Formulation and Evaluation of Polyherbal Shampoo

Herbal shampoos are gaining great attention as natural substitutes for synthetic shampoos because of their low risk of adverse effects, safety and compatibility. Medicinal plants such as Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), Reetha (Sapindus mukorossi), Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) and Nagarmotha (Cyperus scariosus) can be used to produce hair care products having cleaning, antioxidant, hair strengthening and hair growth promoting properties. The present work was aimed to formulate polyherbal shampoo with some herbal extracts and to evaluate its effectiveness and physicochemical properties. The chosen plant sources were extracted with water for herbal extracts. The shampoo formulation contained extracts of Reetha, Fenugreek and Nagarmotha along with suitable excipients like orange peel as anti-oiling agent, cinnamon as preservative, jasmine oil as fragrance and HPMC as a gelling agent. The formulation was evaluated for organoleptic properties, pH, percentage of solid content, foam volume, foam stability, surface tension and dirt dispersion by standard evaluation methods. The shampoo has a nice smell and is brown and transparent. It had 25% solids, a pH of 7.0, a surface tension of 33.50 dynes/cm and dense foam with a 40 ml foam volume. The formulation is characterised by high foam stability, good physico-chemical properties, effective dispersion of dirt and satisfactory washing capacity. The physicochemical and performance characteristics of polyherbal shampoo were satisfactory and it can be used as safe and effective herbal hair cleanser. Further study of its stability, antibacterial activity and long-term safety are suggested to support its potential commercialisation.