Sustainable Use of Traditional Plant Extracts for the Formulation of Herbal Shampoos

Abstract

Skin and hair care products described with natural bioactive compounds have been considered as a better alternative to synthetic ones. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a natural shampoo using traditional plant extracts. With an emphasis on safety and efficacy, its physicochemical properties were evaluated and compared with the marketed shampoo. Each plant material was ground and extracted using 70% hydro-alcoholic solvent for 5-7 days. Shampoo formulation was prepared using sprouted fenugreek seeds extract and pea fruit extract as key ingredient along with other natural ingredients including: reetha, amla, marigold, orange peel, castor oil, glycerine and distilled water. The physicochemical parameters and antioxidant activity of both formulations were ascertained to ensure the safety and efficacy of the designed formulation. According to the present study, the developed shampoo (F1 & F2) was yellowish green and brown in color, had a good odor and optimum pH value of 5.32–5.96. The viscosity of F1 and F2 was found to be 2.3 to 2.08 poise; both formulations reduced the surface tension to 49.08 and 50.7dynes/cm respectively. While the solid content of F1 & F2 shampoos was found to be 20.57 and -21.87%. The developed shampoo (F1 & F2) exhibited significant antioxidant activity with IC 50 values of 53.46 (F1) & 69.4 µ/ml (F2), respectively. The findings of this study demonstrated that shampoo formulations were found to have functionality comparable to physicochemical features of marketed shampoo. However, further studies are necessary to validate the performance and quality of the shampoo. Keywords: herbal shampoo, shampoo formulation, traditional plant extracts. https://doi.org/10.55463/issn.1674-2974.50.4.14