Formulation of a Herbal Shampoo using Total Saponins of Acanthophyllum squarrosum

Abstract

Shampoos are products which remove surface grease and dirt from the hair shaft and scalp. The cleansing or detergent action of a shampoo is a primary function. However, the foaming characteristic of a shampoo has an important role in its acceptability. Often alkanolamides are used for the formation of a stable foam; but because of producing nitrosamines, they are potentially carcinogenic compounds. Hence, the main goal of this study was the elimination of these materials from shampoo formulations. Acanthophyllum squarrosum is one of the 23 species of the genus Acanthophyllum endemic in Iran. Due to the presence of saponin in its root, chubak, has been used traditionally as a detergent.