Formulation and Evaluation of a Polyherbal Anti-Dandruff Shampoo Using Traditional Medicinal Plants

Shaikh Aklakh G. *, Vani Gauri N., Mundhe Vaishnavi B., Gavhane Gauri S., Thorat Pratiksha M., Lokhande Anuradha A., Kavitake Pradeep N.

Sojar College of Pharmacy, Khandvi, Dist. Solapur, MS. India 413401

*Correspondence: aklakshaikh1998@gmail.com

DOI: https://doi.org/10.71431/IJRPAS.2025.4509 

INTRODUCTION

Herbal shampoo is a hair cleaning product made from natural ingredients like herbs and plant extracts. It is used to remove dirt, oil, and dead skin from the scalp and hair without causing harm. People like herbal shampoos because they are safe, chemical-free, and do not cause side effects. They are also good for hair growth, shine, and strength.

     It is used on wet hair. You apply it, massage it into the scalp, and then rinse it off. It removes dirt and oil but keeps the natural oil (sebum) that protects your hair. [1]

  Types of Herbal Shampoo :

1. Powder shampoo

2. Solid (bar) shampoo

3. Liquid shampoo

4. Jelly shampoo

5. Spray shampoo

6. Anti-dandruff shampoo

7. Moisturizing shampoo

8. Conditioning shampoo

9. Baby shampoo

10. Two-layer shampoo

11. Medicated shampoo [2]

 Hair :

   Hair grows on most parts of our body except the palms, soles, lips, and private areas. It is      made from a hard protein called keratin. The part of the hair we see is dead and made of packed  cells.[3]

Fig. 1 Human hair

Parts of the Hair :

Hair Shaft: The visible part of the hair. Its shape decides if your hair is straight, wavy .                   

Hair Root: The part under the skin that helps hair grow.

Hair has three layers:

1. Cuticle – The outer layer that protects the hair

2. Cortex – The middle layer with hair color and strength

3. Medulla – The soft inner part (not in all hair)  (4)

Hair Color :

Hair gets its color from melanin. There are two types:

Eumelanin – Dark color

Pheomelanin – Light color

Hair color can change over time depending on how much melanin is present.[5]

Hair Growth Cycle :

1. Anagen: Growing phase

2. Catagen: Slowing down phase

3. Telogen: Resting phase

4. Exogen: Hair falls out and new hair starts growing [6]

Fig. 2 Stages of human hair growth

Common Hair Problems :

1. Dandruff: White flakes caused by dry or oily scalp                                    

            2. Hair Loss: Caused by stress, hormones, or harsh products            

3. Dry Hair: Due to lack of moisture or poor diet

4. Split Ends: Caused by heat and styling damage

5. Oily Hair: Too much oil (sebum) from the scalp                                             

6. Frizzy Hair, Limp Hair, Grey Hair, Heat and Color Damage [7]

 Dandruff Details :

Dandruff happens when the scalp sheds skin too fast. It can be dry or oily:

Dry Dandruff: Fine, white flakes

Oily Dandruff: Thick flakes with greasy scalp.[8]

Fig 3 Dandruff

Causes include:

Fungi (like Malassezia)

Bacteria

Dry scalp

Not washing hair often

Reaction to hair products

Sebum (natural oil) keeps the scalp moist. But too much oil can make hair dirty and

attract germs. Shampoo helps clean this oil and keeps the scalp healthy.

But too much shampooing or using harsh shampoos can cause dryness.[9]

Functions of Shampoo :

Cleans hair and scalp

Removes dirt and oil

Makes hair shiny and smooth

Should be easy to rinse

Should not cause irritation

Leaves a pleasant smell

Should produce enough foam [10]

Benefits of Herbal Shampoo :

1. Makes hair shiny and soft

2. Strengthens hair

3. Natural and chemical-free

4. Gentle on scalp

5. Keeps natural oil balance[11]

Key  Herbal Ingredients and Their Benefits :

1. Fenugreek: Rich in protein, makes hair strong, reduces dandruff, promotes growth

2. Amla: Has Vitamin C, helps grow thick hair, adds shine

3. Ritha (Soapnut): Natural cleanser, removes oil and dirt, adds shine

4. Bhringraj: Strengthens roots, reduces hair fall, helps in hair growth and prevents .           

5. Shikakai: Natural conditioner, promotes hair growth, prevents hair fall

6. Neem: Fights bacteria and fungus, reduces dandruff and itching, strengthens hair[12]

MERIAL AND  METHODS 

Procedure:

