Volume 4, Issue 1, September October 2010; Article 008

ISSN 0976 044X

FORMULATION OF HERBAL SHAMPOOS FROM ASPARAGUS RACEMOSUS,

ACACIA CONCIN, SAPINDUS MUKOROSSI
Mali R. Rakesh1, Kumar Ashok2*, Singh Atul Kumar3, Talwar Amitabh4
1. Dept of Pharmaceutics, Himachal Institute of Pharmacy, Paonta Sahib Distt- Sirmour-173025 (HP) INDIA
2. Department of Biotechnology, Himachal Institute of Life Sciences, Paonta Sahib, Distt- Sirmour -73025 (HP) INDIA
3. Dept.of Biotechnology,H.N.B.G.U. (A CENTRAL UNIVERSITY), SRINAGAR GARHWAL (Uttarakhand)
4. Dept.of Microbiology, Himachal Institute of Life Sciences, Paonta Sahib-173025 (HP)

ABSTRACT
All shampoos are basically water and detergent mixtures. The main objective of this study was to eliminate harmful materials from
shampoo formulation and substitute them with a safe natural product. Formulators must play an active role in educating the
consumers about the potential harmful effects of synthetic detergents and other chemical additives present in shampoos. We had
taken three plants extract to formulate the herbal shampoo. The taken extracts of plant were Asparagus racemosus, Acacia concin,
0
Sapindus mukorossi. Defatted air-dried plants powders were extracted with methanol in soxhlet apparatus set at 60 C for 24 hours.
0
The solvent was evaporated at 50 C using rotary vacuum. The phytochemical screening was done to identify the natural phytochemical
in these three plant extracts. The identification of all phytochemicals was finished through TLC. To formulate a clear shampoo base,
definite amounts of saponin and salt were added to an aqueous solution containing extracts and juices along with glycerin (1%),
methyl paraben (0.05%) and EDTA (0.15%) etc. Formulation was prepared by slightly heating and adding the weighed quantity of
herbal ingredients extracts and juices. The pH of the Shampoo was adjusted to 5.5, to retain the acidic mantle of scalp. Synthetic
preservatives have sometimes been the cause of adverse effects among consumers. We had used the physico-chemical approach
toward preservation and by formulating a self preserving shampoo and it avoided this risk posed by chemical preservatives.
Keywords: Shampoo, formulation, consumer, plants extract, soxhlet apparatus, rotary vacuum, herbal ingredients, synthetic
preservatives.

INTRODUCTION
The challenge lies in selecting materials that can be
rationally justified as herbal and formulating them into
cosmetics whose functionality is comparable with their
synthetic counterparts. This is related to hair cleansing
and conditioning compositions and methods of making
and using thereof. More particularly, the invention relates
to hair cleansing and conditioning compositions that
incorporate herbal extracts. Herbal extracts are used for a
variety of reasons and are chosen based on their
particular properties. Shampoo shave primarily been
products aimed at cleansing the hair and scalp. Selected
ingredients of shampoo that have been popular with the
consumer are currently under attack because of potential
risks associated with their use. So to provide quality hair
care products with focus on purity, effectiveness and
safety with ethical method of manufacturing it was
planned to develop an herbal shampoo preparation.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
1.

Collection of Plant Materials

Plants powders of Asparagus racemosus, Acacia concin,

Sapindus mukorossi and Glycyrrsia glabera were collected
from herbal store of our Institute. The leaves and flowers
of Azadiraachta indic, Bassia malabarica and Hibiscus
rosasinesis plants are being collected from the herbal
garden. The leaves and flowers were dried at room

temperature under a well ventilated shade by distributing

them homogeneously. Communution were done by
grinding in a mixture and the material was passed
through sieve no. 40 to get a uniform powder.1
2.

