A Comprehensive Research on Herbal Anti- Dandruff Shampoo: Formulation, Mechanism, and Efficacy

Dandruff affects nearly 50% of the global population and is primarily caused by fungal infections (Malassezia species), excessive oil secretion, and scalp irritation. Synthetic antidandruff agents have limitations, including scalp dryness, irritation, and potential toxicity. Herbal ingredients like Reetha (Sapindus mukorossi), and Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis) are widely used for their anti-fungal, cleansing, and soothing effects. This study focuses on the formulation of an herbal anti-dandruff shampoo and its evaluation for effectiveness and safety. introduction to an anti-dandruff shampoo using ingredients like curry leaves, reetha, and shikakai,bela, alovera Gel, orange peel 

Dandruff is a common scalp disorder characterized by flakes of dead skin, itchiness, and redness. Conventional anti-dandruff shampoos often contain harsh chemicals like zinc pyrithione, ketoconazole, and selenium sulfide, which can strip the hair of its natural oils and cause irritation. In contrast, herbal ingredients like curry leaves, reetha, and shikakai have been traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to promote hair growth, reduce dandruff, and soothe an itchy scalp.[1]  

2.Key Ingredients

2.1.Curry Leaves (Murraya koenigii): Rich in antioxidants and flavonoids, curry leaves have been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties, making them effective against dandruff and other scalp infections [2]. 

2.Reetha (Sapindus mukorossi): A natural cleansing agent, reetha has been traditionally used to clean and nourish the hair. Its anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties help control dandruff and other scalp infections [3].

2.3. Shikakai (Acacia concinna): A herb rich in saponins, shikakai has been traditionally used to promote hair growth, reduce dandruff, and soothe an itchy scalp. Its antiinflammatory and anti-fungal properties make it an effective ingredient against dandruff [4].

2.4.Bael leaves (Aegle marmelos) :are valued in Ayurveda for their medicinal properties and can be used to promote hair growth and strength due to their nourishing and antiinflammatory qualities. Hair Strengthening and Growth: Bael leaves are traditionally used to strengthen hair roots and stimulate hair growth. Dandruff Reduction: Bael’s natural anti-fungal properties can help reduce dandruff by cleansing the scalp and removing debris and excess oils. Scalp Health: Bael’s anti-inflammatory properties can help calm an inflamed scalp, reducing itching and redness.Conditioning and Moisturizing: Bael pulp or leaf paste can be used as a natural conditioner to moisturize hair, making it softer and more manageable. [5]

2.5.Aloe vera gel: Aloe barbadensis miller, contains vitamins, enzymes, minerals, and amino acids that can strengthen hair, moisturize the scalp, and potentially promote hair growth by addressing conditions like seborrheic dermatitis. Aloe vera has been used for centuries to promote healthy hair and scalp. 

Properties 

1. Moisturizing: Aloe vera’s gel-like texture helps lock in moisture, leaving hair soft, smooth, and manageable.
2. Soothing: Aloe vera’s anti-inflammatory properties calm irritated scalps, reducing redness and itchiness.
3. Protective: Aloe vera’s antioxidants shield hair from environmental stressors, such as UV radiation and pollution.
4. Nourishing: Aloe vera is rich in vitamins A, C, and E, as well as minerals like calcium and potassium, which promote healthy hair growth.
5. pH Balancing: Aloe vera’s pH level is close to that of human hair, helping to balance and regulate the scalp’s natural pH.
6. Dandruff and itchiness reduction: Aloe vera’s antifungal and antibacterial properties help control dandruff and itchiness.
7. Hair growth promotion: Aloe vera’s nutrients and minerals promote healthy hair growth, improving hair density and strength.
8. Scalp cooling: Aloe vera’s cooling properties help reduce scalp irritation and inflammation.[6]

2.6. orange peel:

Orange Peel( Citrus sinensis)

Properties:

1. Antioxidant: Protects hair from damage caused by free radicals.
2. Anti-dandruff: Helps control dandruff and itchiness due to its antifungal and antibacterial properties.
3. Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammation and irritation on the scalp. Benefits for Hair:

