Herbal cosmetics for nails MCQs With Answer

Introduction: Herbal Cosmetics for Nails MCQs With Answer is tailored for M.Pharm students studying the MPG 204T course. This curated set of questions emphasizes the science behind herbal ingredients, nail anatomy, formulation strategies and transungual delivery challenges specific to nail cosmetics. Questions probe mechanisms of action of botanicals, selection of excipients for nail lacquers, evaluation methods for antifungal and strengthening claims, stability and safety considerations, and relevant regulatory aspects. Designed to deepen understanding beyond basic facts, the quiz supports exam preparation and practical formulation insight for developing effective, safe and evidence-based herbal nail products.

Q1. Which structural component primarily determines the mechanical strength and low permeability of the human nail plate?

• Intercellular lipids
• Keratinized protein matrix with disulfide bonds
• Glycosaminoglycan network
• Stratum corneum corneocytes

Correct Answer: Keratinized protein matrix with disulfide bonds

Q2. Which herbal extract is most commonly cited for improving nail strength due to its high silica content?

• Azadirachta indica (Neem)
• Equisetum arvense (Horsetail)
• Emblica officinalis (Amla)
• Camellia sinensis (Green tea)

Correct Answer: Equisetum arvense (Horsetail)

Q3. Which essential oil has documented antifungal activity and is often used in herbal nail formulations for onychomycosis adjunct therapy?

• Mentha piperita (Peppermint) oil
• Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea tree) oil
• Lavandula angustifolia (Lavender) oil
• Citrus sinensis (Orange) oil

Correct Answer: Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea tree) oil

Q4. What is the main formulation challenge for delivering actives through the nail plate for topical therapy?

• High enzymatic degradation within the nail bed
• Low vascularity of the nail matrix
• Dense keratin structure causing low transungual permeability
• Excessive sebum interfering with drug absorption

Correct Answer: Dense keratin structure causing low transungual permeability

Q5. Which chemical penetration enhancer is commonly used to increase drug diffusion through the nail plate by disrupting keratin bonds?

• Triethanolamine
• Urea
• Ethyl cellulose
• Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose

Correct Answer: Urea

Q6. In herbal nail lacquer formulations, which excipient class provides the continuous protective film over the nail surface?

• Plasticizers
• Film-formers (e.g., nitrocellulose or ethyl cellulose)
• Antioxidants
• Humectants

Correct Answer: Film-formers (e.g., nitrocellulose or ethyl cellulose)

Q7. Chitosan is used in some herbal nail formulations primarily because it:

• Acts as a volatile solvent to dissolve botanicals
• Functions as a film-former with potential antifungal and mucoadhesive properties
• Works as a primary plasticizer improving flexibility
• Provides high oil solubility for essential oils

Correct Answer: Functions as a film-former with potential antifungal and mucoadhesive properties

Q8. Which in vitro model is most frequently used to study transungual permeation of nail formulations when human nail plates are unavailable?

• Porcine skin model
• Rabbit ear cartilage
• Porcine hoof membrane
• Artificial cellulose membrane

Correct Answer: Porcine hoof membrane

Q9. Which herbal constituent is associated with antifungal activity due to organosulfur compounds and is sometimes used in onychomycosis remedies?

• Allium sativum (Garlic) with allicin
• Ginkgo biloba with ginkgolides
• Curcuma longa with curcumin
• Centella asiatica with asiaticoside

Correct Answer: Allium sativum (Garlic) with allicin

Q10. Which analytical method is best suited to quantify penetration of a herbal active into the nail plate in a Franz diffusion cell study?

• Gas chromatography coupled with flame ionization detector (GC-FID)
• High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)
• Thin layer chromatography (TLC) visual inspection
• pH titration

Correct Answer: High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)

Q11. For herbal nail oil formulations, which carrier oil is preferred for its good skin affinity, non-greasy feel and stability with essential oils?

• Sesame oil
• Jojoba oil
• Castor oil
• Coconut oil (refined)

Correct Answer: Jojoba oil

Q12. Which preservative consideration is critical for water-containing herbal nail creams to ensure product safety?

• Using only natural antioxidants instead of preservatives
• Ensuring broad-spectrum antimicrobial preservative effective at formulation pH
• Eliminating preservatives because botanicals are sterile
• Relying on essential oils alone for preservative efficacy

Correct Answer: Ensuring broad-spectrum antimicrobial preservative effective at formulation pH

Q13. In the regulatory context in India, when does a nail product containing herbal extracts become regulated as a drug rather than a cosmetic?

• When it contains any essential oil above 1% concentration
• When the product makes therapeutic claims such as treating onychomycosis or nail psoriasis
• When the product is packaged in a medicinal-looking container
• When it is sold online

Correct Answer: When the product makes therapeutic claims such as treating onychomycosis or nail psoriasis

Q14. Which evaluation parameter specifically assesses the adhesion and resistance to peeling of a nail lacquer film?

• Viscosity measurement
• Drying time test
• Cross-hatch adhesion test or tape adhesion test
• pH measurement

Correct Answer: Cross-hatch adhesion test or tape adhesion test

Q15. Phototoxicity risk in herbal nail products is mainly a concern with which class of herbal constituents?

• Coumarins and furanocoumarins (e.g., bergapten)
• Flavonoids like quercetin
• Polysaccharides
• Alkaloids

Correct Answer: Coumarins and furanocoumarins (e.g., bergapten)

Q16. Which natural antioxidant is commonly incorporated into herbal nail formulations to protect sensitive botanical actives from oxidative degradation?

• Sodium benzoate
• Vitamin E (tocopherol)
• Paraben mix
• Sorbitol

Correct Answer: Vitamin E (tocopherol)

Q17. A formulation scientist wants to replace dibutyl phthalate in a plasticized nail lacquer due to safety concerns. Which alternative plasticizer is considered safer and commonly used?

• Triacetin (glyceryl triacetate)
• Diethyl phthalate
• Lead acetate
• Camphor heavy fraction

Correct Answer: Triacetin (glyceryl triacetate)

Q18. Which in vivo or clinical endpoint is most appropriate to demonstrate efficacy of an herbal antifungal nail treatment?

• Reduction in nail plate thickness only
• Microbiological cure (negative mycological culture) and clinical improvement of nail appearance
• Increase in nail shine assessed by gloss meter
• Change in pH of periungual skin

Correct Answer: Microbiological cure (negative mycological culture) and clinical improvement of nail appearance

Q19. Combining keratolytic agents with herbal antifungals in a formulation primarily aims to:

• Reduce the formulation viscosity for easier application
• Enhance removal of infected nail material and increase active penetration
• Stabilize volatile botanical compounds
• Increase coloring properties of the lacquer

Correct Answer: Enhance removal of infected nail material and increase active penetration

Q20. Which stability concern is particularly relevant for herbal nail lacquers containing essential oils and colorants?

• Lack of film formation due to high water content
• Phase separation in aqueous gels
• Volatilization and oxidative degradation of essential oils and color fading
• Excessive foaming during application

Correct Answer: Volatilization and oxidative degradation of essential oils and color fading

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