Abstract

HERBAL OIL: FORMULATION & EVALUATION

Areej Siddiqui*, Shreya Sanjay Thopate, Rutuja Santosh Tekawade

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Abstract

Soft, glossy, lustrous and bristling hair not only add to beauty but moreover is an indicator of wellbeing. Self-grooming is necessary to reflect a good impact of one’s personality for which everyone is involved by utilising various cosmetics. Currently hair predicaments affect both men and women alike which may be due to genes, stress, hormonal fluctuation, chemical exposure, improper diet, pollution, irregular hair care, stress, anxiety etc. Since ages medicinal and aromatic herbs have been utilised by humans as an essential haircare remedy. Apart from being used as medicament herbs are nowadays also contributing in formulating cosmetic preparations. Reportedly herbs have multiple phytoconstituents that provide numerous benefits to skin, hair, nails, teeth, eye etc when incorporated in cosmetic preparations. In our current study we formulated a polyherbal hair oil, utilising the herbs reportedly contributing towards wellness and overall hygiene of hair. We incorporated Til oil, Coconut oil, Nagarmotha, Amla and Hibiscus powder. Herbal aqueous extract by mixing all powders was prepared and incorporated with the oil base. Formulation was assessed by experimental paradigms including- organoleptic and physicochemical evaluation, phytochemical screening of extracts, stability testing and evaluation of antimicrobial activity. The zone of inhibition exhibited by formulation at 0.2ml concentration was found to be beneficial to provide optimised antimicrobial activity. The overall results of the formulation were adequate. It was concluded that amalgamation of herbal powders and oils was advantageous to prevail over hair problems.

Keywords: Hair, Herbal oil, Nut grass, Hibiscus, Til oil, antimicrobial activity.