Formulation and evaluation of herbal hair oil for enhance hair growth activity

2.2       Preparation of Plant Materials

Fresh plant materials such as hibiscus flowers and leaves, neem leaves, curry leaves, aloe vera, onion, and rosemary were washed thoroughly with distilled water to remove dirt and contaminants. They were shade dried at room temperature for 7–10 days to preserve thermolabile phytoconstituents. Fenugreek seeds, black seeds, and dried amla were cleaned and dried properly. The dried plant materials were coarsely powdered using a mechanical grinder and stored in airtight containers until further use.

2.3       Selection of Oil Base

Coconut oil and castor oil were selected as base oils due to their excellent hair-penetrating, nourishing, and conditioning properties. Coconut oil facilitates deep penetration into the hair shaft, while castor oil improves hair thickness and strength. The oils were mixed in a suitable ratio (e.g., 3:1) to obtain an effective carrier system. (4)

3.         Method of Formulation of Herbal Hair Oil

3.1       Cloth Pouch Method Principle

The cloth pouch method is based on the controlled extraction of herbal constituents into the oil medium while preventing direct dispersion of plant residues in the final formulation. Finely powdered herbal drugs are enclosed in a muslin cloth pouch, which allows diffusion of active phytoconstituents into the oil during heating, while retaining insoluble plant materials.

Procedure

1.    The dried herbal ingredients—fenugreek seeds, black seeds, amla, hibiscus leaves and flowers, neem leaves, curry leaves, and rosemary—were coarsely powdered and mixed uniformly.

2.    The powdered mixture was placed in a clean muslin cloth and securely tied to form a pouch.

3.    Coconut oil and castor oil were mixed in a suitable ratio (e.g., 3:1) and transferred into a stainless-steel vessel.

4.    The herbal cloth pouch was immersed completely in the oil mixture.

 5.   The oil was heated on a water bath at a controlled temperature of 60–70°C for 3–4 hours with occasional stirring to ensure uniform heat distribution.

6.    Aloe vera gel and freshly prepared onion juice were added gradually during heating to facilitate extraction and nourishment.

7.    Heating was continued until complete removal of moisture, indicated by cessation of bubbling or frothing.

8.    The oil was allowed to cool, and the cloth pouch was removed and squeezed gently to recover the absorbed oil.

9.    Vitamin E capsule contents were added to the cooled oil as an antioxidant.

10.  The final oil was filtered if required, transferred to amber-colored bottles, and stored at room temperature.

Advantages of Cloth Pouch Method

•      Produces a clear oil with minimal suspended particles

•      Facilitates easy filtration and improved clarity

•      Reduces chances of microbial contamination

•      Suitable for large-scale preparation and improved shelf life. (5)

3.2       Direct Method Principle

The direct method involves direct mixing of powdered or fresh herbal materials into the oil base, allowing intimate contact between the plant material and oil, resulting in enhanced extraction of phytoconstituents. This method is simple, economical, and commonly used in traditional herbal preparations.

Procedure

1.    Accurately weighed quantities of powdered herbal ingredients—fenugreek seeds, black seeds, amla, hibiscus leaves and flowers, neem leaves, curry leaves, and rosemary—were taken directly into a clean stainless-steel container.

2.    Fresh aloe vera gel and onion juice were prepared separately and added to the herbal mixture.

3.    Coconut oil and castor oil were added in a suitable ratio to completely immerse the herbal materials.

4.    The mixture was heated on a water bath at 60–70°C for 2–3 hours with continuous stirring.

5.    Heating was continued until complete evaporation of moisture, confirmed by the absence of frothing.

6.    The mixture was allowed to cool and then filtered through muslin cloth followed by Whatman No.1 filter paper to remove herbal residues.

7.    Vitamin E capsule contents were added to the filtrate and mixed thoroughly.

8.    The formulated herbal hair oil was transferred into clean, airtight, amber-colored cotainers and stored at room temperature.

