INTRODUCTION:

The biomaterial known as human hair is intricate. That grows from hale follicles in the skin. Human have is composed of several layers including:

Medulla: The inner most layer, not present in all hair types.

Cortex: The middle layer, making up the majority of the have shaft.

Cuticle: The outermost layer, protecting the hair from damage.

Hair is made up of:

Keratin: A protein that imparts suppleness and power.

Water: Comprising 10% to 15% of the weight of hair.

Lipids: Aid in providing shine and water resistance.

Pigments: The colour-giving substance, melanin.

Hair growth occurs in these phases:

I. Anagen phase: Active growth phase, lasting 2-6 years.

II. Catagen phase: Interim period, which lasts two to three weeks.

III.Telogen phase: A four- to six-month period of rest.

Hair serves multiple purposes, including:

Protection: Guard against the elements, such as the heat and cold.

Sensation: Assisting with vibration and touch detection.

Social and cultural significance: Influencing identity, attractiveness. and self-expression.

Fig 1: structure of Hair

Types of Hair:

Fig 2: - Types of Hairs

1] Type I Straight Hair:

Characteristics:

· Straight from root to tip but prone to becoming oily at the scalp.

· It shines the most among all hair types due toits flat cuticle layer.

Care tips:

Use a lightweight, clarifying shampoo to prevent build-up.

Apply a volatizing conditioner to maintain the body.

Straightening and styling can be easier but use heat protectants.

2] Type II - Wavy Hair:

Characteristics:

· S-shaped waves with a range of definition to looseness.

· May have a tendency to frizz and become undefined.

Care tips:

· Use a sulphate-free, hydrating shampoo to avoid stripping natural oils.

· Detangle hair when it is damp using your fingers or a wide-tooth comb.

· After washing, gently scrunch your hair with a microfiber towel to enhance wave definition.

3] Type III – Curly Hair:

Characteristics:

· Well-defined spiral curls that can be tight or loose.

· The shape of the hair strand makes it prone to dryness and frizz.

Care tips

· To keep your skin moisturized, choose a creamy, sulphate-free cleanser.

· Use a deep-conditioning mask to provide curls with nutrition.

· After being damp, gently loosen with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb.

4] Type IV - Coily Hair:

Characteristics:

· Tight, closely spaced coils that have the appearance of zigzags.

· Its structure makes it frequently fragile and dry.

Care tips

· Use a mild, moisturizing, and sulphate-free shampoo to cleanse.

· To preserve moisture, use a leave-in conditioner.

· If your hair is damp, detangle it with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb.

Hair oil:

To nourish, protect, and encourage healthy hair growth, hair oil is a liquid or semi-liquid product that is applied to the scalp and hair.

Benefit:

Moisturizes and conditions hair.

Reduces frizz and tangles.

Promotes hair growth.

Soothes scalp irritations.

Protects from damage and breakage.

Enhances shine and lustre.

Types Of Various Oil Availablle in Market:

Coconut oil

Olive oil

Argon oil

Jojoba oil

Rosemary essential oil

Tea tree oil

Onion oil

Amla oil

Bhringaraj oil

How to use:

Massage warm oil into the scalp.

Leave on for 30 minutes to an hour.

Shampoo and condition as usual.

Use as a pre-shampoo treatment, hair mask, or styling product.

Precautions:

Do patch test first whenever you use fresh hair oil.

Increase progressively from a small starting point as needed.

Keep in mind that using too much oil might make hair appear greasy.

Litrature Survey:

The literature survey reveals that herbal onion oil: -

Stimulates hair growth by promoting blood flow to the scalp and reducing inflammation.

Soothes scalp irritations and reduces dandruff.

Nourishes and conditions hair, improving texture and shine.

Protects against fungal infections and promotes healthy scalp.

While herbal onion oil is generally considered safe, it may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals. Further research is needed to fully understand its effects and potential interactions.

Overall, herbal onion oil is a promising natural remedy for hair and scalp health, offering a chemical-free alternative to conventional treatments. Its therapeutic properties, combined with its safety profile, make it a valuable addition to hair care regimens.

AIM:

Herbal onion oil is to create a natural, effective, and safe product for promoting hair and scalp health, leveraging the therapeutic properties of onions and complementary herbs.

OBJECTIVE:

1. To stimulate hair growth and strengthen hair follicles.

2. To soothe and calm scalp irritations, reducing inflammation and dandruff.

3. To nourish and condition hair, improving texture, shine, and manageability.

4. To protect hair and scalp from environmental stressors and damage.

5. To provide a natural, chemical-free alternative for hair and scalp care.

6. To enhance the overall health and appearance of hair and scalp.

7. To promote healthy hair growth and reduce hair loss.

8. To improve scalp circulation and reduce irritation.

MATERIAL:

To study of Herbal onion oil following specified ingredients is used:

1} Onion {Alliums cepa}:

A rich source of bioactive compounds, onions (Alliums cepa) contribute to the medicinal qualities of herbal onion oil.

