The Effects of Avocado Oil (Persea americana Mill.) as Hair Growth Promoters on Rats (Rattus novergicus)

Abstract

Essential oils and carrier oils are commonly used as pharmacology cosmetics in promoting hair growth. Avocado oil is one of the carrier oils rarely discussed as a hair growth-promoting cosmetics as compared to other oils. This study determined the effects of avocado oil (Persea americana Mill.) as hair growth promoter on rats (Rattus norvegicus). A total of 6 rats were used and each rat was divided into 4 treatment areas: control, 1 smear a day, 2 smears a day, and 3 smears a day. The parameters are hair length and irritation reaction. Data were collected on day 6th, 9th, 12th and 15th. Descriptive analysis was initially performed to examine the trend of the data. Based on the trend of the data, the treatment of 1 smear a day showed a slight increase in hair length. Subsequently, ANOVA one-way and Tukey tests were conducted to determine the statistical significance of the results. The statistical analysis results indicated that avocado oil did not have a significant effect as a hair growth promoter. Furthermore, no signs of irritation were observed on the application site of the rats. In conclusion, while the descriptive analysis suggested 1 smear a day of avocado oil show effects as hair growth promoter, however the subsequent statistical analysis only support little significant effect.