Formulation and Stability Testing of A Hair Tonic Preparation Containing A Combination of Moringa Leaf Extract (Moringa oleifera L.) and Celery Leaf Extract (Apium graveolens L.) on Hair Growth in Rabbits

Background: Hair tonic is a topical preparation used to help stimulate hair growth. Moringa leaves (Moringa oleifera L.) and celery leaves (Apium graveolens L.) contain secondary metabolites with potential hair growth-promoting activity.Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of hair tonic preparations containing single and combined extracts of Moringa and celery leaves on hair growth in rabbits, as well as to assess the stability and safety of the preparations.. Methods: This experimental study included extraction by maceration using 96% ethanol, phytochemical screening, hair tonic formulation, stability testing, hair growth effectiveness testing, and irritation testing. The formulations consisted of F1 containing 5% Moringa leaf extract, F2 containing 5% celery leaf extract, and F3 containing a combination of 2.5% Moringa leaf extract and 2.5% celery leaf extract. Results: F2 showed the highest mean hair length on day 28 (6.66 ± 0.567 mm) and the highest mean hair weight (0.019 ± 0.005 g). No statistically significant differences were observed among the tested formulations. All formulations demonstrated good organoleptic characteristics and homogeneity, while their pH and viscosity values met the required specifications. However, most extract-containing formulations, except F0, did not meet the SNI requirement for specific gravity; therefore, the preparations were not considered fully stable overall. None of the tested formulations showed signs of irritation. Conclusion: F2, containing 5% celery leaf extract, showed the greatest tendency to promote hair growth among the tested formulations. The preparations met the requirements for organoleptic characteristics, homogeneity, pH, and viscosity and did not cause irritation; however, they did not fully meet the stability requirements based on the specific gravity parameter.