MURRAYA KOENIGII LINN SPRENG: A NATURAL SOURCE FOR HERBAL HAIR DYE GEL INNOVATIONS

Kashifa Farheen*, Dr. Krishna Murthy, Akila E., Neha K.B., Silpa I. S. and Dr. Aashif Zaid

Pharmacognosy, the study of bioactive substances from natural sources, is vital for identifying therapeutic agents and sustainable products. Advances in herbal pharmacognosy, incorporating molecular and genomic techniques, have enhanced the understanding of traditional remedies. Natural colorants from plants, minerals, and animals offer safer, eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic dyes, with growing demand in the food, cosmetic, and textile industries due to their safety and reduced environmental impact.  Murraya koenigii L (curry leaves), a key ingredient in South Asian cuisine and traditional medicine, is rich in phytoconstituents, including carbazole alkaloids with antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic properties. This study investigates its pharmacognostic properties, including morphological, proximate, and rheological analyses. Phytochemical screening revealed polyphenols, flavonoids, and anthocyanins in aqueous, ethanol, and ethyl acetate extracts.  The dyeing potential of M. koenigii extracts was evaluated on cotton, sheep wool, and human hair using mordanting techniques. Tests for colorfastness, intensity, and light fading demonstrated the dyes' effectiveness and stability. An herbal hair dye gel incorporating M. koenigii extracts, R. indica extracts, aloe vera, and rose oil was developed, exhibiting desirable physicochemical properties such as pH, spreadability, and stability. Toxicity evaluations, including brine shrimp lethality and animal skin irritation tests, confirmed the gel's safety.  This study highlights M. koenigii's role as a natural dye and a health-promoting agent and emphasizes its potential to create sustainable, safe alternatives for the cosmetic industry.