Herbal cosmetics are composed of a number of approved cosmetic ingredients that serve as a foundation for the application of one or more herbal elements that have specific cosmetic benefits. The Greek word cosmeticos, which meaning to arrange, skillfully decorate, is where the word "cosmetic" originates. Herbal cosmetics are composed of a range of approved cosmetic elements that can be the foundation for the application of one or more herbal substances to create specific cosmetic effects. Initially connected to magic, religion, warfare, and hunting, cosmetics were subsequently linked to medicine. The hair follicle is recognised as the most important organ in the mammalian system, influencing appearance, gender differentiation, extreme temperature protection, and self-defense. A hair care product called hair serum is usually used to protect hair from heat styling appliances like blow dryers and straighteners, add shine, and lessen frizz. Typically, a liquid with a silicone basis coats the hair shaft to give it a sleek and polished look. Certain serums moreover incorporate healthy components to fortify and hydrate hair. Herbal hair serums are typically formulated with natural ingredients such as plant extracts, oils, and vitamins to nourish, protect, and strengthen hair. They're often used to reduce frizz, add shine, and improve overall hair health. Popular herbal ingredients include aloe vera, coconut oil, argan oil, jojoba oil, and various botanical extracts like ginseng or green tea. These serums are generally applied to damp or dry hair and can be used daily or as needed. It's important to choose a serum that suits your hair type and specific needs for best results.

Benefits of Hair Serum :

Frizz Control:

By controlling frizz and flyaways, serums can give your hair a sleeker, more polished appearance.

Improving Sheen: They give your hair a glossy lustre that makes it appear healthier and more vibrant.

Protection from Heat:

A lot of hair serums include components in them that create a barrier to protect the hair shaft from heat styling appliances like blow dryers and straighteners.

The moisturising lock: Certain serums have moisturising components that work to trap moisture in your hair, preventing it from drying out and keeping it nourished.

Untangling:

Hair serums can reduce tangles and knots in your hair, making combing and brushing easier.

Preventing Split Ends: Serums can aid in smoothing the hair cuticle.

Types of hair serum :

Smoothing Serum:

Developed to control flyaways and frizz, leaving hair sleek and polished.

sheen Serum:

Enhances the look and brightness of hair by giving it a glossy sheen.

Heat Protectant Serum:

Reduces breakage and damage by acting as a barrier against heat styling tools.

Moisturising Serum:

Restores moisture balance by nourishing and hydrating dry or parched hair.

Repairing Serum:

Lowers breakage and split ends while strengthening and repairing damaged hair.

Serum for Colour Protection: keeps coloured hair vibrant and free from fading and dullness.

Volume-Boosting Serum:

Gives hair body and volume to give the appearance of fuller hair.

Serum Anti-Frizz:

prevents frizz and flyaways brought on by humidity, maintaining manageable and smooth hair.

Properties of good quality Herbal Hair Serum :

Natural Ingredients:

Herbal extracts, essential oils, and plant-based substances with strengthening and nourishing effects on hair should all be included in the formulation.

Hydration:

The serum should adequately hydrate the hair to prevent frizz and dryness and to promote manageability and smoothness.

Nutrient-Rich:

It should include antioxidants, vitamins E, B vitamins, and omega fatty acids, as well as minerals and vitamins that promote healthy hair.

Non-Greasy:

The serum should be easily absorbed and styled, with a light, non-greasy consistency that doesn't weigh down the hair or leave residue.

UV Protection:

To preserve the hair from the damaging effects of sun exposure, it should ideally provide protection against UV damage.

Supporting Scalp Health:

An effective herbal hair serum should also take care of problems with the scalp, such as dryness, itching, and dandruff.

Strengthening:

It ought to increase general hair resilience, lessen breakage, and strengthen hair follicles.

Fragrance:

A pleasing aroma that comes from plant extracts or essential oils can improve the user experience.

Free of Harsh Chemicals:

It must be devoid of silicones, parabens, sulphates, and other harsh chemicals that could irritate or harm the scalp and hair.

Clinically Tested:

If at all feasible, clinical testing and verification of the serum's efficacy and safety are required.[3,12]

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Methyl paraben, Tween 20 and Xanthum gum were taken from Dr. D. Y. Patil College of Pharmacy Akurdi Pune. All other chemicals and reagents used in this study were of analytical grade and procured from an authorized dealer.

MATERIALS:

1. MURRAYA KOENIGII (CURRY PLANT):

       
           
       
    Figure 1: Murraya koenigii

Due to its unique scent and potential to aid in digestion, curry leaves are a popular leaf spice that are used in very small amounts. "Let medicine be your food and let food be your medicine." Folk medicine has been using natural and herbal remedies for ages in all cultures around the world. As more researchers and healthcare providers become aware of the genuine health advantages of these treatments, their interest in this area has grown. In addition to being affordable, efficient, and readily available, medicinal plants are said to offer significant safety benefits when used therapeutically for a range of illnesses. Curry leaf is a significant leafy vegetable (Murraya koenigii). Its leaves are frequently used to spice meals in Indian cooking. The leaves are faintly acidic, bitter, and somewhat spicy, and they keep their flavour and other characteristics even after drying. In addition, curry leaf is a common ingredient in Indian Ayurveda and Unani medicines.

Classification:

Kingdom – Plants

Sub-Kingdom - Tracheobionta

Super division - Spermatophyta

Division – Mangnoliophyta

Class – Mangnoliospsida

Sub-Class – Rosidae

Order - Sapindales

Family - Rutaceae

Genus - Murraya

Species - M. koenigii

Binomial name - Murraya koenigii (L.) Sprengel[3]

2. ALMOND OIL:

The oil is extracted from the fruits of Prunus amygdalus, a plant native to South America and the Middle East. This oil is said to have aphrodisiac properties in Ayurveda. Almond oil is extracted from almonds and is rich in vitamins E and A, as well as monounsaturated fatty acids. It's known for its moisturizing properties and is used in skincare and haircare products. It's also used in aromatherapy and as a carrier oil for essential oils. Additionally, almond oil has been studied for its potential health benefits, including improving heart health and aiding digestion.

