Safety Evaluation of a Hair Regrowth Tonic Containing Swertia Extract

We performed 48 hrs closed patch testing with a hair regrowth tonics and their ingredients on healthy volunteers and the patients with skin diseases for safety evaluation. The hair regrowth tonics were formulated with 22. 5% or 11. 25% swertia extract which contained oleanolic acid and swertiamarin. The swertia extract was taken from Swertia japonica Makino. Finn chambers and scanpor tapes were used for patch testing. The test chemicals and tonics were patched on the back for 48 hrs and readings were done according to Japanese standard at 1 hr and 24 hrs after removals. The patch testing was carried out by 3 steps. At the first step, when we tested the swertia extract and fragrance, we found the fragrance showed an allergic reaction on a patient with skin disease. We made a trial formulation changing the fragrance and performed the second step examination. Then, any allergic reaction was not seen. At the third step, we tested the final formula and confirmed the hair regrowth tonics were safe as far as used on healthy skin.