Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the field of herbal hair care compositions. More particularly, the invention relates to a herbal formulation for strengthening of hair, promoting hair growth, enhancing bulkiness, reducing hair fall, reducing scalp irritation, stopping premature hair greying and expunging dandruff. The composition is effective at water hardness of 125-700 ppm of CaCO3 or other dissolved salts.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Conventionally, there are various hair care compositions available in market, ranging from those derived from synthetic, semisynthetic origin and others derived from natural origin. The hair care benefits claimed by the compositions include hair strengthening, hair growth promotion, volume enhancement, hair fall reduction, scalp/skin safety, inhibition of premature hair greying and anti-dandruff effect.
The hair care compositions of synthetic origin provide advantages of ease of formulation, cost-effectivity, large scale production and stability. However, most of synthetic/semisynthetic hair care actives in the compositions possess low or selective activity for one or two of the many hair-related problems. Thus, multiple formulations are required to be used at a time for different benefits or needs. Many of these are also toxic to the skin, scalp and cause eye irritation.
On the other hand, hair care compositions comprising active ingredients derived from natural or herbal origin are more efficacious showing hair care benefits against multiple hair and scalp problems. The requirement of using multiple hair care products at a time is thus eliminated, thereby providing safety and minimal chances of toxicity. If the formulation ingredients are combined in an appropriate manner, employing specific well experimented established process then the issues of stability and cost can also be solved.
Herbal extracts as a whole or part thereof, have been used for various ailments of hair since long. Owing to increased consumer acceptance, the trend in herbal product market is raising at a fast pace. A large number of natural products in the form of herbal hair formulations are available on the market in the form of shampoo, soap, powders, etc. In India, and in many other countries, the traditional system of medicine acclaims a number of herbal drugs for hair conditioning, hair-cleansing, antidandruff effect, hair growth, hair fall prevention, etc. Due to insufficient knowledge about the incorporation of herbal extracts in making stable and effective hair care formulations, the commercial value of these is not appropriately realized and exploited.
Further, although the hair care formulations, from either synthetic or natural origin, that are very effective in providing health care benefits, do not work effectively in hard water. Hardness of water is determined by the amount of salts (calcium carbonate [CaCO3] and magnesium sulphate [MgSO4]) present in water. The United States Geological Survey uses the following classification for hard and soft water:
Classification Hardness in ppm
Soft 0–60
Moderately hard 61–120
Hard 121–180
Very hard = 181
Seawater is considered to be very hard due to various dissolved salts. Parts per million (ppm) is usually defined as 1 mg/L CaCO3. It is equivalent to mg/L without chemical compound specified, and to American degree. Typically, seawater's hardness is in the area of 6,630 ppm. In contrast, freshwater has hardness in the range of 15 to 375 ppm.
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has established 500 mg/L as the acceptable limit of TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) in drinking water. However, the standard states that if no other source of drinking water is available, this acceptable limit can be reduced to 2,000 mg/L. TDS in water are some organic and inorganic materials, which include minerals and ions that are dissolved in a particular quantity in water. Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, and Potassium cations, as well as Carbonate, Hydrogen Carbonate, Chloride, Sulfate, and Nitrate anions, are commonly the most prominent constituents. The TDS level in water can be determined with the help of a TDS meter. A TDS test helps determine the total amount of dissolved solids present in water.
As discussed in an article “Effects of Hard Water on Hair” (Int J Trichology. 2013, 5(3): 137–139), the hardness of the water used for washing hair may cause fragility of hair. The negative effects of hard water on hair include frizzy hair, lack of volume, blockage of scalp pores, mineral (Ca & Mg) build-up on the scalp making hair brittle, scalp dry, leading to dandruff and other complications. These further increases the hair care formulations challenges to be effective in providing health care benefits.
