Human Journals
Research Article
May 2024 Vol.:30, Issue:5
© All rights are reserved by Silpa G et al.
Formulation and Evaluation of Multipurpose Herbal Hair Cream
Keywords: Ixora coccinea, curry leaves, herbal hair cream,
scalp health, hair growth, natural ingredients.
ABSTRACT
Silpa G*, N L Gowrishankar, Arjun Shaju, Ayesha. P
Herbal hair care products have gained significant popularity
S, Fehmi Ashraf K V, Sneha R, Vinaya Vijayan
due to their potential benefits in promoting healthy hair growth
*Department of Pharmaceutics, Prime College of and preventing hair related problems. This abstract presents the
Pharmacy, Palakkad, India. formulation of novel herbal hair cream utilizing the extract of
Ixora coccinea and curry leaves. Ixora coccinea and curry
Submitted: 22 April 2024 leaves have long been recognized for their therapeutic
Accepted: 28 April 2024 properties, including their ability to nourish hair follicles,
Published: 30 May 2024 strengthen hair strands, and enhance health. In this study, the
extract of Ixora coccinea flower and curry leaves were
incorporated into a synergistic hair cream formulation. The
formulation process involved the extraction of active
constituents from Ixora coccinea flower and curry leaves using
appropriate solvent system. The obtained extract was then
ijppr.humanjournals.com standardized for key phytochemical compounds, such as
flavonoids, alkaloids, phenols, and terpenoids, through
qualitative analyses. These compounds are known to process
antioxidant, antimicrobial, and hair growth-stimulating
properties. Preliminary results demonstrated promising hair-
related benefits associated with the formulated herbal cream. It
exhibited considerable potential in promoting hair growth,
reducing hair loss, and improving overall scalp health.
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INTRODUCTION
The word ‘Cosmetic’ derived from a Greek word ‘kosmesticos’ that means to adorn. It is
referred as Products, are formulated, using various permissible cosmetic ingredients to form
the base in which one or more herbal ingredients are used to provide defined cosmetic
benefits only, shall be called as “Herbal Cosmetics.[1]
HAIR CREAM
Hair creams are used for protecting, styling, and refining the feel and look of hair. These
cosmetic products obtain their desired properties through their many different ingredients.
Hair creams are emulsion products providing nourishment and high gloss to hair. They may
also be O/W or W/O emulsions, which break down easily on application. Creams can simply
be oil in water emulsions with a 10-25% oil phase. The cream is a hybrid of the clear gel and
an oil treatment or the emulsion. It can be a polymer-stabilized cream or simply a dispersion
of oils, esters, or fatty products in a gelling matrix. The emulsion-stabilizing polymer
thickener and stabilizer can be shear thinning for easier distribution and a lighter feel on the
hands and the hair. The choice and concentration of esters, oils, silicones, fatty alcohols, or
waxes determines the final feel and look of the product after dry-down. The higher the
viscosity or melting point of the oils and waxes, the greasier the feel will be on the hair after
dry-down and perhaps during the wet application.
FUNCTIONS OF HAIR CREAM
• Promote hair growth.
• Hair cream provides nourishment to your hair.
• It gives medium hold to your hair and helps to get a wet look.
• It moisturizes the hair.
• Helps fight hair fall.
• Makes hair soft, shiny.
• Control hair damage.
• It improves the feel, texture and appearances and manageability of hair.
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• It helps to reduce friction between strands of hair to allow smoother brushing.
• MATERIALS AND METHOD
Plant Profile
Fig 1: Ixora coccinea
Taxonomical classification of Ixora Coccinea
Table 1: Taxonomical classification of Ixora Coccinea
Kingdom Plantea
Subkingdom Tracheobionta
Super division Spermatophyta
Division Magnoliophyta
Class Magnoliopsida
Subclass Asteridae
Order Rubiales
Family Rubiaceae
Genus Ixora
Species coccinea
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USES
• Promote hair growth.
• Prevent hair loss.
• Balance the scalp sebum production with reduces dandruff formation.