Formulation 1:-

Step 1: Preparation of Herbal Decoctions

1. Bhringraj Decoction: Weigh 10 g of Bhringraj powder. Boil in 50 ml of purified water for 10–15 minutes. Filter the decoction.
2. Hibiscus Decoction: Weigh 10 g of Hibiscus flower powder. Boil in 50 ml of water for 10–15 minutes. Filter.
3. Neem Decoction: Weigh 12 g of Neem leaves. Boil in 50 ml water for 10–15 minutes. Filter.
4. Ashwagandha Decoction: Boil 12 g of Ashwagandha root in 50 ml water. Filter after 15 minutes.
5. Amla Decoction: Boil 12 g of Amla powder in 50 ml water. Filter.
6. Shikakai Decoction: Boil 12 g of Shikakai in 50 ml water. Filter.
7. Fenugreek Decoction: Boil 6 g of fenugreek in 25 ml water. Filter after 10–15 minutes.
8. Guar Gum Gel: Mix 1 g of guar gum in 50 ml of water and boil for 4 minutes to form a gel. Cool and keep aside.

Step 2: Preparation of Reetha Extract

9. Mix 12 ml of Reetha liquid with 70% ethyl alcohol (quantity sufficient to dissolve and stabilize).

Step 3: Final Formulation

10. Combine all the filtered herbal decoctions into a single vessel and mix thoroughly.
11. Add the guar gum gel to the combined decoctions and stir until uniform consistency is achieved.
12. Slowly add Reetha extract with constant stirring.
13. Add Sodium Lauryl Sulphate gradually while stirring to ensure proper dispersion.
14. Add Sodium Benzoate as a preservative.
15. Mix thoroughly to ensure a homogeneous formulation.
16. Adjust the pH if necessary (ideal pH for shampoo is 5.5–6.5).
17. Transfer the final product to a labeled, sterile container.

Formulation 2: -

Step 1: Preparation of Herbal Extracts/Decoctions

1. Bhringraj Decoction: Boil 10 g in 50 ml purified water for 15 minutes. Filter.
2. Hibiscus Decoction: Boil 10 g in 50 ml water for 10–15 minutes. Filter.
3. Neem Decoction: Boil 10 g in 50 ml water for 15 minutes. Filter.
4. Ashwagandha Decoction: Boil 12 g in 50 ml water. Filter and cool.
5. Amla Decoction: Boil 12 g in 50 ml water until extract is obtained. Filter.
6. Shikakai Decoction: Boil 10 g in 50 ml water. Filter.
7. Fenugreek Decoction: Boil 6 g in 25 ml water. Filter.
8. Guar Gum Gel: Boil 1 g in 50 ml water for 4 minutes to form a viscous gel.

Step 2: Preparation of Reetha Extract

9. Mix 12 ml of Reetha extract with an appropriate amount of 70% ethyl alcohol to enhance solubility and preserve its saponin content.

Step 3: Formulation Process

10. Combine all the filtered decoctions in a clean container.
11. Add the guar gum gel into the herbal mixture with constant stirring to ensure uniformity.
12. Slowly mix in the Reetha extract.
13. Add Sodium Lauryl Sulphate gradually while stirring continuously to avoid clumping.
14. Add Sodium Benzoate as a preservative.
15. Stir the entire formulation until a homogeneous mixture is obtained.
16. Check and adjust the pH (ideal: 5.5–6.5).
17. Transfer into a sterile, labeled container.

Formulation 3: -

Step 1: Herbal Decoction Preparation

1. Bhringraj: Boil 10 g in 50 ml purified water for 15 minutes. Cool and filter.
2. Hibiscus: Boil 10 g in 50 ml water for 10–15 minutes. Filter the extract.
3. Neem: Boil 14 g in 50 ml water for 15 minutes. Filter through muslin cloth.
4. Ashwagandha: Boil 12 g in 50 ml water until extract is released. Filter.
5. Amla: Boil 12 g in 50 ml water until softened. Filter and retain the liquid.
6. Shikakai: Boil 14 g in 50 ml water until the extract is obtained. Filter.
7. Fenugreek: Boil 6 g in 25 ml water for 10 minutes. Filter.
8. Guar Gum: Boil 1 g in 50 ml water for exactly 4 minutes to form gel. Cool.