Thus, there is a significant need for herbal/ nature-based compositions that can provide good hair care activity, available in stable suitable formulation, at affordable cost and that is effective even in hard water used for washing of hair.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
An important object of the present invention is to provide a herbal hair care composition incorporating synergistic combination of herbal extracts.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a herbal hair care composition incorporating synergistic combination of herbal extracts that is effective at water hardness of 125-700 ppm of CaCO3 or other dissolved salts.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a method for preparation of said a herbal hair care composition.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a solution to the problem of the prior art by providing a herbal composition comprising natural ingredients in a defined parts by weight range, which act together synergistically to provide hair care benefits like for strengthening of hair, promoting hair growth, enhancing bulkiness, reducing hair fall, reducing scalp irritation, stopping premature hair greying and expunging dandruff.
The hair care composition comprises of extract of Shikakai (Acacia concinna), Reetha (Sapindus mukorossi), Spikenard (Nardostachys Jatamansi), Nagarmotha (Cyperus rotundus), Moringa (Moringa oleifera) and Bhringraj (Eclipta alba) in appropriate proportions to form a herbal soap product. The composition further consists of additional hair care actives selected from Omega-3, vitamins, proteins, and amino-acids providing enhanced hair care benefits.
The present invention also provides a herbal hair care composition incorporating synergistic combination of herbal extracts that is effective at water hardness of 125-700 ppm of CaCO3 or other dissolved salts.
The present invention further provides a method for preparation of said herbal hair care composition.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE TABLES
The accompanying tables illustrate some of the embodiments of the present invention. The tables also serve to explain the invention together with the descriptions. These tables have been provided by way of illustration and not by way of limitation.
Table 1 provides details of herbal extracts used (in solid-powder form) in the herbal hair care composition.
Table 2 provides parts by weight range of the herbal hair care composition.
Table 3 provides differential herbal hair care compositions with absence of two or more components.
Table 4 provides hair care benefits observed for the differential herbal hair care compositions with absence of two or more components.
Table 5 provides parts by weight range of the herbal extracts in the synergistic combination.
Table 6 provides parts by weight range of components in some exemplary herbal hair care composition.
Table 7 provides details of performance of herbal hair care compositions at different water hardness levels (indicated by dissolved CaCO3 ppm in water).
Table 8 provides details of Herbal hair care soap effect and responses on Men.
Table 9 provides details of Herbal hair care soap effect and responses on Women.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The following is a detailed description of the embodiments of the present disclosure. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.
Various terms are used herein. To the extent a term used in a claim is not defined below, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in printed publications and issued patents at the time of filing. To avoidance any doubtful situation, any feature of one aspect of the present invention may be utilized in any other aspect of the invention. The word “comprising” is intended to mean “including” but not necessarily “consisting of” or “composed of.” The listed steps or aspects need not be exhaustive. The examples given in the description below are intended to clarify the invention and are not intended to limit the invention to those examples per se. All parts/percentages are weight/weight parts/percentages unless otherwise indicated. Except in the operating and comparative examples, or where otherwise explicitly indicated, all numbers in this description and claims indicating amounts of material or conditions of reaction, physical properties of materials and/or use are to be understood as modified by the word “about”. Numerical ranges expressed in the format "from A to C" are understood to include A and C. When for a specific feature multiple preferred ranges are described in the format "from A to C", it is understood that all ranges combining the different endpoints are also contemplated.
The present invention provides a herbal composition comprising a synergistic combination of herbal extracts of Shikakai (Acacia concinna), Reetha (Sapindus mukorossi), Spikenard (Nardostachys Jatamansi), Nagarmotha (Cyperus rotundus), Moringa (Moringa oleifera) and Bhringraj (Eclipta alba) in appropriate proportions to form a herbal soap product.
In an embodiment, the herbal hair care composition comprises a synergistic combination of herbal extracts preferably comprising Shikakai (Acacia concinna) in the range of 4 to 8 parts by weight; Reetha (Sapindus mukorossi) in the range of 2 to 6 parts by weight; Spikenard (Nardostachys Jatamansi) in the range of 1 to 4 parts by weight; Nagarmotha (Cyperus rotundus) in the range of 1 to 4 parts by weight; Moringa (Moringa oleifera) in the range of 1 to 4 parts by weight and Bhringraj (Eclipta alba) in the range of 1 to 4 parts by weight.
In other embodiment, the herbal composition comprises a synergistic combination of herbal extracts in the range of 1 to 18 parts by wt., soap base in the range of 65 to 80 parts by wt. and formulation additives in the range of 2 to 5 parts by wt.