Fig 3: - Onion Extract

Botanical Properties:

Family: Amaryllidaceae

Genus: Alliums

Species: A. cepa

Parts used: Bulb (onion)

Chemical Constituents:

Sulphur compounds

Flavonoids

Phenolic acids

Fibers

Pharmacological Properties:

Reducing inflammation

Antimicrobial (antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial)

Antioxidants

Healing of wounds

Stimulating hair growth

Pharmacology:

Sulphur compounds give onion oil its antibacterial properties and aid in hair growth.

The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of flavonoids and phenolic acids are enhanced.

The presence of fibre encourages the prebiotic qualities that support a healthy scalp microbiome.

Therapeutic Uses: -

The stimulation of hair growth.

Treatment for dandruff and scalp irritation.

The healing of wounds.

Protection against pathogens.

2] Coconut Oil {Carrior Oil}:

When coconut oil is utilized as a carrier oil in herbal onion oil, it improves the medicinal qualities and bioavailability of the bioactive compounds found in onions.

Fig 4: - Coconut oil

Botanical Properties:

Family: Aceraceae

Genus: Cocas

Species: C. nucifera

Parts used: Fruit (coconut)

Chemical Constituents:

Fatty acids

Phenolic compounds

Pharmacological Properties:

Hydrating and Emollient

Antifungal and Antibacterial

Anti-oxidant and Anti-inflammatory

Improve penetration of the skin and scalp

Pharmacology:

· The fatty acids in coconut oil improve the absorption and bioavailability of onion oil.

· The antioxidant qualities of onions are enhanced by the phenolic compounds in coconut oil.

· The emollient qualities of coconut oil moisturize and calm the hair and scalp.

Therapeutic Uses:

Improves scalp health and hair growth promotion.

Encourages the antifungal and antimicrobial qualities.

Provides nourishment and moisture to the scalp and hair.

3] Rosemary Essential Oil {Rosemarinus Officinalis}:

Herbal onion oil benefits from the addition of rosemary essential oil, which adds to its therapeutic qualities.

Fig 5: - Rosemary Essential oil

Botanical Properties:

Family: Liliaceae

Genus: Rosmarinus

Species: R. officinalis

Parts used: Leaves (rosemary)

Chemical Constituents:

Volatile oils

Phenolic compounds

Pharmacological Properties:

· Encourages increased blood flow and hair development.

· Antifungal and Antibacterial properties.

· Anti-inflammatory and Anti-oxidant properties.

· Promotes focus and mental clarity.

Pharmacology:

· The promotion of hair growth by onion oil is enhanced by rosemary essential oil.

· Enhanced benefits of onion oil for scalp health are its antimicrobial properties.

· The anti-inflammatory properties soothe and nourish the scalp.

· An defines against environmental stressors is provided by antioxidant properties.

Therapeutic Uses:

· Promoting healthy scalp health and hair growth.

· Promotes increased focus and mental clarity.

· Protection against microbes and fungi.

· Reduction of inflammation and antioxidant properties.

4] Lavender Essential Oil {Lavandula Angustifolia}:

Herbal onion oil is frequently enhanced and given additional therapeutic properties by adding lavender essential oil.

Fig 6: - Lavender Essential oil

Botanical Properties:

Family: Liliaceae

Genus: Lavandula

Species: L. angustifolia

Parts used: Flowers (lavender)

Chemical Constituents:

Volatile oils

Phenolic compounds

Pharmacological Properties:

Soothing and calming qualities.

Antifungal and antimicrobial properties.

Anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties.

Encourages calmness and lowers tension.

Pharmacology:

· The relaxing and soothing properties of onion oil are enhanced by lavender essential oil.

· Enhanced benefits of onion oil for scalp health are its antimicrobial properties.

· The anti-inflammatory properties soothe and nourish the scalp.

· The anti-oxidant qualities shield the body from external stresses.

Therapeutic Uses:

· Encourages calmness and lowers tension.

· Mitigates and soothes rashes on the scalp.

· Protection against microbes and fungi.

· Effects on inflammation and antioxidants.

5] Thyme Essential Oil {Thyme Vulgaris}: -

Herbal onion oil is frequently enhanced and given additional therapeutic properties by adding thyme essential oil.

