Restoring natural hair pigmentation: clinical assessment of safety and efficacy of an ayurvedic leave-on treatment

Authors

  • M. S. Lakshmi Madhavi R&D, Hindustan Unilever Ltd., Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
  • Ravi Kant Shukla R&D, Hindustan Unilever Ltd., Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
  • Susmita Gudulkar R&D, Hindustan Unilever Ltd., Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
  • Saurabh Mathur R&D, Hindustan Unilever Ltd., Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
  • Supriya Punyani R&D, Hindustan Unilever Ltd., Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/issn.2455-4529.IntJResDermatol20254120

Keywords:

Premature hair greying treatment, Jatamansi, Ayurvedic, Melanogenesis

Abstract

Background: This clinical study evaluated the safety and efficacy of an Ayurvedic leave-on treatment for premature hair greying in healthy Indian adults (male and female). It also investigated the product’s mechanism of action through in vitro analyses.

Methods: Healthy male and female volunteers aged 20–42 years with early-onset hair greying and no underlying medical conditions were enrolled in the clinical study. Participants were screened based on predefined criteria, including a specific percentage of grey hair. The study included a washout period before treatment initiation, followed by a four-month application phase with regular follow-ups. An in vitro study using B16F10 melanocytes (ATCC) was also conducted to explore the Ayurvedic leave-on treatment’s mechanism of action.

Results: The Ayurvedic leave-on treatment significantly increased natural black hair density and reduced grey hair count in both male and female subjects. In vitro analysis reveals that the Ayurvedic leave-on treatment enhances melanogenesis by upregulating melanin production in melanocytes.

Conclusions: The present study concludes that the Ayurvedic leave-on treatment promotes melanogenesis, reduces oxidative stress, provides cytoprotective benefits, and effectively enhances dark hair density while reducing grey hair count. Clinically, 100% of users showed improved dark hair density, 97% reported reduced grey hair. No adverse effects were observed, confirming its safety and efficacy for both men and women with greying concerns.

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Published

2025-12-22

How to Cite

Madhavi, M. S. L., Shukla, R. K., Gudulkar, S., Mathur, S., & Punyani , S. (2025). Restoring natural hair pigmentation: clinical assessment of safety and efficacy of an ayurvedic leave-on treatment . International Journal of Research in Dermatology, 12(1), 38–46. https://doi.org/10.18203/issn.2455-4529.IntJResDermatol20254120

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