Background: The biodiversity in Indonesia can be utilized in the search for plants
that have hair growth activity because hair damage, hair loss and baldness often
occur in the community. Guava leaves are one of the plants that can be used to
fertilize hair. This research aims to determine the hair growth activity of guava
leaf
extract and hair tonic preparations of guava leaf extract. Method: Guava
leaf
simplicia powder was extracted using the maceration method with ethanol filter
fluid. The hair tonic formula was optimized using 2 components, namely 70%
ethanol and PEG 400 with various concentrations. Guava leaf extract and hair tonic
formula were tested for hair growth stimulant activity using male guinea pigs
for
14 days. Results: Guava leaf ethanol extract has activity as a hair growth stimulant.
Extract with a concentration of 3% showed the best hair growth with an average
hair length of 11,489 ± 0.024. The groups of compounds contained in the ethanol
extract of guava leaves are alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, polyphenols
and
saponins. The optimum hair tonic formula was obtained at a concentration of
1%
ethanol and 1% PEG 400. The optimum formula had a pH of 4.873 ± 0.045 and a
viscosity of 1.54 ± 0.243. The hair tonic preparation of guava leaf extract has
hair
growth activity as seen from the hair length parameters in the test area which is
longer than the control area (p < 0.05) and the hair weight is greater than the control
area. Conclusion: Guava leaf ethanol extract and optimum hair tonic formula have
hair growth stimulant activity on male guinea pigs.