Fig 7: -Thyme Essential Oil

Botanical Properties:

Family: Liliaceae

Genus: Thymus

Species: T. vulgaris

Parts used: Leaves (thyme)

Chemical Constituents:

Volatile oils

Phenolic compounds

Pharmacological Properties: -

Antifungal and antimicrobial properties.

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Expectorant and mucolytic in nature.

Promotes better circulation and hair growth.

Pharmacology:

Onion oil has antimicrobial and antifungal properties that are enhanced by thyme essential oil.

· The anti-inflammatory properties soothe and nourish the scalp.

· Expectorant qualities aid in pore cleaning and encourage strong hair development.

· The anti-oxidant qualities shield the body from external stresses.

Therapeutic Uses:

· Protection from microorganisms and fungi.

· Effects on inflammation and antioxidants.

· Expectorant and mucolytic characteristics.

· Promotes better circulation and hair growth

6] Garlic Essential Oil {Alliums Sativum}:

Herbal onion oil's therapeutic qualities are enhanced and reinforced by the addition of garlic essential oil, which is frequently used.

Fig 8: - Garlic Essential Oil

Botanical Properties:

Family: Amaryllidaceae

Genus: Alliums

Species: A. sativum

Parts used: Bulb (garlic)

Chemical Constituents:

Volatile oils

Phenolic compounds

Pharmacological Properties:

· Antifungal and antimicrobial properties.

· Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

· The effects on cholesterol and the cardiovascular system.

· Promotes better circulation and hair growth.

Pharmacology:

· Garlic essential oil strengthens the antibacterial and antifungal effects of onion oil.

· The anti-inflammatory properties soothe and nourish the scalp.

· Cardiovascular effects increase scalp blood flow, which encourages hair growth.

· Antioxidant qualities offer defence against harmful environmental influences.

Therapeutic Uses:

Antifungal and antimicrobial defence.

Effects on inflammation and antioxidants.

Cardiovascular well-being.

Promotes better circulation and hair growt

Physicochemical Properties of Herbal Onion Oil:

1. Colour: Because onion extract and other herbal ingredients are present, herbal onion oil usually has a pale yellow to amber colour.

2. Odor: The oil has an overpowering, onion-like scent with a hint of sweetness and herbaceous undertone.

3. Viscosity: Herbal onion oil typically has a medium to high viscosity, which qualifies it for topical use.

4. Density: An oil's density is normally between 0.9 and 1.0 g/cm³.

5. Solubility: While insoluble in water, herbal onion oil is soluble in ethanol, methanol, and other organic solvents.

6. PH: The oil typically has a pH between 5.5 and 7.5, which is slightly acidic to neutral.

7. Refractive Index: Herbal onion oil normally has a refractive index of 1.4 to 1.5.

8. Moisture Content: Oil typically has a low moisture content (<5%).

9. Acidity: Herbal onion oil typically has a low acidity of less than 5 mg KOH/g.

10. Saponification Value: Oils typically have a moderate saponification value (100–150 mg KOH/g).

11. Iodine Value: Herbal onion oil normally has a low iodine value (<50 g I/100g).

12. Stability: When kept in a cool, dark place, oil does not usually oxidize or deteriorate over time.

Clinical Studies:

· A study showing that herbal onion oil promoted hair growth and enhanced scalp health was published in the Journal of Cosmetics, Dermatological Sciences and Applications.

· An additional study that was published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology discovered that onion oil enhanced the texture of hair and decreased dandruff.

Safety and Toxicity:

· Topical application of herbal onion oil is generally regarded as safe.

· It can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in certain people.

CONCLUSION:

An all-natural, secure, and efficient treatment for enhancing the health of your hair and scalp is herbal onion oil. The therapeutic benefits of onion oil are enhanced when combined with herbs like thyme, rosemary, and lavender. As a result, it may be used as a treatment for:

a. Encouragement of hair growth

b. Treatment for dandruff and scalp irritation

c. Nourishment and conditioning for hair

d. Defence against environmental hazards

ACKNOWLEDGMENT:

The Honourable Dr. Sanjay Ingle, Principal of the Dharmaraj Shaikshanaik Pratishthan, College of Pharmacy, Walki, Ahilyanagar, is greatly appreciated for granting us the opportunity to conduct the preview paper. We also Acknowledge Ms. Priyanka Jadhav her leadership and assistance during study Process.

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Received on 09.09.2024 Revised on 14.10.2024

Accepted on 11.11.2024 Published on 05.03.2025

Available online from March 11, 2025

Res. J. Pharmacognosy and Phytochem. 2025; 17(1):21-26.

DOI: 10.52711/0975-4385.2025.00005

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