Abstract

FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF HERBAL HAIR CONDITIONER USING FENUGREEK EXTRACT ALONE AND IN COMBINATION WITH EXTRACTS OF AMLA AND MINT

Deepthi Mathew*, Devika R., Jain Thomas, Juby Jose, Julie Jose, Kevin Stanley, Santhosh M. Mathews

ABSTRACT

Hair, being an integral part of the human body, requires proper care to maintain its health and appearance. Synthetic hair conditioners, while effective, may contain chemicals that can potentially harm both the hair and scalp over time. Therefore, there is a growing trend towards using natural ingredients in hair care products. Fenugreek, amla, and mint is renowned for their beneficial effects on hair health. Fenugreek is rich in proteins and vitamins that nourish the hair follicles, promoting growth and preventing hair loss. Amla, also known as Indian gooseberry, is packed with antioxidants and vitamin C, which strengthen the hair shaft and prevent premature greying. Mint has a refreshing effect on the scalp, stimulating circulation and promoting hair growth. By harnessing the natural properties of these ingredients, we aimed to develop herbal hair conditioners that not only condition the hair but also provide additional benefits such as improved scalp health and enhanced hair growth. In addition to their conditioning properties, the antibacterial activity of these herbal extracts adds another layer of benefit, especially for individuals prone to scalp infections or dandruff. Staphylococcus aureus is a bacterium known to cause various skin infections, including those related to hair follicles. It is a significant pathogen that can lead to conditions such as furunculosis, folliculitis, and carbuncles The evaluation of these herbal hair conditioners encompassed a comprehensive analysis of various parameters to ensure their effectiveness and safety. This included assessing their pH levels to maintain the scalp's natural balance, evaluating their ability to disperse dirt and impurities, measuring their moisturizing capability to prevent dryness and brittleness, examining their cleaning action for thorough hair cleansing, conducting stability tests to ensure product longevity, and testing their antibacterial activity against common scalp bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus. Overall, our study aimed to offer consumers a natural, effective, and safe alternative to synthetic hair conditioners, promoting not only beautiful hair but also overall scalp health.

Keywords: Hair; hair conditioner; Fenugreek; Amla; Mint; Anti-bacterial; Staphylococcus aureus.