Microwave assisted extraction of Carica papaya leaves for the formulation of herbal shampoo

The present study aimed to extract Carica papaya(C. papaya) leaves by microwave-assisted extraction(MAE), formulate a shampoo from the extract using a suitable base, and evaluate its properties. The MAE of C. papaya leaves was carried out using water as the solvent. The extracts were dried and tested qualitatively for tannin constituents. After the quantification, extracts were formulated as shampoo using different shampoo bases, namely liquid cream shampoo, clear liquid shampoo, surfactant base shampoo, and gel shampoo, and compatibility was checked. The extract was found to be compatible with surfactant-based shampoo. The four different concentrations of shampoo were formulated by varying the concentrations of surfactant and thickening agent. The four formulations F1-F4 were evaluated for physicochemical parameters such as wetting, foaming, cleansing activity, and wig tests and compared with BIS standards. The optimised formulation was evaluated for viscosity and in vitro fungal activity using agar diffusion. And a stability study. The MAE of the C. papaya leaves yield was 30%. The qualitative test confirmed the presence of tannin. The surfactant-based shampoo showed compatibility in terms of physical nature and stability. F1 also showed maximum detergency (79.23±0.43%) and minimum wetting time (177 sec) required for an ideal shampoo. The wig test with the prepared formulations showed shiny and smooth hair without the fizziness method. The viscosity was checked, and pseudo-plastic behaviour was followed. The minimum inhibitory concentration of the test shampoo(F1) showed 14mm of inhibition, and the marketed ketoconazole shampoo showed 13mm. The F1 shampoo was stable for 3 months, and there was no change in the physicochemical properties of the shampoo. The MAE extraction procedure yielded a higher yield than the traditional extraction method. The extract had high quantities of tannin, responsible for its antifungal activity. The result of F1 was as per the BIS certification for shampoo. Moreover, it inhibited the growth of Candida albicans, providing the anti-dandruff activity against Seborrheic dermatitis. It can also be used for anti-dandruff shampoo. This method of extraction and formulation makes the scale-up process easier. Further, a study needs to be done on the toxicity of shampoo in a cell line, and it can be easily scaled up for technology transfer.