Formulation and antimicrobial evaluation of polyherbal anti-dandruff shampoo along with pharmaceutical analysis

Abstract:

Back ground and objective: The study was envisaged to design and develop a poly herbal shampoo along with its microbial analysis and standardization. In this study some Unani potent antidandruff drugs have been selected for preparation of shampoo. These herbs have antifungal, antimicrobial, radio protective, ant oxidative, anti-greying, anti-lice properties mentioned in classical literature as well as substantiated by recent studies. These herbs also promote healthy hair growth and exhibit soothing effects on scalp and hairs.

Material and method: Three different batches (F1, F2, and F3) of the shampoo were prepared by using aqueous extract of medicinal herbs. Among these batches, on the basis of the results of post formulation studies batch F1 was found most suitable and subjected for further evaluation. For quality assurance, physico-chemical tests i.e. pH, determination of solid residue, wetting time of shampoo, detergency evaluation, surface tension, viscosity, foam volume and stability, dirt dispersion, thermal and mechanical stability were carried out. Further, the optimized batch of the shampoo was also evaluated for its antimicrobial activity especially against fungus Malassezia furfur and accelerated stability studies.

Observation and result: The findings of physico-chemical studies and quality parameters of selected batch F1 were in accordance with the prescribed limits. The shampoo exhibited significant antimicrobial activity against different gram positive and gram negative bacterial strains. More over it also demonstrated antifungal activity against Malassezia furfur, which is one of the main causative organisms for producing scalp dandruff. Further, no significant changes were observed in physico-chemical properties of tested shampoo during the accelerated stability studies and the shelf life was predicted as at least of 02 years.