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1 Al-Azhar College of Pharmacy, Thodupuzha, Kerala
2,3,4,5 Department of Pharmaceutics, Karuna College of Pharmacy
Dandruff is a frequently occurring scalp condition associated with microbial colonization, excessive desquamation, and irritation. The present work focuses on the development of a polyherbal topical gel incorporating leaf extracts of Psidium guajava and Wrightia tinctoria, selected for their documented antimicrobial potential. Gel formulations were prepared using Carbopol 934 as the base polymer along with suitable excipients. Three formulations (F1–F3) were designed by varying the concentration of herbal extracts. The prepared gels were evaluated for physicochemical parameters such as pH, viscosity, spreadability, and homogeneity, along with antimicrobial efficacy against selected microbial strains. All formulations exhibited acceptable characteristics for topical application. Among them, formulation F3 demonstrated comparatively better consistency, spreadability, and antimicrobial performance. The findings suggest that the developed formulation possesses potential as a plant-based alternative for dandruff management.
The demand for plant-based formulations in pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications has increased considerably due to concerns regarding the long-term safety of synthetic compounds. Herbal ingredients are increasingly preferred because of their biological compatibility and lower incidence of adverse effects.
Dandruff is a multifactorial scalp disorder characterized by abnormal shedding of corneocytes, often accompanied by itching and irritation. The condition is influenced by microbial activity, particularly lipophilic fungi such as Malassezia species, along with physiological factors including sebum production and scalp sensitivity. Although several medicated products are available, their prolonged use may result in irritation or reduced effectiveness, necessitating the exploration of alternative approaches.
Polyherbal formulations offer therapeutic advantages by combining multiple plant constituents that act through different mechanisms. Such combinations may enhance overall efficacy while minimizing the risk of side effects. Medicinal plants have long been utilized in traditional systems for the treatment of skin and scalp disorders, making them suitable candidates for formulation development.
Psidium guajava leaves are rich in bioactive compounds such as flavonoids and tannins, contributing to their antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. Wrightia tinctoria is another medicinal plant recognized for its role in managing dermatological conditions due to its antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties. The combined use of these plants may result in improved therapeutic outcomes.
Topical gels are widely used due to their ease of application, non-greasy nature, and patient acceptability. Carbopol-based systems are particularly advantageous due to their ability to form stable and transparent gels with desirable rheological properties.
This study was undertaken to formulate and evaluate a polyherbal anti-dandruff hair gel using selected plant extracts, with the objective of developing a safe and effective topical preparation.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
PLANT COLLECTION AND AUTHENTICATION
Fresh plants of Psidium guajava was collected from Tavanur, Malappuram, Kerala. and Wrightia tinctoria was collected from Aloor, Palakkad, Kerala, were collected, authentication and certified by Sree Neelakanta Govt. Sanskrit College, Pattambi, Palakkad, Kerala-679306
DRYING:
The collected leaves of Psidium guajava L. and Wrightia tinctoria were washed to remove the dust particles, dried under shade for 3-7 days. The dried leaves were grinding to coarse powder and stored in a tightly closed plastic container.
PREPARATION OF PLANT EXTRACTS:
Extraction of Psidium guajava L. Leaves Using Distilled Water as A Solvent. Guava leaves were extracted using water as a solvent. The extraction was carried out using heating water bath and beaker of 1000 ml. Leaves were dried under shade and dried powder of leaves was used for extraction sample of 12.5g guava leaves in 250ml distilled water was boiled for 30 min at 50-55°C. The sample was then filtered.
