FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF A XANTHAN GUM-BASED HERBAL HAIR GEL CONTAINING ALLIUM SATIVUM OIL FOR ANTIMICROBIAL AND ANTIDANDRUFF APPLICATIONS

Abstract

Background: Dandruff is a common scalp disorder associated with microbial proliferation, irritation, and excessive scaling. Increasing concerns regarding the adverse effects associated with prolonged use of synthetic antidandruff agents have stimulated interest in the development of herbal alternatives. Allium sativum (garlic) oil possesses well-documented antimicrobial activity and may serve as a potential natural ingredient for topical scalp formulations.

Objective: The present study aimed to formulate and evaluate a xanthan gum-based herbal hair gel containing Allium sativum oil and to assess its physicochemical characteristics, In vitro drug release and antimicrobial activity.

Methods: Four gel formulations (F1–F4) were prepared using varying concentrations of xanthan gum as the gelling agent. The formulations were evaluated for physical appearance, pH, spreadability, viscosity, and drug content. The antimicrobial activity of Allium sativum oil and the optimized hair gel formulation was determined by the broth dilution method against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans, and Aspergillus niger. The optimized formulation was further subjected to In vitro drug diffusion studies using a dialysis membrane.

Results: All formulations were homogeneous, smooth, and exhibited acceptable physicochemical properties. The pH of the formulations ranged from 5.01 ± 0.05 to 5.12 ± 0.08, indicating compatibility with scalp application. Drug content ranged from 89.4 ± 0.72% to 93.2 ± 0.58%, while viscosity increased with increasing xanthan gum concentration. Based on the overall evaluation, formulation F3 was selected as the optimized formulation. The optimized gel exhibited 91.20% cumulative drug release within 60 min. Antimicrobial studies revealed that both Allium sativum oil and formulation F3 containing Allium sativum oil effectively inhibited the growth of the tested bacterial and fungal strains, demonstrating retention of antimicrobial activity following formulation.

Conclusion: The developed xanthan gum-based Allium sativum oil gel exhibited favorable physicochemical properties, efficient drug release, and significant antimicrobial activity. The optimized formulation shows effective natural topical antidandruff preparation for scalp care applications.