In another embodiment, the herbal hair care composition comprises 65 to 80 parts of soap base comprising 50-70 part by weight of vegetable oil and 20-22 part by weight of neutralizing agent, the soap base being prepared by saponification process by reaction of vegetable oil and neutralizing agent.
In still another embodiment, vegetable oil for soap base is selected from Coconut oil, Olive oil, Rice bran oil, Canola oil, Castor oil, Sunflower oil or Palm oil; and the neutralizing agent is selected from triethanol amine or alkali hydroxide of sodium or potassium.
In yet another embodiment, the herbal hair care composition comprises formulation additives comprising:
at least one naturally-obtained humectant selected from the group consisting of glycerin, sorbitol, mannitol, honey, Aloe vera, betaine, natural urea, colloidal oat meal, shea butter, and hyaluronic acid, present in an amount of at least 1 part by weight of the composition;
at least one surfactant selected from the group consisting of sodium lauryl sulfate, alpha olefin sulfonate, sodium stearate, potassium lauryl sulfate, sodium dedecyl sulfate and the like, present in an amount of at least 1 part by weight of the composition;
at least one or more coloring agents, and/or one or more fragrances, and/or one or more pH adjuster, and/or one or more preservatives or combinations thereof.
In other embodiments, the herbal hair care composition further comprises an additional hair care active selected from the group consisting Omega-3, vitamins, proteins, and amino-acids, present in the range of 1 to 3 parts by weight of the composition.
In another embodiment, the herbal hair care composition can be used/ applied/ administered in the form of a soap bar (of any polygonal shape), a powder, a concentrate, a lotion, a gel, a shampoo or any other form suitable for external/topical administration to the hair and/or scalp.
In still another embodiment, the herbal hair care composition is effective in strengthening hair, promoting hair growth, enhancing bulkiness, reducing hair fall, reducing scalp irritation, stopping premature hair greying and expunging dandruff.
In yet another embodiment, the herbal hair care composition is having pH in the range of 7-8.5 and is effective at water hardness of 125-700 ppm of CaCO3 or other dissolved salts.
In a further embodiment, the present invention provides a method for preparation of the said herbal hair care composition comprising the steps of:
i. preparing a saponification base comprising heating a natural vegetable oil to 65-90°C and adding a neutralizing agent to the oil;
ii. adding a surfactant and a humectant to the saponification base prepared in step (i) for preparing a soap composition;
iii. subsequently blending a synergistic combination of herbal extract comprising Shikakai (Acacia concinna), Reetha (Sapindus mukorossi), Spikenard (Nardostachys Jatamansi), Nagarmotha (Cyperus rotundus), Moringa (Moringa oleifera) and Bhringraj (Eclipta alba), with the soap composition prepared in step (ii);
iv. optionally adding a coloring agent, a fragrance, a pH adjuster, and/or a preservative to the blend prepared in step (iii); followed by
v. pouring the mixture formed in step (iv) into a mould and maturing the mixture at temperature of 22 to 30°C. for 48 to 72 hours (S800); and
vi. separating a solid soap formed in step (v) from the mould after the maturing, cutting the soap in a predetermined weight, aging for 25 days to a finished product.
The present invention is described hereunder in greater details in relation to the non-limiting exemplary illustrations and examples.

Components of synergistic combination of herbal extract
Shikekai (Senegala rugata, Acacia concinna): Shikakai can naturally boost hair softening and conditioning by releasing essential oils and vitamins that are important for hair growth. It encourages hair restoration (thickness and length) and development along with maintenance of silky and lustrous hair. Shikakai is high in important nutrients, thus prevents breakage and brittleness, thereby preventing hair loss. It is the best remedy for dandruff due to its properties of antifungal, antibacterial, and nutritious characteristics. It even shows negative effects on hair lice.
Reetha (Sapindus mukorossi): Reetha is best option for preventing dandruff because of its antibacterial properties. It serves as an excellent and natural way of curbing hair fall, a natural conditioner that soothes the scalp and make the hair shiny. It helps in keeping the scalp cool and clean. Reetha, when used with the right proportion of other natural ingredients, can makes healthy, strong, shiny and dandruff free hair.