Advantages of Direct Method

•        Simple and economical method

•        Ensures strong extraction of active constituents

•        Suitable for small-scale and laboratory preparation

Limitations of Direct Method

•           Requires extensive filtration

•           Risk of suspended particles if not filtered properly

•           Slight turbidity may occur during storage (6)

4.         Organoleptic Evaluation

Organoleptic evaluation is a preliminary but essential quality assessment method used to evaluate the sensory characteristics of the formulated herbal hair oil. These parameters help in determining consumer acceptability, batch-to-batch consistency, and overall aesthetic quality of the formulation. The evaluation was carried out using visual inspection and sensory perception under standard laboratory conditions. (7)

5.         Physicochemical Evaluation

Physicochemical evaluation is an essential quality control step carried out to assess the purity, stability, and suitability of the formulated herbal hair oil for cosmetic application. These parameters provide information regarding the chemical integrity of the oil base, the effect of incorporated herbal constituents, and the overall stability of the formulation during storage. (8)

5.1       Determination of pH

The pH of the herbal hair oil was determined to ensure compatibility with scalp pH and to prevent irritation or dryness. A 10% v/v oil dispersion was prepared by mixing the formulation with distilled water. The pH was measured using a calibrated digital pH meter at room temperature. The electrode was immersed in the dispersion until a constant reading was obtained. The measured pH values were recorded in triplicate, and the average value was calculated. A pH range close to that of the scalp (approximately 4.5–6.5) was considered acceptable.

5.2       Viscosity Measurement

Viscosity is a critical parameter influencing the spreadability, penetration, and user acceptability of the herbal hair oil. The viscosity of the formulation was measured using a Brookfield viscometer at room temperature (25 ± 2°C). An appropriate spindle was selected, and the oil sample was placed in the sample container. The spindle was immersed up to the marked level, and readings were taken at a fixed rotational speed. Measurements were performed in triplicate, and the mean viscosity value was reported in centipoise (cP). (9,10)

5.3       Determination of Acid Value

The acid value indicates the amount of free fatty acids present in the oil and serves as a measure of hydrolytic rancidity. A known quantity of herbal hair oil was dissolved in a mixture of ethanol and ether. The solution was titrated against 0.1 N potassium hydroxide using phenolphthalein as an indicator until a faint pink color persisted. The acid value was calculated using the standard formula:

Acid value = (Volume of KOH × Normality × 56.1) / Weight of sample Lower acid values indicate better quality and stability of the oil. (11)

 5.4      Determination of Saponification Value

Saponification value provides information about the average molecular weight of fatty acids present in the oil. A known quantity of the herbal hair oil was refluxed with alcoholic potassium hydroxide for a specified time. The excess alkali was then titrated with standard hydrochloric acid using phenolphthalein as an indicator. The saponification value was calculated using standard equations and expressed as mg of KOH required to saponify one gram of oil. (12,13)

 5.5      Skin Irritation Test

The skin irritation test was conducted on healthy human volunteers or suitable animal models after obtaining ethical approval. The formulation was applied to a small area of skin and observed for redness, itching, or inflammation for 24–48 hours.

5.6       Stability Studies

The herbal hair oil was subjected to accelerated stability studies by storing samples at different temperatures (room temperature, 40°C ± 2°C, and refrigeration). Samples were evaluated periodically for changes in colour, odour, pH, viscosity, and phase separation. (14,15)

6.         Results

1.         The organic poly herbal hair oil is one of the well-recognized hair treatments. The oil not only moisturises scalp but also reverse the condition of dry scalp and dry hair conditions. The oil provides numerous essential nutrients required to maintain the normal function of sebaceous glands and promotes hair growth naturally. In this dissertation, two hair oils were enriched using various herbal extracts of amla, aloe, castor  oil, coconut oil, onion, curry leaves,fenugreek, hibiscus leaves and flowers, black seeds, neem and rosemary oil, vitamin E and evaluated so as to choose the best.

2.         Formulation (F1) was prepared using coconut oil, castor oil which is less viscous and has a burning point of 200 degree Celsius approximately, All the mentioned ingredients were bound to extraction and their active constituents were mixed with the oil. By the phytochemical evaluations performed, it is observed that all the phytochemical constituents have remained intact, except starch.

3.         Formulation (F2) was prepared using castossr oil purchased from local market. It is slightly viscous than pure coconut oil (F1). After performing phytochemical evaluations, it is observed that proteins, starch, flavonoids and triterpenoids were absent.

Various evaluation parameters like colour, odour, skin sensitivity, viscosity, pH, primary skin irritation, acid value, saponification value were performed on all the formulations.

Table 1 : Physical Evaluation of Herbal Hair oil