Evaluation of the efficacy and toxicity of oral and topical pumpkin oil on the hair growth of mice

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a topical and oral administration of pumpkin seed oil (PSO) on the hair growth of BALB/c male mice. The animals had their dorsal area shaved (2 ×2 cm) and they were divided into 6 experimental groups. They received orally saline (OS), finasteride (F), or PSO (OP) for 14 days; or topically saline (TS), minoxidil (M), or PSO (TP) for 7 days. The euthanasia of all of the mice occurred on the 22nd day, and the histological slides from the skin area were analyzed. Lipoperoxidation in the liver was assessed through the TBARS method and was also evaluated by the antioxidant enzymes (SOD and CAT). The comet assay and the micronucleus tests were performed for genotoxic/mutagenic safety analyses. A significant increase in the number of hair follicles in the TP group was seen (8.8 ± 0.8) but it was disorganized, with loose dermal collagen. Finasteride presented a significant increase in the levels of the TBARS, SOD, and CAT in the liver, and M increased the DNA damage in the blood and the liver tissues. PSO did not induce any significant changes. In addition, PSO did not induce genotoxic or mutagenic effects. In conclusion, the oral PSO for 14 days acted in the proliferation of the hair follicles, without toxicity signals in the liver.Data availabilityThe authors confirm that all of the relevant data is included in the article and/or in the supplementary information file.