Step 2: Reetha Extract Preparation

9. Mix 12 ml of Reetha extract with a suitable volume of 70% ethanol. Stir well to preserve saponin content.

Step 3: Formulation Assembly

10. Combine all the filtered herbal extracts (from steps 1–8) in a sanitized container.
11. Slowly add the guar gum gel into the herbal mix while stirring continuously.
12. Incorporate the Reetha extract (step 9) into the blend.
13. Gradually add Sodium Lauryl Sulphate with stirring to avoid lumping.
14. Add Sodium Benzoate as a preservative and stir until dissolved.
15. Continue mixing until a homogenous, smooth formulation is obtained.
16. Check and adjust the pH to approximately 5.5–6.5.
17. Transfer the product into a clean, labeled container.[15]

Procedure :

Procedure:

1. Mixing of Plant Extracts:
   Accurately weigh and mix all the prepared herbal extracts (e.g., Bhringraj, Hibiscus, Neem, Ashwagandha, Reetha, Amla, Shikakai, Fenugreek) in their respective proportions in a clean and sterile beaker. Stir continuously to ensure homogenous mixing.
2. Addition of Guar Gum Solution:
   Add 10% guar gum solution gradually into the herbal extract mixture. Stir continuously for approximately 20 minutes to ensure proper thickening and uniform dispersion.
3. Addition of Functional Ingredients:
   Add the required quantities of:
• Citric Acid Solution (1%) – to maintain pH balance.
• Sodium Lauryl Sulphate – as a surfactant for cleansing and foaming.
• Sodium Benzoate – as a preservative to prevent microbial contamination.
  Stir the solution well after each addition.
4. pH Adjustment:
   Gradually add more of the 1% citric acid solution as needed, while monitoring with a pH meter or indicator paper, until the final pH of the shampoo is adjusted to around 5.5 to 6.5, which is ideal for hair and scalp.
5. Addition of Fragrance:
   Add a few drops of Rosemary essential oil to the mixture to impart a pleasant fragrance. Stir gently to mix thoroughly.
6. Packaging:
   Transfer the prepared herbal shampoo into clean, dry, and appropriately labeled containers. Seal tightly and store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.[16]

Table 1: Formulation table

RESULT AND DISCUSSION

Preformulation  study:

Table 2: Preformulation study

Dirt dispersion test:

Table 3: Dirt dispersion test

Fig 4 Dirt dispersion test

2 .Foam test :

  Foaming ability and foam stability  

1% shampoo (50ml) 250 ml graduated cylinder and shake 10 times

Fig 5. Foam test

Foam Index:

Table 4: Foam index

·         Foaming index = 1000/A

·         A = Volume of decoction having 1cm height

·         Foaming index = 1000/3 = 333        

3.Wetting time test:

•      1% v/v solution (100 ml water ,1ml shampoo)

•      Take canvas paper place it on petri plate containing shampoo solution and start stop watch instantly to count the wetting time. 

•      The wetting time = 73 sec

Fig 6 wetting test                  

Surface tension :

       R2 = (W2-W1) n1× R1 (W2-W1) n2

•      Weight of empty beaker (W1) =102.56 gm

•      No of drops (n1) =56 drops

•      Weight of beaker with water (W2) = 109.36 gm

•      No of drops of shampoo (n2) = 112 drops

•      Weigh of shampoo solution (W3) = 108.46 gm

•      R2 (109.36 – 102.56) 56×R1 (109.46 – 102.56) 112

•      4/2025 UV successful lambda max = 295 nm    

Fig 7. Surface tension

 % Solid content tests:

1. Weight of empty evaporating dish (A): 138.12
2. Weight of evaporating dish after evaporating (B): 142
3. Weight of sample (B) – (A) = 142 – 138.12 = 3.88

Total solid content = 3.88

% Solid content = (B-A) /4 .100 = 142-138.12 /4.100 = 24.25

UV – Spectroscopy:

Table 5: Standard calibration curve of Neem powder

Fig 8. Standard calibration curve of Neem powder

CONCLUSION

         The present study successfully formulated an herbal anti-dandruff shampoo using natural plant extracts known for their antifungal, antibacterial properties. The formulation exhibited acceptable physicochemical characteristics, including appropriate pH, viscosity, foam stability, and cleansing action, comparable to commercial standards.  Moreover, the shampoo showed no signs of irritation or adverse reactions in preliminary safety evaluations.

Overall, the herbal anti-dandruff shampoo proved to be a promising natural alternative to synthetic formulations, offering therapeutic benefits with reduced risk of side effects. Further clinical studies and long-term usage trials are recommended to validate its efficacy and consumer acceptability on a larger scale.

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