Spikenard (nadrostachys jatamanasi): Spikenard is obtained from the roots of jatamansi, shows antimicrobial, antifungal, hypotensive, antiarrhythmic, and anticonvulsant activity. Previous reports on this plant occurring in different regions yielded terpenoids, alkaloids, neolignans and lignin’s, coumarins. The chemical constituents present in the hair growth active extract of N. jatamansi obtained by repeated chromatography with a silica gel and recrystallization with solvents furnished nardal, jatamansic acid, and nardin extract of the rhizomes of N. jatamansi that showed positive response in hair growth promotion activity.
Nagarmotha (Cyperus rotundus): Nagarmotha has a wealth of essential nutrients that makes it extremely beneficial for all types of hair issues. It is sanctified with anti-microbial properties. Its extract not only improves blood circulation in the hair follicles but also prevents various hair infections. It is extremely useful for treating dandruff, and revitalizing dull, lifeless hair. Regular use of nagarmotha extract improves hair texture, adds shine and stimulates hair growth. It is immensely effective in alleviating stress, thereby aiding in preventing hair fall and premature greying of hair.
Moringa (Moringa oleifera): Moringa contains vitamin A, vitamin B and omega-3 fatty acids, which nourishes the hair and promote growth. Vitamin A plays a crucial role in the development of healthy cells and tissues in the body. Vitamin B helps in producing red blood cells which carry oxygen and nutrients to the scalp and hair follicles. Zinc protects the hair from drying and keeps the oil glands in the scalp healthy. High levels of free radicals may cause oxidative stress, which, in turn, can cause premature greying of hair. The anti-oxidants in Moringa fight against free radicals. Vitamin C helps combat this damage, while vitamin E helps repair the existing damage.
Bhringraj (Eclipta alba): Bhringraj extract activates the hair follicles, increases blood circulation to the scalp and roots, thereby promoting hair growth. It is an excellent remedy for stress-related hair loss as it cools down one’s head, reducing stress and nervousness. This herb also contains varied minerals and vitamins that help to reduce the breakages of hair and prevent hair loss. it is one of the natural therapy to prevent hair fall. Head massage with the Bhringraj oils also maintains the natural colour of hair, preventing premature greying, strengthening hair providing antidandruff activity.
Hair care active (additional):
The herbal hair care formulation of the present invention may include an additional hair care active selected from the group consisting Omega-3, vitamins, proteins, and amino-acids.
Omega 3 (eicosapentanoic acid & dsocosahexaenoic acid): In journal of the American academy of Dermatology, 40% of women suffer hair loss by the age of 50 years. Hair loss leads to baldness. Due to a high omega 3 content, fish oil is considered as the most effective agent for hair to prevent hair loss. The omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil benefits the hair follicles by increasing the blood flow to the follicles, leading to an increased supply of nutrients. Thus, its incorporation in hair care formulation promotes hair growth.
Formulation additives:
Humectant: Moisturizing agents used in the present invention may be selected from variety of polyols, for example, glycerin (glycerol), glycerin, honey, Aloe vera, betaine, natural urea, shea butter, hyaluronic acid, 1,3-butylene glycol (sugar), etc. Glycerin in predominantly used in many hair care preparations to maintain moisture content of the composition as well as the skin or scalp.
Fragrance: Various fragrances such as rose, mint, jasmine, lavender, etc., can be incorporated in hair care formulations to increase acceptability of the composition. Lavender aroma increases brain activities, affects mood, productivity and mental illness, by providing a calm sensation to the brain. With its extensive use in aromatherapy to lower the stress levels, lavender has become a bath additive in several toiletry preparations.
Optional ingredients:
Surfactant: To impart foam forming property to the herbal hair care composition, a certain level of synthetic surfactants may be added. Anionic surfactants surfactant for foam formation may be selected from the group consisting of sodium lauryl sulfate, alpha olefin sulfonate, sodium stearate, potassium lauryl sulfate, sodium dedecyl sulfate and the like. Optionally, non-ionic surfactants such as Cocamido diethanolamide, alkyl polyglucosides, polysorbate20, PEG-100 stearate and polysorbate 60; and various surfactants such as amphoteric surfactants such as cocoamidopropyl betaine, may be added.