Extraction Procedures

Using the soxhlet apparatus and petroleum ether as the

0
solvent, all plants powders were defatted at 45 C for 12
0
hours. The solvent was evaporated at 50 C using rotary
vacuum evaporator (Buchi type).
(a) Extraction of Glycyrrsia glabera, Azadiraachta
indica, Hibiscus rosasinesis and Bassia malabarica:
Defatted air-dried plants powders were extracted
0
with methanol in soxhlet apparatus set at 60 C for 24
0
hours. The solvent was evaporated at 50 C using
rotary vacuum evaporator to obtain a semisolid
0
extract and stored in a deep freezer at -18 C. The
total methanolic extract was suspended in 1:1 ratio
of water and methanol for a period of 6 hours on a
shaker. Methanol was evaporated at 700C using
rotary vacuum evaporator. This extract was air dried
for 12 hours at room temperature and then stored in
a deep freezer at -180C. The extract was then tested
for the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, and other
phytochemical constituents.2
(b) Extraction and Isolation of saponins from Asparagus
racemosus, Acacia concin and Sapindus mukorossi:
Defatted air-dried plants powders were extracted

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Volume 4, Issue 1, September October 2010; Article 008

0

with methanol in soxhlet apparatus set at 60 C for 24

hours. The solvent was evaporated at 500C using
rotary vacuum evaporator to obtain a semisolid
0
extract and stored in a deep freezer at -18 C. The
total methanolic extract was suspended in 1:1 ratio
of water and methanol for a period of 6 hours on a
shaker. Methanol was evaporated at 700C using
rotary vacuum evaporator. This extract was air dried
for 12 hours at room temperature.
Isolation of saponins was conducted in several
stages. First, defatted air-dried plants powders were
extracted with methanol in soxhlet apparatus set at
0
60 C for 24 hours, yielding a reddish crude extract.
This methanolic extract, after concentration, was
dissolved in a minimum amount of distilled water and
decant several times with n-butanol. In the final
stage, the total saponin present in butanolic extract
was precipitated using diethylether and then filtered.
The extract was then tested for the presence of
saponins.2
(c) Preparation of juices of Citrus reticulate, Emblica
officinalis, Aloe vera: Fruits of Orange, fruits of Amla
and leaves of Aloe vera were cut to small picas using
stainless steel knife. These picas were crushed in
electrical juicer. The collected juice strained with a
cloth and then filtered using a vacuum pump. The
filtered juice was concentrated (1 letter of juice to
250ml) using rotary vacuum evaporator.
3.

Tests for
Constituents
(a)
I.

II.

Identification

of

ISSN 0976 044X

V.

Lead acetate: A 25% basic lade acetate solution

is used for detection of flavonols.3

VI.

Mayers reagent: It is used for detection of

alkaloids. Dissolve 1.36g of mercuric chloride in
60 ml distilled water (A). Dissolve 5g of
potassium iodide in 20 ml distilled water (B). Mix
(A) and (B) and adjust the volume to 100 ml with
distilled water.3

VII.

Millons reagent: It is used for detecting agent of

protein. Dissolve 1g of mercury in 9 ml of fuming
nitric acid, keep the mixture well cooled during
the reaction. When action is complete, add equal
3
volume of distilled water.

VIII.

Molischs reagent: Dissolve 10g of alphanaphthol in 100 ml of 95% alcohol. It is used for
3
detection of carbohydrates.

IX.

Ninhydrin reagent: It is used for detection of

3
amino acid. Prepare 0.1% solution in n-butanol.

X.

Wageners reagent: It is used for detection of

alkaloids. Dissolve 1.27g of iodine and 2g of
potassium iodide in 5 ml of distilled water and
make up volume to 100 ml with distilled water.3

(b) General tests

constituents

III.

Ferric chloride (alcoholic): A 5% w/v solution of

ferric chloride in 90% alcohol and used for
3
detection of phenols.

IV.

Hagers reagent: A standard aqueous solution of

3
picric acid used for detection of alkaloids.

of chemical

Tests for alkaloids: stir a small portion of the

solvent free chloroform, alcoholic and water
extract separately with a few drops of dilute HCl
and filter. The filtrate may be tested carefully
with various alkaloidal reagents such as Mayers
reagent (cream precipitate), Dragendorffs
reagent (orange brown precipitate), Hagers
reagent (yellow precipitate), and Wageners
reagent (reddish brown precipitate).4

II.

Test for carbohydrates: Dissolve small amount

(200mg) of alcoholic and water extract
separately in 5 ml of distilled water and filter.
The filtrate may be tested carefully with Millons
reagent.4

III.

