FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF HERBAL CREAM FROM ZIZIPHUS SPINA LEAVES EXTRACT

Abstract

Synthetic preservatives and detergents have sometimes been the cause of adverse effects among consumers. A more radical approach in reducing the synthetic ingredients is by incorporating natural extract whose functionality is comparable with their synthetic ingredients. Selection of Ziziphus spina cristi (Z. spina cristi) leaves extract was based on its particular properties such as antimicrobial and detergent activities. This study aimed to formulate a self preserving shampoo having low concentration of the detergent using Ziziphus spina cristi leaves with emphasis on safety and efficacy; will avoid the risk posed by chemical ingredients. Formulation of three investigated shampoos was prepared containing different amounts of Ziziphus spina cristi extract and sodium laureth sulfate as a surfactant. Evaluation of organoleptic, physicochemical and performance tests were performed and compared with herbal marketed product (Cedr shampoo ® , Sehat Company, Iran). The results indicated that F2 and F3 produced clear shampoos and their averaged pH values were in the range of 5.59-6.25 which were suitable to retain the acidic mantle of scalp. They provided stable foam, surface tension reduction, good cleaning and wetting effect and have pseudo plastic rheological behavior. Moreover, the aesthetic attributes, such as lather and clarity were comparable with the marketed shampoos. The foam volume was on a par and formulas showed higher detergency and foaming effects than the commercial herbal one (p< 0.05). Moreover they can be considered safe to children since less chemical contents were used and no side effects observed after application.