Abstract
Background
Abrus precatorius is a branched climbing undershurb and it is widely distributed in the Himalayas in India. The seeds of Abrus precatorius are recommended for alopecia in traditional and folklore medicines. The preliminary phytochemical screening of the seeds oil revealed the presence of terpenoids and steroids.
Objective
In the present investigation hair growth promoting activity effect of seeds oil and its effect on head fungal infection is evaluated in female wistar albino rats.
Material and method
The animals were divided into three groups the control group was applied with only vehicle, standard group with 2% minoxidil solution and test group with 2% oil in emulsified in cow’s milk. Qualitative and quantitative parameters were evaluated. While activity on fungus C.albicans was evaluated by in vitro study
Results
It was observed that hair growth initiation time, completion time, hair length, hair follicle density and anagenic percent in the test group animals was comparable with that of minoxidil treated animals and oil also shows antifungal effect as compared with standard drug Itraconazole.
Conclusion
Conclusively the study revealed that seed oil of A.precatorius is a potent hair growth promoter and also posses antifungal effect which supports traditional claim

Key words: Hair growth, A.precatorius, minoxidil,C.albicans