Millons test: To 2-3 ml water extract, add few

drops of alpha-naphthol solution in alcohol,
shake add conc. H2SO4 from sides of the test
tube. Violet ring is formed at the junction of two
liquids.4

IV.

Fehlings test: Mix 1 ml Fehlings A and 1 ml

Fehlings B solution, boil for 1 minute. Add equal
volume of test solution. Heat in boiling water
bath for 5-10 minutes. First a yellow, then brick
red precipitation is observed.4

V.

Tests for glycosides: Hydrolyse small portion of

the extract with dilute hydrochloric acid for a
few hours in water bath and subject the
hydrolysate to Liebermann- Burchards, Legals
4
and Borntragers test.

Reagents preparation

Fehlings solution: It is used for detection of

reducing sugars. Dissolve 34.66g of copper
sulphate in distilled water and make volume up
to 500 ml (solution-A). Dissolve 173g of
potassium sodium tartarate and 50g of sodium
hydroxide in distilled water and make volume up
to 500 ml (solution-B). Mix two solutions in equal
3
volume prior to use.

detection

I.

Phytochemical

Dragendorffs reagent: It is used for detection of

alkaloids. Boil 14g of sodium iodide with 5.2g
basic bismuth carbonate in 50 ml glacial acetic
acid for few minutes. Allow it to stand overnight
and filter of the precipitate of sodium acetate
crystals. To 40 ml of the red-brown filtrate add
160 ml of ethyl acetate and 1 ml water preserve
the stock solution in amber-colored bottle.
When needed add 20 ml of acetic acid to 10 ml
of this stock solution and make up to 100 ml with
3
water.

for

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Volume 4, Issue 1, September October 2010; Article 008

VI.

Liebermann- Burchards test: Mix 2 ml extract

with 2 ml chloroform. Add 2 ml acetic anhydride
and 2 drop conc. H2SO4 from the side of test
tube. First red, then blue and finally green color
4
appears.

VII.

Legals test: To aqueous or alcoholic extract, add

1 ml pyridine and 1 ml sodium nitroprusside.
Pink to red color appears.4

VIII.

Borntragers test: To 3 ml water extract, add dil.

H2SO4. Boil and filter. To cold filtrate, add equal
volume benzene or chloroform. Shake well.
Separate the organic solvent, add ammonia.
4
Ammoniacal layer turns pink or red.

IX.

Test for phenolic compounds and tannins: To 23 ml water extract or alcoholic extract, add few
drops of following reagent:

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4.

Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) was performed using

silica gel 60 F254 20 x 20 cm plates, layer thickness 250 m
(Merck KgaA, Darmstadt, Germany).
(a) TLC profile of Sapindus mukorossi saponins:
Precoated TLC plates were used. Extract was
dissolved in 2ml of n-butanol. About 1l volume of
sample solution was applied, and developed with a
ethyl acetate-methanol-water (81:11:8). Spots on
TLC
plates
were
developed
using
anisaldehyde/sulfuric acid spray reagent (465 ml of
ethanol, 5 ml of acetic acid, 13 ml of panisaldehyde, and 13ml of sulfuric acid mixed in
order), heated at 1100C for 10 minutes and
visualized under visible light to calculate Rf
5
values.
(b) TLC profile of Acacia concina and Asparagus
racemosus Saponins: Precoated TLC plates were
used. 10mg extract were dissolved in 2ml of nbutanol. About 1l volume of sample solution was
applied, and developed with a chloroformmethanol (80:20). Spots on TLC plates were
developed using anisaldehyde/sulfuric acid
spraying reagent (1:2), plates were heated at 1100C
for 10 minutes and visualized under visible and
light to calculate Rf values.6

a) 5% Fecl3 solution: deep blue black color.

b) Lead acetate solution: white ppt.
c) Gelatin solution: white ppt.
d) Bromine water: decoloration of bromine water.
e) Acetic acid solution: red color solution.
f) Potassium dichromate: red ppt.
g) Dil. iodine solution: transient red color.
h) 1 drop NH4OH, excess 10% AgNO3 solution. Heat
for 20 minutes boiling water bath. White ppt
observed then dark silver mirror deposits on wall
of test tube.4
X.

Tests for proteins and amino acids: To 2-3 ml

water extract or alcoholic extract, add few drops
of water and subject the solution to Millons
Biuret and Ninhydrin test.4

XI.