• To treat dysentery and tuberculosis. (12)
Fig 2: Curry Leaves
Taxonomical classification of curry leaves
Table 2: Taxonomical classification of curry leaves
Kingdom Plantae
Subkingdom Tracheodionta
Super division Spermatophyta
Division Magnoliophyta
Class Magnoliopsida
Subclass: Rosidae
Order: Sapindales
Family Rutaceae
Genus Murraya
Species koenigii
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USES
• Anti-Dandruff: Curry leaves when used regularly remove dead hair follicles, which is one
of the reasons behind dandruff.
• Prevent Premature greying.
• Stimulates Hair Growth.
• Rejuvenation of Hair Follicles.
• Strengthening of Hair Shafts.
• Prevents Hair Thinning.
METHODOLOGY
Preparation of extract of Ixora Coccinea
The Ixora flower was collected, cleaned and shade dried and grained into fine powder (sieve
no.22). The 20g of Ixora fine powdered plant material were weighed out and extracted by
using Maceration technique with 300ml of methanol and then loaded into maceration
chamber (after 72 hours) the product was filtered and evaporated.
Preparation of extract of Murraya koeinigii
The 20g of fresh curry leaves was collected, cleaned and chopped into small pieces. It was
extracted by decoction technique, mix fresh curry leaves with 100 ml distilled water in a
beaker. It boils for 20 minutes and then filtered and collected the extract.
PRELIMINARY PHYTOCHEMICAL TEST
1. Test for Carbohydrates
a) Fehling’s test
Mix Fehling’s A and Fehling’s B solution boil for 1 minute. Add extract boil for 5-10
minutes.
Appearance of orange red precipitates indicates presence of carbohydrates.
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b) Benedict’s test
Mix Benedict’s reagent and extracts heat in boiling water bath for 15 minutes. Solution
appears green yellow or red indicate presence of reducing sugar.
2. Test for Flavonoids
a) Alkaline test
Test solution treated with sodium hydroxide solution. Increasing in the in the intensity of
yellow color which become colorless on addition of dilute acid indicate presence of
flavonoids.
b) Ferric Chloride test
To the alcoholic solution of extract add few drops of neutral ferric chloride solution.
Appearance of green color indicates presence of flavonoids.
3. Test for Protein
a) Ninhydrin test
Test solution treated with Ninhydrin reagent and warms the solution. Appearance of blue
indicates the presence of protein.
b) Xanthoprotein test
Test solution treated with concentrated nitric acid and boiled. Appearance of yellow
precipitate indicates presence of protein.
4. Test for Glycosides
a) Keller killani test
The test solution with few drops of glacial acetic acid in 2 ml of ferric chloride and
concentrated sulphuric acid is added from the sides of test tube. Shows the separation
between two layers, lower layer shows reddish brown and upper layer turns bluish green
indicate the presence of glycosides.
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b) Legal test
Test solution when treated with pyridine (made alkaline by adding sodium nitroprusside
solution). Pink to red color indicate the presence of glycosides.
5. Test for Tannins
a) To the extract add 10% alcoholic ferric chloride. Black precipitate indicates presence of
tannin.
b) Lead acetate test
A few drops of Lead acetate were added to 5 ml of aqueous extract. Formation of yellow or
red color precipitate indicates the presence of tannins.
6. Test for Saponin
Salkowski reaction
A small quantity of the extract was mixed with 2 ml Chloroform and 2 ml concentrated
sulphuric acid, Shake it well. Chloroform layer appears red and acid layer shows greenish
yellow fluorescence.
FORMULATION OF HERBAL HAIR CREAM
Weigh the required amount of ingredients. Oil phase is prepared by melting beeswax on
China dish followed by the addition stearic acid, lanolin, cetyl alcohol, mint oil and almond
oil. Aqueous phase is prepared by dissolving extract of ixora and curry leaves on China dish
followed by the addition triethanolamine and water. Both phases maintained at 70⁰C. Later
oil phase was added to aqueous phase with constant stirring and required preservatives were
added and smooth cream was formed.
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Table 3: Formulation chart of Hair cream
SL NO. CONTENT QUANTITY
1 Curry Leaves Extract 2.5ml
2 Ixora Flower Extract 6.25ml
3 Stearic Acid 10g
4 Shea Butter 5g
5 Cetyl Alcohol 7.5g
6 Lanolin 2.5g
7 Olive Oil 2.5ml
8 Almond Oil 2.5ml
9 Methyl Paraben 0.005g
10 Propyl Paraben 0.025g
11 Triethanolamine 5g
12 Water Q.S
Packing of Cream:
The prepared cream was packed in a wide mouth bottle with air tight closure.