       
           
       
    Figure 2: Almond Oil

3. TOCOPHEROL:

Because vitamin E contains natural antioxidants that may aid in sustaining hair development, it may support healthy hair and crown health. The antioxidant packages in vitamins may help lower the amount of oxidative stress and release revolutionaries that cause the cells that make up a person's crown hair follicles to degrade.[11]

       
           
       
    Figure 3: Tocopherol

4. Methyl Paraben:

Preservatives like methylparaben are frequently found in hair serums and other cosmetics. Its function is to prevent the formation of microorganisms like fungi and bacteria in the product, hence preserving its safety and increasing its shelf life. Methylparaben helps keep hair serums fresh and safe for customers by keeping them from rotting and getting contaminated over

       
           
       
    Figure 4: Methyl Paraben

5. ---

   Tween 20:

Tween 20 acts as an emulsifier, solubilizer, and texture modifier to improve ingredient stability, homogeneity, and hair and scalp delivery.

       
           
       
    Figure 5: Tween 20                                    

6. ---

   Xanthum Gum:

A typical thickening and food additive is xanthan gum. It mimics the feel of gluten in gluten-free baking by stabilising, thickening, and emulsifying food. It can also be found in processed meals, sauces, and salad dressings. Additionally, by keeping ingredients from separating, it can extend shelf life.                                                       

       
           
       
        Figure 6: Xanthum Gum

METHODS:

Extraction of  Murraya koenigii Extract

Murraya koenigii fresh leaves were gathered, cleaned with water, and then dried in the shade. Plant leaves were dried, then roughly powdered and stored in an airtight container. A leaf powder weighing about 100g was steeped in 500ml of ethanol and allowed to macerate for four to five days. The extract was concentrated after maceration and used in subsequent formulations.[2]      

       
           
       
    Figure 7: Extract of Murraya koenigi

Evaluation of Murraya koenigii extract:

1. UV analysis of Murraya koenigii extract

10 mg of Murraya koenigii extract was weighed accurately and transferred to the 50 ml of volumetric flask separately. It was dissolved in 10 ml ethanol. From this stock solution 1ml and 2 ml aliquots were pipette out and diluted upto 10 ml with distilled water. Further it was scanned between 400-200 nm and absorbance maxima was checked.  The absorbance of Murraya koenigii extract of sample 1 ml and 2 ml at 296nm and 451nm wavelength was 0.781 and 0.368 respectively.[2]

3. pH of Murrya koenigii extract:

1. As per SOP, thoroughly clean and dry all glassware.
2. Accurately measure out the Murraya koenigii extract and pour it into a beaker.
3. Add small amount of ethanol to dissolve Murraya koenigii extract.
4. Add the necessary amount of water to the extract and heat that solution for 5 min.
5. Add measured xanthum gum into that beaker and mix them properly.
6. Add vitamin E and almond oil in another beaker and mix them.
7. Add oil phase into water phase beaker and add other measured excipients into solution.
8. After that, use a magnetic stirrer to agitate the mixture.
9. Pour the mixture into a measuring cylinder and top it out with 30 millilitres.
10. Fill the container with the finished solution.[1,6,7,8]

Evaluation of Herbal Hair Serum:

Physical appearance: 

The prepared herbal serum’s physical characteristics, color, and texture were examined.

Homogeneity test:

The herbal serum was applied on a dry, clean glass slide, and then covered with a glass cover. We looked into the appearance in the light. Additionally, the serum was examined visually for homogeneity, clumps, and floccules.

pH:

The pH 4 and pH 7 buffer solutions were used to calibrate the digital pH meter. Following the electrode's immersion in serum, measurements were monitored until they became steady. The pH of formulation was found to be 7.48.

       
           
       
    Figure 12: Ph

Viscosity:

Using a Brookfield viscometer, the prepared formulation’s viscosity was ascertained. About 100 milliliters of hair serum were placed in a beaker, and the viscosity was determined. The prepared herbal’s viscosity was measured with a Brookfield viscometer and spindle number 4 at 60 rpm, 29.0 C temperature, 5.0% torque and viscosity observed was 115.8 cps.

       
           
       
    Figure 13: Viscosity

Spreadability:

Through the use of the parallel plate method, spreadability was assessed and quantified. A tiny quantity of serum was spread on the glass slide and the sample was spreadable easily.

       
           
       
    Figure 14: Spreadability Test

Skin Irritation Test:

Two hours after the serum is applied, the skin is examined for signs of redness or itching

Sensitivity Test:

Apply the serum to the skin, let it sit in the sun for ten minutes, and then look for any redness or irritation.[11,12]

RESULT AND DISCUSSION:       

Physical Appearance:

The created herbal hair serum’s physical attributes, including colour and feel, were evaluated visually. Not a single foreign particle was present. The colour was yellowish green with a translucent finish that applied smoothly and cleanly.

Homogeneity:

The homogeneity of the serum was assessed visually by looking for lumps, flocculates, or clumps. It was noted that the produced serum had high uniformity.

pH:

It was found that the prepared herbal serum had a pH of 7.48 which is appropriate for formulation.

Viscosity:

The prepared herbal’s viscosity was measured with a Brookfield viscometer and spindle number 4 at 60 rpm and viscosity observed was 115.8 cps.

Skin irritation test:

No redness and itching occurred.

Sensitivity test:

After ten minutes in sunlight no redness and irritation was observed.[11]