Millons Biuret test: Mix 2 ml extract with 5 ml

Millons reagent. White precipitation. warm
precipitation turns brick red or the precipitation
dissolve giving red color solution.4

XII.

Ninhydrin test: Heat 3 ml extract and 3 drops 5%

ninhydrin solution in boiling water bath 10
4
minutes. Purple or bluish color appears.

XIII.

Tests for saponins: Dilute 1 ml of water extract

or alcoholic extract separately with distilled
water to 20 ml and shake in a graduated cylinder
for 15 minutes. A one centimeter layer of foam
indicates saponins.4

XIV.

Hemolytic test: Add extract to one drop of blood

placed on glass slide. Hemolytic zone appears.4

Thin Layer Chromatography of Saponins

5.

Formulation of Herbal Shampoos

To formulate a clear shampoo base, definite amounts of

saponin and salt were added to an aqueous solution
containing extracts, and juices along with glycerin (1%),
methyl paraben (0.05%) and EDTA (0.15%) etc.
Formulation was prepared by slightly heating and adding
the weighed quantity of herbal ingredients (extracts and
juices).
The components and percentage of ingredients used
within the final formulations are listed in Table 1. Herbal
extracts were diluted with distilled water then glycerin,
EDTA, xanthan gum and methyl paraben were added
with steering. Juices were mix on mechanical shaker for
20 minutes. Extracts are mix with slow steering on a
magnetic stirrer. Then orange oil was added and mixed
with slow steering on a magnetic stirrer. Volume made
up to 100 ml with distilled water.7, 8
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
1.

Selection of Herbs and Plant Materials for

Formulation of Shampoos

The diversity of qualities demanded from a good

shampoo by todays consumer goes far beyond this
general function. Selected ingredients of shampoo that
have been popular with the consumer are currently under
attack because of potential risks associated with their
use. Reasons for selection of plants are given in Table 2.

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Volume 4, Issue 1, September October 2010; Article 008

ISSN 0976 044X

Table 1: Formulations of herbal shampoos

Compounds

F1 (%w/v)

F2 (%w/v)

F3 (%w/v)

20

Asparagus racemosus (extract)

20

Acacia concina (extract)

20

Azadiraachta indica (extract)

Hibiscus rosasinesis (extract)

Bassia malabarica (extract)

10

10

10

Glycyrrsia glabera (extract)

10

10

10

Emblica officinalis (juice)

10

10

10

Aloe vera (juice)

10

10

10

Citrus reticulate (juice)

10

10

10

Xanthan gum

Glycerin

EDTA

0.15

0.15

0.15

Methyl paraben

0.05

0.05

0.05

Orange oil

q.s.

q.s.

q.s.

100 ml

100 ml

100 ml

Sapindus mukorossi (extract)

Distilled water q.s. to make

Table 2: List of plants selected for formulation of herbal shampoos

Latin Name

Common Name

Reasons for selection

Asparagus racemosus

Asparagus

Saponins rich source, foaming agent.

Acacia concina

Soap pod tree

Sapindus mukorossi

Soap Nut Tree

Remove dandruff, good detergent, promotes

hair growth.
Foam rich, pleasant aroma, dandruff control,
good detergent.

Azadiraachta indica
Hibiscus rosasinesis

Margosa tree
China rose

Emblica officinalis

Gooseberry

Aloe vera

Aloe

Nourishing and conditioning agent.

Citrus reticulate

Orange

Anti-oxidant,
inflammatory.

Glycyrrsia glabera

Licorice

Bassia malabarica

Mahua

Anti-inflammatory, removal of skin stains,

preservative.
Hair growth stimulant, preservative.

2. Identification Test of Phytochemical Constituents

The phytochemicals constituents present in crude herbs
are summarized in Table 3.
3. Thin Layer Chromatographic Analysis of Saponins
The data of thin layer chromatographic study of saponins
is tabulated in Table 4. The qualitative separation of

Antifungal, Antibacterial.
Stimulate thicker hair growth and prevent
premature graying of hairs, prevents hair loss,
used in scalp disorders, recreate pigmentation
of hair.
Source of vitamin 'C' and rejuvenator action,
strengthens hair.
anti-microbial,

and

anti-

saponins by TLC revealed the presence of 11 spots in

Sapindus mukorossi, 6 spots in Acacia concina and 3 spots
in Asparagus racemosus. Sharma and Patel, 2009
performed the TLC of saponins and found that Rf value
was 0.272 for S. mukorossi: 0.250 for A. concina and
0.285 for A. racemosus due to presence of saponins. TLC
profile of this investigation was similar to that reported in
literature.

