Formulation And Evaluation of Herbal Hair Serum Containing Embelia Ribes Seeds Extract

Hair is an important part of the body made of a protein called keratin, and it grows from small structures called hair follicles present in the skin. Each hair strand consists of three main layers: the cuticle (outer protective layer), cortex (middle layer responsible for strength and color), and medulla (inner core). The growth of hair occurs in a cyclic manner consisting of three phases: anagen (active growth phase), catagen (transitional phase), and telogen (resting phase). Proper functioning of this cycle is essential for maintaining healthy hair growth and density¹. Hair plays a vital role in protection, thermoregulation, and aesthetic appearance, and is often considered a reflection of an individual’s overall health. However, various internal and external factors such as hormonal imbalance, stress, pollution, microbial infections, and improper hair care practices. Among the most common scalp disorders are dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and fungal infections, which are primarily associated with microbial growth on the scalp. Conventional hair care products often contain synthetic chemicals that may cause adverse effects such as irritation, dryness, and long-term damage. Hence, there is an increasing demand for herbal cosmetic formulations that are safe, effective, and biocompatible^2,3.

Among various medicinal plants, Embelia ribes (Vidanga) is a well-known Ayurvedic herb traditionally used for its antimicrobial and therapeutic properties. The seeds of Embelia ribes are rich in plant-derived bioactive compounds such as alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, and phenolic compounds, along with the main active constituent embelin, a benzoquinone derivative responsible for its biological activities. These phytoconstituents exhibit multiple pharmacological effects including antimicrobial, antifungal, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities⁴. Scientific studies have demonstrated that Embelia ribes seed extract exhibits significant antifungal activity against various fungal strains, where in-vitro investigations have reported effective inhibition of fungal growth. Due to these properties, Embelia ribes seed extract is highly effective in managing scalp disorders such as dandruff and fungal infections, while also promoting a healthy scalp environment conducive to hair growth⁵.

In addition to Embelia ribes, the present formulation incorporates other herbal ingredients that enhance the therapeutic efficacy of the hair serum. Fenugreek seeds are rich in proteins, nicotinic acid, and lecithin, which help in strengthening hair, preventing hair fall, and combating dandruff. Studies have reported that fenugreek extracts possess antifungal and antidandruff activity, making them beneficial for scalp health. Flaxseed is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, lignans, and vitamin E, which nourish the scalp and promote hair growth. Aloe vera is widely used in hair care due to its moisturizing, soothing, and healing properties. Rose water acts as a natural conditioner and provides hydration to the scalp, helping to maintain pH balance and improve hair texture⁶.

Hair serum is a modern cosmetic dosage form that offers advantages such as non-greasy texture, easy application, enhanced spreadability, and better penetration of active ingredients compared to traditional oils. The combination of multiple herbal ingredients in a serum formulation can provide synergistic effects, improving overall efficacy in treating dandruff, reducing hair fall, and promoting hair growth. Therefore, the present study aims to formulate and evaluate a herbal hair serum containing Embelia ribes seed extract and assess its potential as a natural, safe, and effective hair care product.

Figure 1: Image of Embelia ribes seeds

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Rose Water : Rose water acts as a natural astringent that helps control excess scalp oil and may reduce dandruff. Its anti-inflammatory properties help soothe scalp irritation associated with conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. Additionally, it helps reduce frizz, enhances hair softness, and imparts a natural shine, making it a valuable ingredient in herbal hair serum formulations.

Sodium Benzoate : Sodium benzoate is a white, crystalline, water-soluble powder widely used as a preservative in cosmetic formulations. It helps prevent the growth of fungi, yeast, and some bacteria, thereby improving product stability and extending shelf life⁷.

Methodology :

Extraction of Embelia ribes Seeds

The dried seeds of Embelia ribes were cleaned to remove extraneous matter, shade-dried, and coarsely powdered using a mechanical grinder. The powdered material was passed through sieve No. 40 and stored in an airtight container until extraction. Approximately 100 g of the powdered seeds were transferred into a clean, airtight glass container and macerated with 70% ethanol in a drug-to-solvent ratio of 1:10 (w/v). The mixture was kept at room temperature (25 ± 2°C) for 72 h with intermittent shaking to facilitate the extraction of phytoconstituents. After completion of the extraction period, the mixture was filtered through Whatman No. 1 filter paper. The filtrates were allowed to evaporate naturally at room temperature until semisolid extract was obtained. The dried extract was transferred to an airtight amber-colored container, and stored at 4°C until further use in the formulation⁸.

 

 

Figure 2: Extraction by Maceration

Formulation of Herbal Hair Serum

Solution 1:-

Flaxseeds 10 g were heated with 100 mL of distilled water in a water bath until a clear gel was formed. The gel was filtered through muslin cloth and stirred using a magnetic stirrer to obtain a homogeneous consistency.

Solution 2 :-

Fenugreek seeds 2 g were boiled with 40 mL of distilled water for 5 minutes. The mixture was cooled and filtered to obtain a clear extract.

Solution 3:-

The required quantities of flaxseed gel and fenugreek extract were mixed according to the formulation. Embelia ribes seed extract was added with continuous stirring, followed by Aloe vera gel, sodium benzoate, and rose water. Finally, distilled water was added to make up the required volume, and the mixture was stirred until a uniform herbal hair serum was obtained^9,10.

Formulation Table :

                                                 

Table 2: Formulation Table

Ingredients	F1	F2	F3	F4
Embelia ribes Seeds Extract	3%	5%	3%	5%
Fenugreek seeds	5%	5%	10%	10%
Flaxseed gel	3ml	3ml	3ml	3ml
Aloe vera gel	4.5ml	4.5ml	4.5ml	4.5ml
Rose water	6ml	6ml	6ml	6ml
Sodium Benzoate	0.02	0.02	0.02	0.02
Distilled Water	Q.S.	Q.S.	Q.S.	Q.S.

 

 

Figure 3: Serum Formulation

6. Skin Irritation Test

The serum is applied to skin and kept for 2 hr to check any irritation and redness. After 2 hr no

irritation or redness was observed.

CONCLUSION

The present study focused on the formulation and evaluation of a herbal hair serum containing Embelia ribes seed extract. Four formulations F1–F4 were prepared and evaluated for their organoleptic characteristics, physicochemical properties, homogeneity, pH, viscosity, spreadability, skin irritation. All formulations exhibited acceptable colour, pleasant odour, smooth texture, suitable pH, good homogeneity. Among the four formulations, F4 was found to be the optimized formulation due to its excellent physicochemical properties, optimum pH and desirable viscosity. These findings suggest that the developed F4 herbal hair serum is a safe, stable, and effective formulation for maintaining scalp health and reducing dandruff.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Authors are thankful to D.S.T.S Mandal’s College of Pharmacy, Solapur, Maharashtra for providing necessary facilities.

Conflict Of Interest:

No conflict of interest.

REFERENCES

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