Other optional components, without limiting the scope of the invention, that may be incorporated in the formulation includes at least one or more coloring agents, and/or one or more pH adjuster, and/or one or more preservatives or combinations thereof.
EXAMPLES:
The following examples particularly describe the manner in which the invention is to be performed. But the embodiments disclosed herein do not limit the scope of the invention in any manner.
Example 1:
Preparation of the herbal hair care composition:
The saponification base was prepared by heating a natural vegetable oil to 65-90°C and adding a neutralizing agent to the oil; then a surfactant and a humectant were added to the saponification base for preparing a soap composition. Subsequently a synergistic combination of herbal extract comprising Shikakai (Acacia concinna), Reetha (Sapindus mukorossi), Spikenard (Nardostachys Jatamansi), Nagarmotha (Cyperus rotundus), Moringa (Moringa oleifera) and Bhringraj (Eclipta alba), was blended with the soap composition. Additionally, a coloring agent, a fragrance, a pH adjuster, and a preservative were blended with the soap composition followed by pouring the mixture formed into a mould and maturing the mixture at temperature of 22 to 30°C. for 48 to 72 hours (S800). The solid soap formed was separated from the mould after the maturing, cut in a predetermined shape, dimension and weight. The finished product was formed by aging for 25 days.
Details of Herbal extracts, namely, Shikakai (Acacia concinna), Reetha (Sapindus mukorossi), Spikenard (Nardostachys Jatamansi), Nagarmotha (Cyperus rotundus), Moringa (Moringa oleifera) and Bhringraj (Eclipta alba), that are used (in solid-powder form) in the herbal hair care composition, are as given in table 1 below:
Table 1: Details of herbal extracts used in the herbal hair care composition.
Common Name of component Botanical Name of component Source
Shikekai Acacia concinna Shri Arogya Aushadhalaya, Pune
Reetha Sapindus mukorossi Vedshastra-Shree Pushakaraj Ayurved, Pune
Jatamanasi (Spikenard) Nardostachys Jatamansi Nutri-ved, Pune
Nagarmotha Cyperus rotundus M.J.P.Sharma, Pune
Moringa Moringa oleifera Shri Arogya Aushadhalaya, Pune
Bhringraj Eclipta alba Nutri-ved, Pune

The combination of herbal extract in parts by weight (range) used with the other components of the herbal hair care composition, namely, soap and formulation additives, is disclosed in table 2.
Table 2: Parts by weight range of the herbal hair care composition.
Herbal hair care components Parts by weight
Herbal extracts combination 1 to 18
Soap 65 to 80
Formulation additives:
(Omega 3, Glycerine, Preservative, Lavender fragrance) 2 to 5

Inventor of the present invention conducted some experiments to identify, evaluate and optimize the synergistic activity potential of the herbal extract components in the claimed invention. Differential compositions were prepared eliminating two or more herbal extracts out of the six herbal extract components. and the hair care benefits were evaluated for the compositions in 18 subjects for 2 months. Differential herbal hair care compositions with absence of two or more herbal extract components, is disclosed in table 3 below:
Table 3: Differential herbal hair care compositions (DC) with absence of two or more components.
DC Shikekai Reetha Jatamanasi Nagarmotha Moringa Bhringraj
C1 ? ? ? ? ? ?
C2 ? ? ? ? ? ?
C3 ? ? ? ? ? ?
C4 ? ? ? ? ? ?
C5 ? ? ? ? ? ?
C6 ? ? ? ? ? ?

Hair care benefits such as anti-hair fall, anti-dandruff effect, strength, softness, shine, volume, growth, etc. were tested for the differential herbal hair care compositions with absence of two or more herbal extract components, and the observations are disclosed below in table 4:
Table 4: Hair care benefits observed for the differential herbal hair care compositions with absence of two or more components.