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Volume 4, Issue 1, September October 2010; Article 008

ISSN 0976 044X

Table 3: General observation tests

Plant extract

Alkaloids

Carbohydrates

Glycosides

Proteins
& amino
acids

phenolic
compounds
and tannins

Saponins

Asparagus racemosus

Acacia concina

Sapindus mukorossi

Azadiraachta indica

Hibiscus rosasinesis

Emblica officinalis

Aloe vera

Citrus reticulate

Glycyrrsia glabera

Bassia malabarica

+, present; -, absent
Table 4: Qualitative separation of Saponins

S. No.

Colour of spot

Rf values

S. mukorossi

A. concina

A. racemosus

Yellow

0.066

Brown

0.080

Brown

0.150

Brown

0.160

Brown

0.250

Brown

0.272

Yellow

0.285

Yellow

0.304

Yellow

0.400

10

Brown

0.450

11

Yellow

0.464

12

Dark gray

0.512

13

Dark gray

0.584

14

Dark gray

0.666

15

Dark gray

0.728

16

Dark gray

0.768

17

Dark gray

0.810

18

Dark brown

0.824

19

Dark yellow

0.857

20

Dark brown

0.910

+, Present;-, Absent

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Volume 4, Issue 1, September October 2010; Article 008

CONCLUSION
As seen from the results, it is possible to formulate a
completely herbal shampoo that is better than the
synthetic ones. The commercial herbal shampoos may
contain excessive detergents, which can strip the hair of
up to 80% of the oil and thus damage the hair. Using a
mild detergent in our shampoo we have ensured that this
does not happen. Instead of using cationic conditioners
we have used aloe-vera gel and other plant extracts to
provide the conditioning effects.
These are not only safer than the chemical conditioning
agents, but also greatly reduce the protein loss during
combing. The pH of the shampoo was adjusted to 5.5, to
retain the acidic mantle of scalp. Synthetic preservatives
have sometimes been the cause of adverse effects among
consumers. We have used the physico-chemical approach
to preservation and by formulating a self preserving
shampoo, have avoided this risk posed by chemical
preservatives.

ISSN 0976 044X

2.

Lacaille-Dubois M., Banquet B., Rustaiyan A. and

Wagner H., Acylated Triterpene Saponins From
Silene jenisseensis, Phytochem. (1993) 34, 489-495.

3.

Kokate C.K., Practical Pharmacognosy, 4

Vallabh Prakasan, Delhi, 177-180.

4.

Kokate C.K., Practical Pharmacognosy, 4th ed.,

Vallabh Prakasan, Delhi, 107-111

5.

Sharma A. and Patel V.K., In vitro Screening of

Antibacterial Activity and Indentificatio of
Bioactive Compound from Plants against selected
Vibrio spp. Pathogens, Turk J. Biol., (2009) 33, 137144.

6.

Iqbal A., Khan U., Shaista P., and Viqar U.A., Two
Triterpenoidal Saponins from Sapindus mukorossi
Gaertn, Pak. J. Phar. Sci., (1993) 6(2), 71-77.

7.

Aghel N., Moghimipour B. and Dana R.A.,

Formulation of a Herbal Shampoo Using Total
Saponins of Acanthophyllum squarrosum, Iranian
Journal of Pharmaceutical Research (2007) 6(3),
167-172.

8.

Zawar V.P. and Mhaskar S.T. Matting of Hair

Following Use of new Herbal Shampoo, Journal of
Cosmetic Dermetology, (2003) 2(1), 42-44.

REFERENCES
1.

Zohar K., Hilla G.S. and Oded Y., Microwave assisted

extraction of Bioactive Saponins from chick pea
(Cicer arietinum), F. Sci. Food Agric., (2005) 85, 406412.

th

ed.,

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