Preparation & Assessment of Poly-Herbal Anti-Dandruff Formulation

An Insight into the Dermatological Applications of Neem: A Review on Traditional and Modern Aspect

BACKGROUND

Dermatological disorders are cutaneous infirmities which are frequently occurring and increasing at an alarming rate. These range from mild itching/redness (dermatitis) to fatal skin cancers and has posed a major health concern. Azadirachta indica A. Juss (commonly known as neem), a member of Meliaceae family, is an Indian medicinal plant which has been known for its health promoting effects since ancient times.

OBJECTIVE

The review highlights the traditional practices, pharmacological aspects, and formulatory approach of neem for the treatment of dermatological disorders. Further, recent patents and novel delivery systems (developed and in pipeline) improving skin delivery and therapeutic profile of neem are discussed.

RESULTS

Neem is a traditional medicinal plant that has been employed for the prevention and treatment of numerous ailments covering systemic and topical disorders. Scientific studies have validated the traditional claims of neem and attributed these health benefits to the presence of more than 300 structurally diverse and complex compounds. It possesses anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, analgesic, antiviral, antifungal, immunomodulatory and antioxidant activities which substantiate its use as skin therapy. Various novel formulations and associated patents that improved the permeability of neem based products across skin could be found in literature.

CONCLUSION

Critical appraisal of available literature revealed that neem possesses anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antiseptic properties. Thus it has the potential to be developed as a single effective therapy for the management of multimodal skin disorders. Further, pharmaceutical tailoring of neem by implication of novel carriers could enhance its penetrability across skin.

Organoleptic and physicochemical properties of natural-based herbal shampoo formulations with Cyclea peltata as a key ingredient

BACKGROUND

Synthetic shampoos have toxic chemical agents like chemicals such as parabens and sodium lauryl sulfate which damage the hair. To combat this issue, the use of natural herbal shampoos, as opposed to synthetic shampoos, is becoming increasingly popular. One of the many medicinal plants present in Karnataka and Kerala is Cyclea peltata. This plant has long been known to assist in wound healing, allergy relief, and hair and scalp improvement, as well as serving as a coolant for hair applications.

OBJECTIVE

The key subject of this research was the preparation of plant extracts and fermentation of Cyclea peltata leaf extract with Lactobacillus plantarum, resulting in the formulation of an herbal shampoo.

METHOD

The leaf extract contained alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, phenolic acid, saponins, and proteins, according to previous research by this group. The fermented product showed the presence of lactic acid, which was a boon for shampoo base as it protects the hair from the sunlight and improves the texture and strength of hair fibers. Cyclea peltata was used as the main ingredient in herbal shampoo formulations, along with other herbal ingredients, and the formulated shampoo was characterized for its different organoleptic (Color, odor) and physicochemical properties (pH, solid content, wettability, emulsification, and foam stability) to find the best formulation.

RESULT

Formulation H2 showed better organoleptic and physicochemical properties and thus was chosen as the best formulation among the 11 formulations.

CONCLUSION

Formulation H2 is regarded as the best formulation based on the results of the physicochemical tests (Pleasant odor, pH 3.01, solid content of 5.75%, wettability of 1.68 s, and percentage emulsification of 68.75%).