Chapter 2

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

1.1 Conceptual Literature

Androgenic Alopecia

Androgenic Alopecia is the type of alopecia is often attributed to genetic

predisposition and family history. Androgenic alopecia is seen in both men and women.

The hair loss in men is often faster, earlier onset, and more extensive. Doctors refer to

common baldness as "androgenic alopecia" or "androgenic alopecia," which implies that

a combination of hormones and heredity (genetics) is needed to develop the condition.

The exact cause of this pattern is unknown. (The male hormones involved are present

in both men and women.) (Cole W.G. MD, FAAD, 2016).

The main type of hair loss in both genders is androgenic alopecia, or female (or

male) pattern hair loss. In men, hair loss usually begins above the temples, and the

receding hairline eventually forms a characteristic "M" shape; hair at the top of the head

also thins, often progressing to baldness. In women, androgenic alopecia begins with

gradual thinning at the part line, followed by increasing diffuse hair loss radiating from

the top of the head. A woman's hairline rarely recedes, and women rarely become bald.

The pattern of hair loss in women differs from male-pattern baldness. In women, the

hair becomes thinner all over the head, and the hairline does not recede. Androgenic

alopecia in women rarely leads to total baldness.

Citrus maxima (Pomelo)

Similar to other citrus plant, pomelos are rich in Vitamin C. They are generally

used eaten as fruit. It has been used in indigenous system of medicine as sedative in

nervous affections, convulsive cough and in the treatment of hemorrhagic diseases and

epilepsy. It is said to poses appetizing, cardiac stimulant and antitoxic property. Citrus

maxima fruits also contains high amount of polyphenolic compound like hesperidin,

naringin, caffeic acid, P-Coumaric acid, Ferulic acid and vanillic acid. (P. Vijaylakshmi,

R. Radha, 2015).

The fruit keeps the scalp hydrated, preventing irritation and dandruff. Most

importantly, pomelo fruit helps to promote hair growth. It is fortified with zinc, iron,

calcium, sulfur, vitamin A, vitamin B1 and vitamin C, which are all essential for hair

health.

Free radicals can damage the hair follicles by making them weak, thin and brittle.

The antioxidants present in Pomelo scavenge the free radicals and minimizes their

effect in the body. Regular consumption of Pomelo juice improves blood circulation and

strengthens hair capillaries. This promotes strong and thick hair.

Sprague-Dawley rats

The Sprague-Dawley is a breed of rat that is used widely throughout medical and

psychological research. Like other rat breeds used in research, the Sprague Dawley

makes for a good general model for the study of human toxicology, reproduction,

pharmacology, and behavioral research. (Erikacarlys Weblog 2008).

Sprague Dawley rats can live up to 3.5 years and grow to an adult body weight of 250-

300 grams for females and 450-520 grams for males. The breed also possesses a

number of remarkable anatomical features. First, laboratory rats are unable to vomit due

to the placement of the esophagus as it enters the stomach. Furthermore, laboratory

rats have no gall bladder, as well as a peculiar lung arrangement: the left lung has one

lobe, while the right lung has four. Most interestingly, Sprague Dawley rats produce

secretions from their eyes when stressed that contain a pigment which, when dry, has

the appearance of dried blood. These tears glow fluorescently under UV light.

Additional advantage in using Sprague Dawley rats in research is the efficiency

of their reproduction. Both females and males become sexually mature at about 65 days

old and the rats can breed throughout the entire year. The gestation period of the

Sprague Dawley is only 22 days and litters can consist of up to 12 pups.

Theobroma cacao (Cocoa)

Cocoa was used by ancient peoples as a medicinal plant for treating various

disorders. Over 100 medicinal uses for cocoa have been documented in Europe and

New Spain from the 16th to the early 20th century; it has been used to treat anaemia,

mental fatigue, tuberculosis, fever, gout, kidney stones, and even poor sexual appetite.

In addition to cacao beans, preparations of cacao bark, oil (cacao butter), leaves and

flowers have been used to treat burns, bowel dysfunction, cuts and skin irritations.

(Dillinger et al. 2000).

Cacao helps in increasing blood circulation in your scalp, increasing the growth of

healthy and lustrous locks. As it also acts as a circulation booster, it helps in reducing

hair loss. Cacao has anti-inflammatory properties, which helps in minimizing the odds of

getting scalp infections.

Cacao is grown in all humid tropical lowland regions around the equator, most

notably Central and South America, West Africa and Sri Lanka, Indonesia and the

Philippines. Cacao plays an integral role in rainforest ecology. As a fruit-bearing tree it is

an important forage tree for monkeys and birds that feed on its sweet fruit pulp. Cacao

needs to be planted in association with taller shade trees to protect young saplings from

direct sunlight, which makes large-scale plantation farming somewhat impractical.

Cacao lives in a symbiotic relationship with various small species of insects, which it

requires for successful pollination. Cacao requires high humidity for healthy growth.