Mallige College of Pharmacy.
Objectives: To formulate and evaluate poly herbal hair mask Materials And Methods: The hair mask was made using a variety of herbal substance such as bael fuit, bael leaves, fenugreek, tulsi, neem leaves, curry leaves, coconut oil, castor oil, hibiscus flower, reetha, amla powder, vitamin E, aloevera gel, flax seed gel and sodium benzoate, Before combining the components with oils gels and preservatives they must first be obtained, cleaned , dried ,powdered and weighed .the herbal hair mask formulation was evaluated based on several criteria including pH, viscosity and other physico chemical parameters, stability test, organoleptic evaluation, phytochemical evaluation and microbial assay, RESULTS: The study aimed to create and evaluate a poly herbal hair mask using various herbal substances. The mask was tested for its organoleptic properties, pH, viscosity, and stability. Results showed that F2 was the best formulation, with no chemical presence and no side effects on the scalp. The mask's color, texture, and odor were all satisfactory. The mask was also found to be easily washable and had good spreadability and homogenicity. The microbial assay showed good zone of inhibition for both F1 and F2. Conclusion: The hair mask that was made to contain no chemicals. It contained all natural composition means that it has no side effect on the scalp.
Healthy hair builds confidence in people by improving appearance among themselves. The human skin and hair have a vital role in communication. Length, color, and style of a person’s hair greatly influence how they perceive themselves physically. To keep hair healthy, further care must be taken.[1] A frequent non-contagious hair condition that almost affects everyone, regardless of age is dandruff. Pityriasis simplex capitis is the shedding of dead scalp skin in medical term. Which appears to be greasy or dry , as greasy flakes appears pale yellowish with undesirable odour , dry dandruff is silvery and white in appearance.[2] Itching and unpleasant dandruff is mostly caused by keratinocytes , which are also responsible for the expression of immune responses during dandruff growth and development.[3] A frequent noncontagious hair condition that age is dandruff. [4] Although dandruff is mostly invisible, there are a number of contributing reasons such as greasy scalp in adequate fungal infections are caused by poor personal hygiene and a weak dirty the scalp, which can make it worse.[5] This disorder results in the production of scalp flakes, which itch the skin . Different individuals have diverse hair kinds like normal, greeasy and dry hair.[6] The market is filled with numerous herbal formulations. Plants and essential oils are examples of herbal ingredients . Herb-based cosmetics have seen tremendous rise in the natural products market in the last few days.[7]
Ideal properties of poly herbal hair mask
Advantages of semisolid hair mask over liquid herbal formulations
Disadvantages
Mechanism of Dandruff formation:
Sl. No |
Common Name |
Synonyms |
Biological Source (Bs) & Family(F) |
Active Constituents |
Uses |
1. |
Bael fruit & Bael leaves |
Stone apple |
BS- It is derived from the fruit of the Aegle marmelos tree F-Rutaceae |
|
Used to promote hair growth and reduce dandruff. |
2. |
Flax seed gel |
Linseed |
BS- It is derived from the seeds of the Linum usitatissimum plant F- Linaceae |
|
Used to nourish and condition hair. |
3. |
Fenugreek |
Greek hay |
BS- derived from the seeds of the Trigonella foenum- graecum plant F- Fabaceae |
|
Used to promote hair growth ,reduce dandruff and improve scalp health . |
4. |
Tulsi |
Holy basil |
BS- derived from the leaves of the Ocimum sanctum plant F- Lamiaceae |
|
It has hair growth promoting and dandruff reducing property |
5. |
Aloe vera gel |
Aloe latex |
BS- It is derived from the leaves of the Aloe barbadensis plant F- Asphodelaceae |
|
Used to promote hair growth, dandruff and sooth scalp irritations. |
6. |
Curry leaves |
Sweet neem |
BS- derived from the leaves of the Murraya koenigii tree F- Rutaceae |
|
Used to promote hair growth and reduce dandruff. |
7. |
Hibiscus flower |
Roselle sorrel |
BS- It is derived from the Hibiscus sabdariffa plant F- Malvaceae |
|
Used to promote hair growth and reduce dandruff. |
8. |
Amla |
Emblica officinalis |
BS- It is derived from fruit of the Emblica offcinalis F- Phyllanthaceae |
|
Used to promote hair growth, reduce dandruff and improve scalp health. |
9. |
