Abstract

Telogen effluvium remains the most common diffuse hair loss in women which influences the quality of their life. Stinging nettle leaves and steams contain a wide range of biologically active substances which stimulate the metabolism and trophic processes in hair follicle cells. The purpose of the research was to study the vasodilating effect and follicle-stimulating activity of the gel with nettle juice in rats under conditions of wool shedding induced by orally administered boric acid. Thus, conducted pharmacological studies indicated that the gel in comparison with the untreated animals accelerated the wool growth in rats, improved its quality by increasing the weight and reducing the percentage of dystrophic hairs. Histological studies confirmed that cutaneous application of the gel significantly dilated the vessels in the dermis reticular layer. The intensification of blood supply was confirmed by an increase in the number of mast cells and their active degranulation. Strengthening of blood circulation caused the increase of the hair follicle quantity in the active anagen phase.

Key words: Telogen effluvium, gel with nettle juice, vasodilating effect, follicle-stimulating activity