Abstract

Development of Hair Tonic containing Centella asiatica Extract

Supapitch  Changpeng

 Natnicha Khawkhaow

Bancha Yingngam

Chutinun Prasitpuriprecha

 Nitima Suttipan

Wandee Rungseevijitprapa

Centella asiatica, microemulsion, hair graying, antioxidant, tyrosinase stimulation

Introduction: Centella asiatica contains triterpenoid glycosides including asiaticoside, asiatic acid, madecassoside, and madecassic acid. C. Asiatica has been reported to stimulate hair growth and the synthesis of melanin pigment. The objective of this study was to develop  hair tonic microemulsion that contains C. Asiatica extract. Method: Hair tonic preparations containing oil phase, water phase and co-surfactant were deveoled using pseudoternary phase diagram for the selection of optimal formulation. The investigated formulations composed of oil phase (lemongrass oil, peppermint oil and basil oil [weight ratio 1:1:1]), water phase and co-surfactant phase (Span80: Cremophor RH-40 or Tween 80:Cremophor RH-40 [weight ratio 1:1]). The active ingredients of C. Asiatica extract from water and 60% ethanol was analyzed by HPLC and asiaticoside, asiatic acid, madecassoside, and madecassic acid served as the standard markers. Inhibition of tyrosinase (Anti-tyrosinase assay). The selected microemulsion system were determined by clarity, particle droplet size, zeta potential and pH. Then, the selected microemulsion was tested for drug release, skin penetration and accelerated stability study by centrifugation at the speed of 3800 rpm for 5 hours. Result: The microemulsions containing 0.5% C. Asiatica extract in water extract, 49.01% co-surfactant (Tween80:Cremophor RH-40 in 1:1 ratio), 48.36% oil (lemongrass oil, Mint oil and basil oil at the ratio of 1:1:1) and 2.13% water exhibited a clear formulation, mean droplet size was in the range of 10-100 nanometer with pH 4.5-7.5 and stimulated the production of melanin. Following accelerated stability at the speed of 3800 rpm for 5 hours, the microemulsions remained unchanged. Conclusion: Hair tonic preparation containing C. Asiatica extract was developed. The formulation showed good physical stability and has a potential to be further developed as commercial product.