Background Androgenetic alopecia, hair fall (Khalitya), and premature hair graying (Pālitya) are common conditions with multifactorial etiology that significantly affect psychosocial well-being. In Ayurveda, these disorders are associated with Vata-Pitta doshic imbalance leading to impaired nourishment of hair follicles (Romakupa) and altered hair growth dynamics. Neeli Bhringadi Taila, a classical Ayurvedic polyherbal formulation used in Shiro Abhyanga, is traditionally indicated for promoting hair growth and maintaining hair pigmentation; however, systematic clinical evaluation is required to substantiate its efficacy in integrative hair care. Methods This randomized, double-blind, prospective clinical study was conducted over 120 days in 78 participants aged 18-55 years presenting with androgenetic alopecia, hair fall, and hair graying. Participants were randomized into three groups: polyherbal hair oil (Neeli Bhringadi hair oil), polyherbal hair oil with 5% minoxidil, and 5% minoxidil alone. Out of 78 enrolled participants, 75 participants (25 per arm) successfully completed the study. Efficacy assessments included hair growth rate, hair density, hair thickness, hair fall count, scalp condition, scalp hydration, anagen-to-telogen (A:T) ratio, gray hair evaluation, Adherent Scalp Flaking Score (ASFS), hair strength, and scanning electron microscopy. Safety was evaluated through clinical monitoring and adverse event reporting. Results All test product groups demonstrated statistically significant improvements in hair growth parameters compared with the baseline. By Day 120, participants in the polyherbal hair oil (Neeli Bhringadi hair oil) group demonstrated statistically significant improvements, with hair growth rate increasing to 290.29 ± 39.57 µm/day, hair density increasing to 277.60 ± 33.69 hairs/cm², and hair thickness increasing to 16.56 ± 1.98 µm. Additionally, Graying Severity Score (GSS) decreased to 9.24 ± 3.28, and ASFS decreased to 8.08 ± 4.95. All changes were statistically significant (p < 0.0001). Conclusion Neeli Bhringadi hair oil exhibited favorable safety and demonstrated potential benefits in supporting normalization of the hair growth cycle and improvement in hair pigmentation, as evidenced by a reduction in premature hair graying. The observed effects suggest a positive influence on overall hair and scalp health, likely through modulation of follicular function and scalp conditioning. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of this Ayurvedic polyherbal formulation as an evidence-based herbal approach for managing hair fall and graying. Furthermore, its integration within routine hair care practices may offer sustained benefits, supporting its role in integrative and preventive hair care strategies.
Patel et al. (Fri,) studied this question.