonella foenum-graecum l.) extract hair tonic in hair growth activity

There are many causes of hair loss, among others is estrogen deficiency. External estrogen administration could change the hormonal cycle and increased cancer risk. One of the natural alternative estrogen therapy can be found in various plants containing natural product among which are compounds with weak estrogenic activity, termed phytoestrogen. Phytoestrogen compete with estrogen by filling or binding to the estrogen receptor and producing the estrogen effect. Phytoestrogen in fenugreek seeds (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) is believed to increase hair growing process; however, up to now there is no scientific study to prove it. Therefore, the objection of this study is to prove the effect of hair tonic containing fenugreek seeds extract in different concentration on hair growing activity of New Zealand strain rabbit; and to get the optimal concentration of fenugreek extract as well as the safety data. Hair growing activity is determined by hair length, hair diameter and hair weight measurement, while toxicity test is determined by Draize skin test and Draize eye test. The result of the activity test using 10% fenugreek extract seed hair tonic showed significant difference (p < 0,05) compare to placebo and resemble the result using minoxidil 2% hair tonic. Sensitivity test results showed mild irritation effect.