Composition Hair care benefits observed
C1 Long hair
C2 Strong & shiny hair
C3 Strong bulky hair but roughness increased
C4 Hair-fall prevented, hair regrowth
C5 Dandruff removal
C6 Strong & healthy hair, hair-fall prevented, dandruff reduced, hair regrowth

Based on the results for the hair care benefits with the differential compositions, it was observed that the composition C6 comprising the combination of all the six herbal extracts provided profound, synergistic and desired hair care benefits. The parts by weight range of the herbal extracts in the synergistic combination are listed in table 5.
Table 5: Parts by weight range of the herbal extracts in the synergistic combination.
Common name Botanical name Parts by weight
Shikekai Acacia concinna 4 to 8
Reetha Sapindus mukorossi 2 to 6
Jatamanasi (Spikenard) Nardostachys Jatamansi 1 to 4
Nagarmotha Cyperus rotundus 1 to 4
Moringa Moringa oleifera 1 to 4
Bhringraj Eclipta alba 1 to 4

The inventor prepared some exemplary herbal hair care compositions with different parts by weight of the herbal extracts and other formulation ingredients to check for the optimum range that could be showing most synergistic and beneficial hair care activity. Some exemplary compositions with various parts by weight range of herbal components are listed under table 6, along with the effect on 8 subjects after usage for 2 months.
Table 6: Parts by weight range of components in some exemplary herbal hair care composition.
Components of exemplary compositions Parts by weight
E1 E2 E3 E4
Soap base 80 parts 80 parts 80 parts 80 parts
Shikekai 6 parts 3 parts 3 parts 5 parts
Reetha 4 parts 3 parts 3 parts 3 parts
Jatamanasi 2 parts 6 parts 5 parts 1 parts
Nagarmotha 2 parts 2 parts 2 parts 2 parts
Moringa 2 parts 3 parts 2 part 1.3 parts
Bhringraj 1.3 1 parts 2 parts 2 parts
Omega 3 1 part 1 part 1 part 2 parts
Glycerine 1 part 0.3 part 1.3 part 3 parts
Preservative 0.2 parts 0.2 parts 0.2 parts 0.2 parts
Lavender fragrance 0.5 parts 0.5 parts 0.5 parts 0.5 parts
Effect on hair after usage Strong, healthy, smooth, nourished hair, decreased dandruff, hair regrowth promoted, hair elongation. Strong bulky hair but roughness increased Hair strengthened but dryness increased Smooth and silky hair

Example 2:
Evaluation of hair care efficacy of the herbal hair care composition in hard water:
The hair care efficacy/ performance of the most efficacious, desirable formulation (E1) was evaluated at different water hardness levels (indicated by dissolved CaCO3 ppm in water) using TDS meter and is given in table 7 below:
Table 7: Details of performance of herbal hair care compositions at different water hardness levels.
Water source Hardness level Performance
Purified water (Reverse osmosis purified) 50-60 CaCO3 ppm Good foam
Drinking tap water (Municipal water supply) 70-80 CaCO3 ppm Good foam
Filtered water (College premises) 400-500 CaCO3 ppm Normal foam
Ground water (Wagholi Area/ Apartments) 660-750 CaCO3 ppm Normal foam

Example 3:
A. Evaluation of hair care efficacy of the herbal hair care composition on different subjects (Men) of varying age groups:
This is a subjective evaluation for Men (aged between 20 to 60 years) based on the Questionnaire results after usage of the herbal hair care composition (E1) for 1 month, as disclosed in table 8 below. The evaluation criteria included the following hair care benefits being rated based on the experience after use.
Table 8: Details of Herbal hair care soap effect and responses on Men.
Hair care benefit Evaluation rating* for Men with Age in years
20-30’s 30-40’s 40-50’s 50-60’s Average
Hair fall prevention 5 5 5 5 5
Hair regrowth 5 5 5 5 5
Anti-dandruff activity 5 5 5 4.8 4.9
Hair bulkiness/ volume 5 5 4.5 4.5 4.75
Hair moisturizing effect 4.5 4.5 4.5 4.5 4.5
Fragrance 5 5 4.8 4.5 4.8
Effectivity in hard water 5 5 5 5 5
*Evaluation rating: Questionnaire set from 0-5
-Very good (5), Good (4), Not bad (3), Bad (2), Very bad (1).