Wrightia tinctoria leaf extraction
The fresh leaf material of Wrightia tinctoria collected were washed thoroughly with running tap water and air dried under shade. After complete shade drying the plant material was grinded and the powder was kept in small plastic bags with paper labelling. The grinded leaf of 20 gm crushed in 100 ml of sterile water, boiled at 50-60 °C for 30 minutes in water bath and it was filtered through Whatman No.1 filter paper
PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING
|
SR. NO |
TEST |
PROCEDURE |
OBSERVATION |
|
DETECTION OF ALKALOIDS |
|||
|
1 |
Mayer’s test |
Aqueous extract was mixed with 2 ml of 1% HCl + heated + 1-2 drops of Mayer’s reagent. |
Turbidity of the resulting precipitate. |
|
2 |
Hager’s test |
Aqueous extract was mixed with 2 ml of 1% HCl + heated + 1-2 drops of Hager’s reagent |
Turbidity of the resulting precipitate. |
|
3 |
Wagner’s test |
Aqueous extract was mixed with 2 ml of 1% HCl + heated + 1-2 drops of Wagner’s reagents |
Turbidity of the resulting precipitate. |
|
DETECTION OF PHENOLS AND TANNINS |
|||
|
4 |
Phenol and Tannins test |
Aqueous extract was mixed with 2 ml of 2% solution of ?????????????3 |
Blue-black coloration. |
|
DETECTION OF FLAVONOIDS |
|||
|
7 |
Flavonoids test |
Aqueous extract was mixed with 2 drops of 10% NaOH reagent. |
Formation of red color |
PREPARATION OF HERBAL HAIR GEL:
Accurately weighed carbopol 934 was taken in a beaker and dispersed in 38ml distilled water.
Kept the beaker aside to swell the carbopol 934 for half an hour then stirring should be done using magnetic stirrer at 1200 rpm for 30 minutes.
Into the beaker 5ml propylene glycol and 1g methyl paraben were taken and stirred.
Add glycerine to the above mixture.
After all carbopol 934 dispersed, varying concentration of leaves extracts were added with constant stirring.
1-2 drops of rose oil was added
Triethanolamine was added dropwise to the formulation for adjustment of required pH and to obtain gel at required consistency.
FORMULATION OF HERBAL HAIR GEL:
In this study we prepared three formulations from different concentrations of herbal ingredients.
|
INGREDIENTS |
FORMULATION 1 |
FORMULATION 2 |
FORMULATION 3 |
|
Psidium guajava L. leaf extract |
1ml |
2ml |
3ml |
|
Wrightia tinctoria leaf extract |
3ml |
2ml |
1ml |
|
Carbopol 934 |
1gm |
1gm |
1gm |
|
Propylene glycol |
5ml |
5ml |
5ml |
|
Methyl paraben |
1gm |
1gm |
1gm |
|
Triethanolamine |
1-2 drops |
1-2 drops |
1-2 drops |
|
Glycerine |
2ml |
2ml |
2ml |
|
Rose oil |
1 drop |
1 drop |
1 drop |
|
Water |
38ml |
38ml |
38ml |
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING OF Psidium guajava L. LEAF EXTRACT
|
Phytochemical Test |
Presence (+) Or Abscent (-) |
|
ALKALOIDS |
+ |
|
PHENOL |
+ |
|
SAPONIN |
+ |
|
TRITERPENOIDS |
+ |
PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING OF Wrightia tinctoria LEAF EXTRACT
|
Phytochemical Test |
Presence (+) Or Abscent (-) |
|
ALKALOID |
+ |
|
PHENOL AND TANNINS |
+ |
|
TRITERPENOIDS |
+ |
|
FLAVONOIDS |
+ |
EVALUATION TEST FOR HAIR GEL
Physical appearance:
|
PARAMETERS |
F1 |
F2 |
F3 |
|
COLOUR |
Brown |
Amber |
Golden-brown |
|
ODOUR |
Rose oil fragrance |
Rose oil fragrance |
Rose oil fragrance |
|
TEXTURE |
Thich and smooth |
Thick and smooth |
Thick and smooth |
|
HOMOGENEITY |
Homogenous |
Homogenous |
Homogenous |
Viscosity:
|
Hair gel |
F1 |
F2 |
F3 |
|
VISCOSITY (cPs) |
1057 |
1184 |
1181 |
pH:
|
Hair gel |
F1 |
F2 |
F3 |
|
Trail 1 |
6.8 |
6.82 |
6.89 |
|
Trail 2 |
6.87 |
6.8 |
6.88 |
|
Trail 3 |
6.86 |
6.83 |
6.88 |
|
Average |
6.84 |
6.81 |
6.88 |
Spreadability
Spreadability test was done to ensure the spreadability, the formulated hair gel was found to be easily spreadable.
