Preparation and Evaluation of Polyherbal Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Abstract

Dandruff is one of the most common scalp disorders affecting a large population worldwide. Although several synthetic anti-dandruff shampoos are available, their prolonged use may cause adverse effects such as scalp irritation, dryness, and hair damage. Herbal formulations offer a safer and more economical alternative due to their natural origin and reduced side effects. The present study was undertaken to formulate and evaluate a polyherbal anti-dandruff shampoo containing Acacia concinna, Azadirachta indica, Emblica officinalis, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, Sapindus mukorossi, and Aloe vera. The shampoo was prepared using herbal extracts and evaluated for various physicochemical and performance parameters including physical appearance, pH, percentage solid content, cleaning action, detergency ability, foam stability, microbial activity, and stability studies. The formulated shampoo exhibited a pleasant green appearance with good homogeneity and acceptable consistency. The pH of the formulation was found to be 5.8, which is compatible with scalp and hair physiology. The solid content was 24.11±0.03%, indicating good product quality and ease of application. The formulated shampoo demonstrated satisfactory cleaning ability (34±0.04%) and detergency power (67±0.72%), which were superior to the standard formulation. Foam stability studies revealed good foam retention throughout the test period, indicating desirable cleansing performance. Antimicrobial evaluation showed effective activity against dandruff-associated microorganisms including Malassezia furfur, Staphylococcus aureus, and Aspergillus niger. Stability studies confirmed that the formulation remained physically stable under the tested conditions. The results indicate that the developed polyherbal anti-dandruff shampoo possesses good cleansing properties, acceptable physicochemical characteristics, promising antimicrobial activity, and excellent stability. Therefore, the formulation may serve as a safe and effective herbal alternative for the management of dandruff and maintenance of healthy hair.