FORMULATION OF A NATURAL ANTI-DANDRUFF SHAMPOO FROM MEDICINAL PLANTS

This study focuses on the formulation and evaluation of a natural anti-dandruff shampoo using extracts from Laurus nobilis (bay leaf) and Ocimum gratissimum (scent leaf). Fresh leaves of both plants were collected, washed, air-dried, and extracted using ethanol. Phytochemical screening of the extracts revealed the presence of bioactive compounds such as Tannins, Flavonoids, Alkaloids, Saponins, and Phlobatannin, Terpenoid, Carbohydrate, Cardiac glycoside, Steroid, Phenol, Anthraquinone ranging from 0.987-21.366 for Scent leaf and 0.694-14.649 for bay leaf known for their antimicrobial and antifungal properties. The formulated herbal shampoo was prepared by blending the extracts with suitable natural base ingredients and was evaluated for organoleptic properties, antimicrobial activity, microbial safety, and washing performance. The antimicrobial test, conducted against Staphylococcus aureus and yeast species using the agar well diffusion method, showed no visible zone of inhibition, indicating minimal inhibitory effect under the test conditions. Nevertheless, the product exhibited acceptable organoleptic qualities in color, odor, texture, and appearance, with good washing and foaming characteristics. Microbial analysis of Mean APC(CFU/g) of 2.2× 10² and mean fungal count(CFU/g) of 4.3 × 10², indicates that the formulated shampoo meets the WHO microbiological safety requirements showing microbial level within the acceptable limits and absence of harmful contaminants. Further optimization of the extract concentration and formulation process is recommended to improve its antimicrobial efficiency.