|
Hair gel |
F1 |
F2 |
F3 |
|
Spreadability (gcm/sec) |
22 |
20 |
25 |
Washability
|
Hair gel |
F1 |
F2 |
F3 |
|
Washability |
Easily washable |
Easily washable |
Easily washable |
ANTIBACTERIAL STUDY BY WELL PLATE METHOD
|
SR NO |
SAMPLE |
ZONE OF INHIBITION (mm) |
|
Staphylococcus aureus |
||
|
1 |
F1 |
27 |
|
2 |
F2 |
21 |
|
3 |
F3 |
28 |
|
4 |
Standard (Doxycycline) |
30 |
ANTIFUNGAL STUDY BY POTATO DEXTROSE AGAR PLATE METHOD
|
SR. NO |
SAMPLE |
ZONE OF INHIBITION (mm) |
|
Candida albicans |
||
|
1 |
F1 |
26 |
|
2 |
F2 |
19 |
|
3 |
F3 |
29 |
|
4 |
Standard (Clotrimazole) |
30 |
DISCUSSION
The study formulated and evaluated a polyherbal anti-dandruff gel using Psidium guajava L. and Wrightia tinctoria leaf extracts, assessing its phytochemical composition, physical properties, rheology, and antimicrobial efficacy.
Phytochemical Analysis
Phytochemical screening confirmed alkaloids, phenols, flavonoids, tannins, and terpenoids in Psidium guajava L. and Wrightia tinctoria extracts, enhancing the gel’s antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties for dandruff treatment.
Physical and Rheological Properties
The prepared formulations F1, F2, and F3 were observed to have a brown, amber, golden-brown colour, all formulations had a pleasant rose oil fragrance, and a smooth, thick texture. The homogeneous nature of the gel ensures uniform distribution of active ingredients.
Antimicrobial Activity
The antimicrobial study demonstrated the gel’s effectiveness against Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans, two common microorganisms associated with dandruff.
The zone of inhibition for Staphylococcus aureus was highest in F3 (28 mm), followed by F1 (27 mm), and F2 (21 mm), showing strong antibacterial activity.
The zone of inhibition for Candida albicans was highest in F3 (29 mm), followed by F1 (26 mm), and F2 (19 mm), confirming antifungal potential. The antimicrobial efficacy was comparable to standard drugs (Doxycycline for bacteria and Clotrimazole for fungi, both showing 30 mm inhibition).
SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION
The result of this study confirms that a polyherbal anti-dandruff hair gel formulated with Psidium guajava. L and Wrightia tinctoria exhibits promising antifungal and antibacterial activity, making it an effective alternative to synthetic anti-dandruff treatments. The optimized formulation (F3) showed better spreadability, stability, and overall efficiency in combating dandruff-causing microorganisms while maintaining desirable cosmetic properties.
The study supports the potential use of herbal ingredients in pharmaceutical and cosmetic formulations, promoting safer and more sustainable hair care solutions. Further clinical evaluations and long-term stability studies are recommended to enhance the product’s commercial viability and ensure broader consumer safety.
REFERENCES
K. M. Ramesh Moorthy, Afeefa C. P,Arathy, Fidha Fahana, Lubnath, Shifa Nasreen, Development and Evaluation of a Polyherbal Anti-Dandruff Hair Gel Using Psidium guajava and Wrightia tinctoria, Int. J. of Pharm. Sci., 2026, Vol 4, Issue 4, 4150-4157. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19742798
10.5281/zenodo.19742798