Reeta |
Soapnut reetha |
BS- derived from the fruit of the Sapindus mukorossi tree
F- Sapindaceae |
|
Used as a natural shampoo and hair cleanser. |
10. |
Neem leaves |
Indian lilac |
BS- It is derived from the Azadirachtaindica tree
F- Meliaceae |
|
It has dandruff reducing, lice killing andhair growth promoting properties. |
11. |
Coconut oil(virgin) |
Copra oil |
BS-Cocous nucifera F-Arcaceae
|
|
Moisturizes and nourishes the hair Repair and damage |
12. |
Castor oil |
Ricinus oil |
BS-Ricinus communis F-Euphorbiaceae |
|
Laxatives & Purgatives |
13. |
Vitamin-E |
Tocopherol |
BS-Vegetable oil F-Tocotrieno |
|
Antioxidant & Anti-ageing properties |
Excipient Profile
Sl No |
Common Name |
Synonyms |
Biological Source (Bs) & Family(F) |
Active Constituents |
Uses |
1. |
Sodium benzoate |
Benzoic acid sodium salt |
BS-Derived from benzoic acid |
|
Antifungal & Antibacterial |
MATERIALS AND METHODOLOGY:
Preparation of aloe vera gels :
The Aloevera (Aloebarbadensis) plant's thick, succulent leaves were acquired from a herbal garden.Aloevera leaves was collected, cleaned with water and a moderate chlorine solution, and then the mucilaginous jelly extracted from the plant's centre was used to make Aloevera extract.[17]
Preparation of flax seed gels:
In a saucepan about 2 cups of water was made to boil , about 4 table spoon of flax seed were added to the boiling water. Reduce the heat to simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the mixture thickens and flaxseeds absorbed most of the water. The mixture was Strained through a cotton cloth or a fine mesh strainer into a bowl, pressing on the solids to extract as much as possible discard the solids. Let the gel cool to room temperature.[18]
Formulations:
Method:
The herbal ingredients were collected from domestic area and medicinal plant garden of our college and shade dried leaves were grinded separately to form a powder. Each herbal powder was grounded using motar and pestle and thoroughly triturated , and sieved using sieve number 80 to get a fine powder before being added to the formulation Accurately weighed amount of oil(virgin), castor oil and vitamin E were added and mixture is triturated well. Extracted gels of aloevera and flax seed gel were added and triturated well.19 Sodium benzoate was added and triturated well until the semisolid form is obtained.[20]
Formulation Table
Sl.no |
Ingredients |
F1 |
F2 |
F3 |
1. |
Bael fruit/leaves |
(5+5) |
(4+6) |
(6+6) |
2. |
Flaxseedgel |
20 |
25 |
15 |
3. |
Fenugreek seed |
5 |
5 |
7 |
4. |
Tulsi |
5.5 |
5.5 |
6.5 |
5. |
Aleo vera gel |
30 |
25 |
20 |
6. |
Neem leaves |
6 |
6 |
6.5 |
7. |
Coconut oil (virgin) |
3 |
3 |
6 |
8. |
Castor oil |
2 |
2 |
4 |
9. |
Vitamin E |
2 |
2 |
4 |
10. |
Curry leaves |
5.5 |
5.5 |
5.5 |
11. |
Hibiscus flower |
2 |
2 |
4 |
12. |
Amla |
4 |
4 |
5 |
13. |
Reetha |
3 |
3 |
3 |
14. |
Sodium benzoate |
2 |
2 |
2 |
15. |
Water |
qs |
Qs |
qs |
Evaluation:
Organoleptic evaluation :Formulations was observed for the presence of color, odour, texture and appearance. [21]
Physico –Chemical Evaluation:
pH:The pH of the formulations was measured at a fixed temperature using a calibrated digital pH meter. [22]
Spreadability:
A glass sliding gadget and wooden block were used to assess the hair mask's spreadability. The block's bottom was covered with a precise 5 gm of hair mask, and then the upper slide was adjusted. After that, the amount of time needed for the upper slide to detach 5 cm from the assembly was noted. Spreadability was calculated using the formula.[23]
S is the spreadability, m is the weight attached to the upper slide, l is the distance travelled by the upper slide, and t is the time it takes to separate the slides.[24]
Homogeneity:
After being spread out on a glass slide for appearance, the prepared gels were visually inspected for homogeneity and scrutinized for the presence of lumps, flocculates, or aggregates.[25]
Viscosity:
Viscosity was measured using a Brookfield viscometer. In addition a large mouth jar was filled with an adequate amount of gel; the gel's height in the jar should have allowed the spindle to dip. The spindle was set to run at 2.5 RPM. The formulation viscosities were observed.[26]
Loss On Drying:
Measure approximately 1.5 grams of the formulation in a petri dish. After allowing the desiccators to cool and recording the weight, place it in oven temperature was set at 100°C or 105° until there is a maximum 0.5 gram difference between two successive weights.