1. Promotes Hair Growth: Stimulates hair growth by improving blood circulation to the scalp.
2. Reduces Dandruff: Helps control dandruff and itchiness.
3. Adds Shine: Adds shine and luster to hair due to its high vitamin C content.
4. Natural Conditioner: Moisturizes and conditions hair, leaving it soft and silky.[7]

 3.Mechanism of Action

The anti-dandruff action of herbal shampoo is attributed to:

1. Antifungal Activity – curry leaves, , orange  Peel inhibit Malassezia growth.
2. Scalp Cleansing – Reetha acts as a natural surfactant to remove oil and debris.
3. Anti-Inflammatory Effect – Aloe Vera and Hibiscus soothe the scalp.
4. Sebum Regulation – orange Peel reduces excessive oil production.[8]

4. Methods Of preparation 

4.1Selection of Herbal Ingredients

Based on their traditional use and scientific validation, the following ingredients were selected:  

4.2Weighing

Weighing: The quantitative determination of the mass of a substance or object, typically expressed in units of weight (e.g., grams, milligrams), using a calibrated weighing instrument (e.g., analytical balance, electronic balance), to ensure accuracy and precision in pharmaceutical measurements, calculations, and formulations.

4.3 Extraction 

The required herbal ingredients for shampoo formulation were extracted by decoction Process. Decoction is an extraction procedure that has been used especially for water soluble and Thermostable The required herbal ingredients for shampoo formulation were extracted by decoction  process.                                                                   
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4.4  Mixing 

Mixing: The process of combining two or more substances or ingredients in a specific ratio or proportion to produce a uniform mixture or blend, characterized by a consistent distribution of components, texture, and appearance, to achieve a desired pharmaceutical dosage form, product, or formulation.

4.5 Storage 

Storage: The act of placing and maintaining pharmaceutical substances, products, or materials in a controlled environment, such as a warehouse, cabinet, or container, to protect them from physical, chemical, or biological degradation, contamination, or damage, and to preserve their identity, quality, potency, and safety until they are used or dispensed.[9]

5.FORMULATION 

6.Evaluation Test for shampoo

6.1 Visual inspection 

A qualitative assessment of a pharmaceutical product, including its packaging and labeling, to detect any visible defects, irregularities, or contaminants, utilizing the unaidedhuman eye, to ensure compliance with established pharmacopeial  standards, cGMP guidelines, and regulatory requirements[10]

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6.2 .percent of solid content “The percentage of the weight of the dried residue to the weight of the original sample.” Measuring the weight of the dried sample (weight after removing all non-solid components) divided by the weight of the wet sample, then multiplied by 100Weighing a piece of dry, clean china, we added 4 ml of shampoo. The shampoo-filled dish Was weighed. It was computed how much shampoo exactly weighed. The shampoo-filled Porcelain dish was placed on the hot plate and left there until the liquid evaporated. After Drying, the weight was calculated [11]
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Fig 2 : percent of solid content                                                       

6.3 .foam ability and foam stability :

Foam stability can be measured by observing how long the foam persists or by measuring the amount of liquid that drains out of the foam over time. 

Why Foam Stability Matters:

1.Cleaning: Stable foam allows for longer contact time with the hair, potentially improving cleaning. 

2.Application: Foam can make it easier to apply shampoo to hair. 

3.Consumer Perception: Foam is often seen as a sign of a good, effective product. 

Foaming ability was evaluated using the cylinder shake method.3ml of shampoo was taken,

And 10ml of water was added to dilute it. Shake the cylinder vigorously in under a second

Twice, then leave it alone for 15 uninterrupted minutes. After shaking, the total volume of Foam content was measured. Only the foam volume was computed. The amount of foam Produced immediately after shaking was measured four times, every one minute. The foam Volume remained constant over the course of around 5 minutes, demonstrating that the Shampoo’s foam generation process produces foam that is both stable and exhibits higher Foam properties, possibly as a result of reetha. [12]