Effect of Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) Extract on Undesired Hair Growth in Human: A Safe Remedy for Cosmetic Procedures

摘要

Hair in humans no longer has any functional use of protecting them from the perils of the environment unlike in other animals. However hair is removed or maintained for many purposes amongst men and women in today's society. Various procedures are used to remove unwanted hair today. However a safe, effective and simple home remedy is what we are looking for in this study. For this purpose the biological properties of Medicago sativa L. (Alfalfa also known as Lucerne), a phytoestrogen plant, is being explored here. Alfalfa extract obtained by plant maceration method and using rotary evaporator for concentration. We use 3 different extract concentration and placebo in this trial. All volunteers were 18-24 years old and with same life style. Data analyzed using SPSS18 software Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Current trials show that the application of alfalfa extract has resulted in human body hair diameter reduction with no side effects. Data analysis proved Correlation between hair growth reduction and alfalfa extract was significant and it was related to its dosage (P < 0.05). The actual mechanism behind this effect is not discovered but it should be related to the high concentration of estrogenic components in Alfalfa.