A Systematic Review on Herbal Anti-Dandruff Agents: Focus on Guava and Curry leaves

Dandruff is a common scalp disorder characterized by excessive flaking of the scalp, itching, and mild irritation. It is mainly associated with the proliferation of lipophilic yeasts of the genus Malassezia, which utilize scalp lipids and contribute to disturbance of the scalp barrier and abnormal keratinocyte turnover. Although dandruff is not a severe medical condition, it affects a large portion of the population and can cause discomfort and cosmetic concern.

Conventional anti-dandruff treatments mainly rely on synthetic antifungal agents such as ketoconazole, zinc pyrithione, and selenium sulfide. These formulations are effective in controlling fungal growth and reducing dandruff symptoms.

Polyherbal anti-dandruff shampoos prepared using medicinal plants provide a natural approach for maintaining scalp health. Plants such as Psidium guajava (guava leaves) and Murraya koenigii (curry leaves) contain bioactive compounds including flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and carbazole alkaloids with antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. Additional herbs such as Azadirachta indica (neem) and Aloe barbadensis (aloe vera) may further improve scalp condition by providing antifungal, soothing, and moisturizing effects. The combined use of these botanicals offers a multi-target strategy for controlling dandruff while supporting overall scalp hygiene.

Advantages of Polyherbal Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

• Helps control dandruff by reducing fungal growth on the scalp.
• Herbal ingredients provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that soothe scalp irritation.
• Plant-based formulations are generally milder and safer for long-term use.
• Natural extracts such as aloe vera help maintain scalp hydration and prevent dryness.
• Polyherbal formulations target multiple causes of dandruff simultaneously, including microbial growth and scalp imbalance.

1. Classification of Shampoos

Dandruff is a multifactorial scalp disorder caused by the interaction of microbial activity, sebum production, and scalp barrier disruption. The condition mainly involves the overgrowth of Malassezia species on the scalp, which alters normal skin cell turnover and leads to visible flaking and irritation.

2.1 Based on Usage

5. Regular Shampoo

Regular shampoo is used for routine cleansing of hair and scalp. It helps remove dirt, oil, and sweat accumulated during daily activities.

• Suitable for normal hair types.
• Maintains general scalp hygiene.
• Contains mild surfactants for frequent use.

5. Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Anti-dandruff shampoo is specifically formulated to control dandruff and reduce scalp flaking. It targets fungal growth and scalp irritation.

• Helps reduce Malassezia growth on the scalp.
• Provides relief from itching and irritation.
• May contain herbal or synthetic antifungal agents.

5. Herbal Shampoo

Herbal shampoo is prepared using plant-based ingredients and natural extracts. It is preferred for its mild action and reduced side effects.

• Contains extracts like guava leaves, curry leaves, neem, and aloe vera.
• Provides nourishment along with cleansing.
• Suitable for long-term use.

 2.2 Based on Form / Physical State

5. Liquid Shampoo

Liquid shampoo is the most commonly used form for hair cleansing. It is easy to apply and spreads uniformly on hair.

• Easy to use and rinse.
• Provides good foaming and cleansing action.
• Suitable for all hair types.

5. Gel Shampoo

Gel shampoo has a thicker consistency compared to liquid shampoo. It provides better control during application.

• Less spillage during use.
• Provides smooth application.
• Often used in cosmetic and herbal formulations.

5. Dry Shampoo

Dry shampoo is a powder or spray-based product used without water. It absorbs excess oil from the scalp.

• Useful when washing with water is not possible.
• Provides temporary freshness.
• Does not replace regular shampooing.

2.3 Based on Function

5. Cleansing Shampoo

Cleansing shampoo is designed to remove dirt, oil, and product buildup from the scalp.

• Contains effective surfactants.
• Provides deep cleaning action.

5. Conditioning Shampoo

Conditioning shampoo contains ingredients that improve hair texture and softness.

• Reduces dryness and roughness.
• Improves manageability of hair.

5. Medicated Shampoo

Medicated shampoo is used to treat specific scalp conditions such as dandruff or infections.

• Contains active therapeutic agents.
• Provides targeted treatment.

2.4 Based on Composition

5. Synthetic Shampoo

Synthetic shampoo is prepared using chemical ingredients and synthetic surfactants.

• Provides strong cleansing action.
• May cause dryness or irritation with long-term use.

5. Herbal / Polyherbal Shampoo

Polyherbal shampoo is formulated using a combination of medicinal plant extracts.

• Contains natural bioactive compounds.
• Provides antifungal, antioxidant, and soothing effects.
• Safer for regular and long-term use.

2.5 Ideal Properties of Polyherbal Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

• Should effectively remove dandruff flakes and excess oil from the scalp.
• Should not cause irritation or dryness and must be gentle on scalp and hair.
• Should produce adequate and stable foam for effective cleansing.
• Should maintain a suitable pH (5.5–6.5) for scalp compatibility.
• Should be physically and chemically stable during storage.

2.6 Functions of Polyherbal Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

• Helps control fungal growth responsible for dandruff.
• Reduces scalp irritation, itching, and inflammation.
• Provides antioxidant protection to scalp cells.
• Maintains scalp hydration and overall hair health.

2.7 Problems Related to Scalp and Hair

• Dandruff and flaking
• Scalp irritation and itching
• Dryness of scalp
• Hair fall and weak hair roots

2. Drug Profile

3.1. Psidium guajava (Guava Leaves)

• Biological name – Psidium guajava
• Common name – Guava leaves
• Synonyms – Psidium pyriferum
• Kingdom – Plantae
• Family – Myrtaceae
• Genus – Psidium
• Species – Psidium guajava
• Order – Myrtales
• Properties – Antifungal, Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory

Figure 1. Guava Leaves

3.2. Murraya koenigii (Curry Leaves)

• Biological name – Murraya koenigii
• Common name – Curry leaves
• Synonyms – Bergera koenigii
• Kingdom – Plantae
• Family – Rutaceae
• Genus – Murraya
• Species – Murraya koenigii
• Order – Sapindales
• Properties – Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Hair strengthening

Figure 2. Curry Leaves

3.3. Azadirachta indica (Neem)

• Biological name – Azadirachta indica
• Common name – Neem, Nimba
• Synonyms – Melia azadirachta
• Kingdom – Plantae
• Family – Meliaceae
• Genus – Azadirachta
• Species – Azadirachta indica
• Order – Sapindales
• Properties – Antifungal, Antibacterial, Anti-inflammatory

Figure 3. Neem

3.4. Aloe barbadensis (Aloe Vera)

• Biological name – Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f.
• Common name – Aloe vera, Ghritkumari
• Synonyms – Aloe barbadensis Miller
• Kingdom – Plantae
• Family – Asphodelaceae
• Genus – Aloe
• Species – Aloe vera
• Order – Asparagales
• Properties – Moisturizing, Soothing, Anti-inflammatory

Figure 4. Aloe Vera

The combination of these herbal ingredients in a polyherbal formulation provides a multi-target approach for dandruff management. Their antifungal, antioxidant, and soothing properties work together to control dandruff while maintaining overall scalp health.

3. MATERIAL AND METHOD