B. Evaluation of hair care efficacy of the herbal hair care composition on different subjects (Women) of varying age groups:
This is a subjective evaluation for Women (aged between 20 to 60 years) based on the Questionnaire results after use of the herbal hair care composition (E1), disclosed in table 9 below. The evaluation criteria included the following hair care benefits being rated based on the experience after use.
Table 9: Details of Herbal hair care soap effect and responses on Women.
Hair care benefit Evaluation rating* for Women with Age in years
20-30’s 30-40’s 40-50’s 50-60’s Average
Hair fall prevention 5 5 5 5 5
Hair regrowth 5 5 4.5 4.5 4.75
Anti-dandruff activity 5 5 4.8 4.8 4.9
Hair bulkiness/ volume 5 5 4.5 4.5 4.75
Hair moisturizing effect 4.5 4.5 4.5 4.5 4.5
Fragrance 4 4 4.2 4.2 4.1
Effectivity in hard water 5 5 5 5 5
*Evaluation rating: Questionnaire set from 0-5
-Very good (5), Good (4), Not bad (3), Bad (2), Very bad (1).
The results of the evaluation studies illustrated a very good performance of the herbal hair care composition of the present invention, not only in soft water but also in hard water (having hardness of 125-700 ppm of CaCO3 or other dissolved salts). The present invention provides a solution to the problem of the prior art by providing a herbal composition comprising natural ingredients in a defined percentage range, which act together synergistically to provide hair care benefits like for strengthening of hair, promoting hair growth, enhancing bulkiness, reducing hair fall, reducing scalp irritation, stopping premature hair greying and expunging dandruff.
, Claims:1. A herbal hair care composition comprising:
i. synergistic combination of herbal extracts in the range of 1 to 18 parts by wt.;
ii. soap base in the range of 65 to 80 parts by wt.; and
iii. formulation additives in the range of 2 to 5 parts by wt.;
wherein the composition is effective in strengthening hair, promoting hair growth, enhancing bulkiness, reducing hair fall, reducing scalp irritation, stopping premature hair greying and expunging dandruff; and
wherein the composition is effective at water hardness of 125-700 ppm of CaCO3 or other dissolved salts.
2. The herbal hair care composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the synergistic combination of herbal extract comprising Shikakai (Acacia concinna) in the range of 4 to 8 parts by weight; Reetha (Sapindus mukorossi) in the range of 2 to 6 parts by weight; Spikenard (Nardostachys Jatamansi) in the range of 1 to 4 parts by weight; Nagarmotha (Cyperus rotundus) in the range of 1 to 4 parts by weight; Moringa (Moringa oleifera) in the range of 1 to 4 parts by weight and Bhringraj (Eclipta alba) in the range of 1 to 4 parts by weight.
3. The herbal hair care composition as claimed in claim 2, wherein the synergistic combination of herbal extract comprising Shikakai (Acacia concinna) preferably in the range of 5 to 7 parts by weight; Reetha (Sapindus mukorossi) preferably in the range of 3 to 5 parts by weight; Spikenard (Nardostachys Jatamansi) preferably in the range of 2 to 3 parts by weight; Nagarmotha (Cyperus rotundus) preferably in the range of 2 to 3 parts by weight; Moringa (Moringa oleifera) preferably in the range of 2 to 3 parts by weight and Bhringraj (Eclipta alba) preferably in the range of 2 to 3 parts by weight.
4. The herbal hair care composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein 65 to 80% parts of soap base comprising 50-70% by weight of vegetable oil and 20-22% by weight of neutralizing agent, is prepared by saponification process by reaction of vegetable oil and neutralizing agent.
5. The herbal hair care composition as claimed in claim 4, wherein the vegetable oil is selected from Coconut oil, Olive oil, Rice bran oil, Canola oil, Castor oil, Sunflower oil or Palm oil; and the neutralizing agent is selected from triethanol amine or alkali hydroxide of sodium or potassium.