EVALUATION STUDIES
A. Organoleptic Properties of Hair Cream
Organoleptic properties such as color, odor, clarity and homogeneity of the herbal hair cream
were observed by visual inspection.
B. Determination Of pH
The pH meter was calibrated using standard buffer solution. About 0.5g of the cream was
weighed and dissolved 50.0 ml of distilled water and its pH was measured.
C. Viscosity
The viscosity of hair cream was measured using Brookfield viscometer,100 ml of the hair
cream was analyzed using spindle no.64 at 12 RPM.
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D. Spreadability
Spreadability of formulation was determined by measuring the spreading diameter of one
gram of sample between two horizontal glass plates. (10cm × 20cm) after one minute.
Spreadability denotes the extent of area to which the formulation spreads on application to
skin. The bioavailability efficiency of a formulation also depends on its spreading value.
Two glass slides of standard dimensions were taken. For this purpose, cream was applied in
between two glass slides and they were pressed together to obtain a film of uniform thickness
by placing 1000 gm weight for 5 minutes.
The spreadability (S) can be calculated using the formula
S = M.L/T
Where,
M = weight tied to upper slide
L = length to separate the slide
T = time taken to separate the slide
E. Stability study at room temperature
Optimized formulation kept in a tightly closed air tight container and stored at room
temperature for 3 months and observed for any visible changes in colour, odour and physical
state.
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RESULT AND DISCUSSION
A. PRE-FORMULATION STUDIES
Table no.4: Preliminary phytochemical screening
TEST IXORA FLOWER CURRY LEAVES
Carbohydrates
Felhings test + +
Benedicts test + +
Flavanoids
Alkaline test + +
Ferric Chloride + +
Protein
Ninhydrin test + +
Xanthoprotein test + +
Glycosides
Keller killani test - +
Legal test - +
Tannins
Lead acetate test + +
Saponnin
Salkowski test + +
Fig. no. 3: Chemical test
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B. FORMULATION OF HERBAL HAIR CREAM
Fig. no. 4: Hair Cream Formulation
EVALUATION STUDIES
A. Organoleptic properties of herbal hair cream
Result showed that the organoleptic properties of herbal hair cream.
Table no. 5: Organoleptic properties of herbal hair cream
SL.NO. ORGANOLEPTIC PROPERTIES INFERENCE
1. Colour Light pink
2. Odour Pleasant odour
3 Appearance Smooth texture
B. Determination of pH
PH of the hair cream was observed by using digital pH meter and the pH of the cream was
found to be 4.90 pH.
Fig 5: Determination of pH
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C. Viscosity Evaluation
Viscosity of the hair cream was done by using Brookfield viscometer at temperature 250C
using spindle No. 64 at 12 RPM. Viscosity of the hair cream was found to be 17600 CP.
Fig 6: Viscosity evaluation
D. Spreadability
Table no. 6: Spreadability of cream was observed.
SL.NO. Sample Length(cm) Time taken(s) Spreadability(gcm/s)
1 Cream 5 14 35.71
E. Stability study at room temperature
No visible changes in color, odor and physical state were observed upon 3-month storage at
room temperature. This indicates stability of the Optimized formulation at room temperature.
CONCLUSION
Herbal formulation for hair cream preparation contains various active constituents. The
combination of Ixora coccinea and curry leaves in herbal hair cream has shown promising
results in promoting hair health and addressing various hair-related issues. This formulation
contains different active constituent have:
▪ Anti-oxidant (Ixora coccinea and curry leaves)
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Ixora coccinea and curry leaves act as to nourish the scalp, strengthen hair follicles, and
improve overall hair shining. The cream provides deep conditioning, moisturizes the scalp,
and helps reduce dryness, dandruff, and itchiness. The antioxidants present in the herbal
ingredients protect the hair from oxidative stress, promoting healthier and more vibrant hair.
Hence combination contains extract and volatile oil for the preparation.
In present study aim at herbal formulation was prepared and various parameters are
evaluated. The herbal cream shown acidic pH, viscosity, and spredability. Overall, the herbal
hair cream enriches and holds great potential for those seeking natural solutions to hair care
practices, it can contribute to healthier, and stronger.
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