Typically, any weight reduction is due to the loss of moisture.[27]
Patch Test:
On the hands a little of the formulated mixture is applied and recorded for any itching and irritation.[28]
Stability Test:
The formulation was kept under various humidity and temperature conditions (ranging from 35° to 40°), and changes in its physical properties were observed. [29]
Phytochemical Screening: -
Numerous experiments were conducted to establish the type of phytoconstituents that were present in the products and type of adverse reactions produced within the body. Every plant has unique phytochemical features that give a variety of useful effects. [30]
a) Detection of carbohydrate-
I. Molisch’s Test-
To 2-3 ml of aqueous extract, add a few drops of alpha-naphthol solution in alcohol. Shake, then add conc-H2SO4 from the sides of the test tube. At the intersection of the two liquids, a violet ring formed. [31]
II. Fehling’s Test-
Fehling’s Test: Heat the combination of Fehling A and Fehling B solutions for one minute. Introduce the test solution in a matching quantity. Place it in a pot of boiling water and continue heating for 5 to 10 minutes. Brick red followed by initial yellow streaks will appear. [32]
b) Detection of alkaloids
I. Hagers Test-
Hager's reagent produces a yellow precipitate in 2-3 ml of the filtrate. [33]
II. Mayer’s Test-
Add about a few drops of Mayer's reagent to 2-3 ml of the filtrate results in the formation of a creamy precipitate. [34]
c) Detection of Volatile Oil-
When volatile oils are present, the hair mask made from 2 to 4 grams of Sudan III alcoholic solution will turn red. [35]
d) Detection of Protein-
Biuret Test - Add 4% NaOH to 3 ml of the test solution, followed by a few drops of 1% CuSO4 solution. A violet or pink color will be observed. [36]
e) Foam Test-
Mix the dry powder or extract with water. A stable foam that lasts for a long time was noted. [37]
Microbial Assay:
Procedure to Detect Minimum Inhibitory Concentration:
In vitro detection of minimum inhibitory concentration were examined for given sample. The agar diffusion method was used to examine minimum inhibitory concentration of samples against bacteria. The samples were used for the determination of zone of inhibition or sensitivity, against test pathogen Staphylococcus aureus bacterial strain. The minimum inhibitory concentration for bacteria was performed on nutrient agar medium. The nutrient agar was prepared as per the composition mentioned below , autoclaved for 1210 C for 15 LBS and cooled and poured on sterilized petri plates and allowed for solidification. After solidification test pathogen was inoculated on to the medium, later the wells were created and sample was introduced. For a whole day, the plates were incubated at 35°C. Growth inhibition activity was monitored on the incubated plates. [38]
Table 3.0
Nutrient Agar |
|
Composition |
Quantity (%) |
Peptone |
0.5% |
Yeast extract |
0.3% |
Sodium chloride |
0.5% |
Agar |
1.5% |
pH |
6.8±0.2 |
RESULT AND DISCUSSION
Organoleptic Evaluation:
Formulated poly Herbal hair mask was examined for various organoleptic parameter as indicated in Table 3.1 The colour of the formulation was olive green , odor was pleasant , texture was semi solid and appearance was smooth. [39]
Table 3.1: Organoleptic Evaluation:
Sl No |
Parameters |
F1 |
F2 |
F3 |
1. |
Colour |
Olive green |
Olive green |
Olive green |
2. |
Oduor |
Pleasant |
Pleasant |
Pleasant |
3. |
Texture
|
Semi solid |
Semi solid |
Semi solid |
4. |
Appearance |
Smooth |
Smooth |
Smooth |
Physicochemical Evaluation:
Table 3.2 displays the physicochemical parameters that were assessed for the herbal hair mask. The pH of formulation was found to be 5.9 – 6.0, washability was easily washable, spreadability was good, homogenicity was homogenous, patch test was no irritation and cleansing was good. [40]