6. The herbal hair care composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the formulation additives comprising:
at least one naturally-obtained humectant selected from the group consisting of glycerin, sorbitol, mannitol, honey, Aloe vera, betaine, natural urea, colloidal oat meal, shea butter, and hyaluronic acid, present in an amount of at least 1 part by weight of the composition;
at least one surfactant selected from the group consisting of sodium lauryl sulfate, alpha olefin sulfonate, sodium stearate, potassium lauryl sulfate, sodium dedecyl sulfate and the like, present in an amount of at least 1 part by weight of the composition;
at least one or more coloring agents, and/or one or more fragrances, and/or one or more pH adjuster, and/or one or more preservatives or combinations thereof.
7. The herbal hair care composition as claimed in claim 1, further comprising an additional hair care active selected from the group consisting Omega-3, vitamins, proteins, and amino-acids, present in the range of 1 to 3 parts by weight of the composition.
8. The herbal hair care composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the composition can be administered in the form of a soap bar of polygonal shape, a powder, a concentrate, a lotion, a gel, a shampoo or any other form suitable for external/topical administration.
9. A method of preparing the herbal hair care composition as claimed in claim 1, comprising the steps of
i. preparing a saponification base comprising heating a natural vegetable oil to 65-90°C and adding a neutralizing agent to the oil;
ii. adding a surfactant and a humectant to the saponification base prepared in step (i) for preparing a soap composition;
iii. subsequently blending a synergistic combination of herbal extract comprising Shikakai (Acacia concinna), Reetha (Sapindus mukorossi), Spikenard (Nardostachys Jatamansi), Nagarmotha (Cyperus rotundus), Moringa (Moringa oleifera) and Bhringraj (Eclipta alba), with the soap composition prepared in step (ii);
iv. optionally adding a coloring agent, a fragrance, a pH adjuster, and/or a preservative to the blend prepared in step (iii); followed by
v. pouring the mixture formed in step (iv) into a mould and maturing the mixture at temperature of 22 to 30°C. for 48 to 72 hours (S800); and
vi. separating a solid soap formed in step (v) from the mould after the maturing, cutting the soap in a predetermined weight, aging for 25 days to a finished product.
10. A herbal hair care composition comprising:
i. synergistic combination of herbal extracts in the range of 1 to 18 parts by weight, the herbal extract comprising Shikakai (Acacia concinna) in the range of 4 to 8 parts by weight; Reetha (Sapindus mukorossi) in the range of 2 to 6 parts by weight; Spikenard (Nardostachys Jatamansi) in the range of 1 to 4 parts by weight; Nagarmotha (Cyperus rotundus) in the range of 1 to 4 parts by weight; Moringa (Moringa oleifera) in the range of 1 to 4 parts by weight; and Bhringraj (Eclipta alba) in the range of 1 to 4 parts by weight.
ii. soap base in the range of 65 to 80 parts by wt.; and
iii. formulation additives in the range of 2 to 5 parts by wt.;
prepared by a method comprising steps of:
i. preparing a saponification base comprising heating a natural vegetable oil to 65-90°C and adding a neutralizing agent to the oil;
ii. adding a surfactant and a humectant to the saponification base prepared in step (i) for preparing a soap composition;
iii. subsequently blending a synergistic combination of herbal extract comprising Shikakai (Acacia concinna), Reetha (Sapindus mukorossi), Spikenard (Nardostachys Jatamansi), Nagarmotha (Cyperus rotundus), Moringa (Moringa oleifera) and Bhringraj (Eclipta alba), with the soap composition prepared in step (ii);
iv. optionally adding a coloring agent, a fragrance, a pH adjuster, and/or a preservative to the blend prepared in step (iii); followed by
v. pouring the mixture formed in step (iv) into a mould and maturing the mixture at temperature of 22 to 30°C. for 48 to 72 hours (S800); and
vi. separating a solid soap formed in step (v) from the mould after the maturing, cutting the soap in a predetermined weight, aging for 25 days to a finished product;
wherein the composition is in the form of a soap bar of polygonal shape; and
is effective in strengthening hair, promoting hair growth, enhancing bulkiness, reducing hair fall, reducing scalp irritation, stopping premature hair greying and expunging dandruff; and
wherein the composition is effective at water hardness of 125-700 ppm of CaCO3 or other dissolved salts.