Table 3.2: Physico-Chemical Evaluation
Loss On Drying:
Herbal hair mask was evaluated for physicochemical parameter of moisture loss on drying within the limit. [41]
F1 (Spindle number -64)
SL NO |
RPM |
Viscosity |
1. |
2.5 |
3,960 Cp |
2. |
10 |
13,800 cP |
3. |
25 |
10,220 cP |
4. |
50 |
5,292 cP |
F2 (Spindle number-64)
SL NO |
RPM |
Viscosity |
1. |
2.5 |
66,000 cP |
2. |
10 |
28,800 cP |
3. |
25 |
16,800 cP |
4. |
50 |
9,432 cP |
Stability Studies:
Table 3.3: Stability Test
Phytochemical Screening:
Phytochemical screening study was carried out for formulation to test for the presence of phytochemical and the result are given below in the table
Table 3.4: Phytochemical Screening
Poly Herbal hair mask was made to undergo evaluation studies for physicochemical parameter shown in table 3.5
Table 3.5: Microbial Assay
Detection of Minimum Inhibitory Concentration
Test Organism
|
Zone of Inhibition in Test Sample |
|||
Sample: F1 |
||||
Concentration in mg |
||||
0.25 |
0.50 |
0.75 |
1.0 |
|
Staphylococcus. aureus |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
Detection of Minimum Inhibitory Concentration
Test Organism |
Zone of Inhibition in Test Sample |
|||||||
Sample: F2 |
||||||||
Concentration in mg |
||||||||
Staphylococcus. aureus |
0.25 |
0.50 |
0.75 |
1.0 |
1.25 |
1.50 |
1.75 |
2.0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
Summary
The study aimed to create a poly herbal hair mask using herbs with anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant properties. The mask was made using various plant parts, including bael fuit, bael leaves, fenugreek, tulsi, neem leaves, curry leaves, aloevera, flax seed gel, coconut oil, caster oil, hibiscus flower, reetha, amla powder, vitamin E, and sodium benzoate. The mask was evaluated for pH, washability, spreadability, homogeneity, viscosity, patch test, loss on drying, stability test, organoleptic evaluation, phytochemical evaluation, and microbial assay. The results showed the mask was safer, more effective, and reasonably priced.
CONCLUSION
The study demonstrates the effectiveness of several plant-based medications in the development of hair care products. Since cosmetics made from herbs are well-known for their non-toxic properties , this poly herbal hair mask nourishes the scalp's skin while treating dandruff. Regular use of a formulated hair mask, which also adds shine to the hair, has proven to be a more effective therapy for dandruff, which is caused by excessive oily scalp and poor hygiene. Worldwide, the usage of herbal medicines is emerging. Since, in contrast to synthetic products, it is harmless and has fewer adverse effects. The evaluation study assures the anti-dandruff hair mask shelf life in the formulated product. An organoleptic study was performed in order to determine the color, texture, apperance , and odour. To determine the pH, washability, spreadability, homogeneity, patch test, cleansing, loss on drying, and viscosity. Physicochemical analysis was performed. Phytochemical evaluation was used to identify proteins, alkaloids, and carbohydrates. Stability test and microbial assay was evaluated.Microbial assay was carried out, it showed the significant outcomes. In comparison of F1 and F2 formulations, good zone of inhibition was obtained in F2.The developed formulation has strong antibacterial properties against Staphylococcus aureus. This study shown that a formulated poly herbal anti-dandruff hair mask formulation is safe and suitable to use as a cosmeceutical.
REFERENCES
Nagashree D.*, Karthika M. R., Lakshmi C. K., Rikynti Rymbai, M. D. Riyaz, Formulation And Evaluation of Antioxidant Rich Semisolid Poly Herbal Hair Mask for Dandruff, Int. J. of Pharm. Sci., 2025, Vol 3, Issue 1, 1354-1365. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14677870