Herbal shampoos MCQs With Answer

Introduction: This set of MCQs on Herbal Shampoos is designed specifically for M.Pharm students studying Herbal Cosmetics (MPG 204T). It focuses on formulation science, selection and standardization of botanicals, surfactant-herb interactions, stability and preservation, analytical evaluation and regulatory considerations. Questions probe deeper than basics — covering phytochemical functionality (saponins, tannins, glycosides), extraction techniques, compatibility issues, efficacy testing, rheology and sensory attributes, and quality control tests used in industry. Use these 20 MCQs with answers to test your conceptual understanding and to prepare for exams and practical formulation challenges encountered in research and product development.

Q1. Which class of phytochemical primarily contributes to natural foaming and cleansing in herbal shampoos like reetha (Sapindus) and soapnut extracts?

• Saponins
• Tannins
• Terpenoids
• Alkaloids

Correct Answer: Saponins

Q2. Which surfactant type is commonly blended with herbal extracts to improve mildness and reduce irritation in green formulations?

• Anionic surfactants only (e.g., SLS)
• Amphoteric surfactants (e.g., cocamidopropyl betaine)
• Cationic surfactants (e.g., cetyl trimethylammonium chloride)
• Nonionic surfactants only (e.g., polysorbates)

Correct Answer: Amphoteric surfactants (e.g., cocamidopropyl betaine)

Q3. For optimal scalp compatibility and cuticle health, what pH range is generally targeted for herbal shampoo formulations?

• 2.0–3.5
• 4.5–5.5
• 6.5–8.0
• 8.5–10.0

Correct Answer: 4.5–5.5

Q4. Which herbal extract is most associated with promoting hair growth and commonly used in Ayurvedic shampoos?

• Aloe vera
• Bhringraj (Eclipta alba)
• Neem (Azadirachta indica)
• Chamomile

Correct Answer: Bhringraj (Eclipta alba)

Q5. Which analytical method is most appropriate for quantifying marker flavonoids or phenolic compounds in a herbal shampoo extract during standardization?

• High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)
• Gravimetric analysis
• Refractometry
• Particle size analysis

Correct Answer: High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)

Q6. Which preservative challenge is especially relevant when formulating herbal shampoos rich in polyphenols and sugars?

• Increased foaming
• Reduced viscosity
• Preservative inactivation or reduced efficacy
• Enhanced antimicrobial activity requiring no preservative

Correct Answer: Preservative inactivation or reduced efficacy

Q7. Which excipient is commonly added to improve foam stability and provide conditioning in herbal shampoo formulations?

• Sodium chloride at very high concentration
• Silicones (e.g., dimethicone)
• Chelating agents (e.g., EDTA)
• Humectants (e.g., glycerin)

Correct Answer: Silicones (e.g., dimethicone)

Q8. What is the primary reason for including a chelating agent like EDTA in herbal shampoo formulations?

• To act as a fragrance
• To sequester metal ions that destabilize surfactants and reduce foam
• To increase pH dramatically
• To thicken the formulation substantially

Correct Answer: To sequester metal ions that destabilize surfactants and reduce foam

Q9. Which evaluation parameter specifically measures the reservoir of sebum-removing potential of a shampoo in vitro?

• Foam volume test
• Wet combing test
• Sebum removal or oil dispersal test
• pH measurement

Correct Answer: Sebum removal or oil dispersal test

Q10. When extracting hydrophilic actives from plant material for a herbal shampoo, which solvent/extraction medium is most appropriate?

• n-Hexane
• Water or hydroalcoholic mixtures
• Chloroform
• Saturated sodium chloride solution

Correct Answer: Water or hydroalcoholic mixtures

Q11. Which herbal ingredient is known for both antimicrobial and anti-dandruff properties and is frequently used in traditional shampoo formulations?

• Hibiscus rosa-sinensis
• Curry leaf
• Neem (Azadirachta indica)
• Rosemary

Correct Answer: Neem (Azadirachta indica)

Q12. Which rheological modifier is suitable for anionic-amphoteric herbal shampoo systems to achieve desirable viscosity and shear-thinning?

• Cellulose ethers (e.g., HEC)
• Carbomers neutralized with TEA or aminomethyl propanol
• High concentration sodium chloride alone
• Pure ethanol

Correct Answer: Carbomers neutralized with TEA or aminomethyl propanol

Q13. Which stability concern is more pronounced for herbal shampoos containing fresh botanical juices such as aloe vera?

• Thermal polymerization
• Enzymatic degradation and microbial spoilage
• Excessive foaming
• Immediate precipitation of surfactants

Correct Answer: Enzymatic degradation and microbial spoilage

Q14. Which in vitro test helps evaluate conditioning effect of a herbal shampoo on hair shafts?

• Viscosity measurement
• Tensile strength and combing force tests on treated hair tresses
• pH meter reading
• Cloud point determination

Correct Answer: Tensile strength and combing force tests on treated hair tresses

Q15. Which natural botanical is rich in vitamin C and often included in herbal hair cleansers for antioxidant and shine-enhancing effects?

• Amla (Emblica officinalis)
• Shikakai (Acacia concinna)
• Gotu kola
• Tulsi

Correct Answer: Amla (Emblica officinalis)

Q16. Microbial limit tests for herbal shampoos should particularly monitor which organism group due to risk of contamination from plant materials?

• Pseudomonas spp.
• Lactobacillus spp.
• Streptococcus thermophilus
• Brevibacterium spp.

Correct Answer: Pseudomonas spp.

Q17. Which processing parameter must be controlled to prevent denaturation of thermolabile botanical actives during shampoo manufacture?

• Mixing speed only
• Heating temperature and exposure time
• Packaging color selection
• Atmospheric pressure in the plant

Correct Answer: Heating temperature and exposure time

Q18. In formulating a clear herbal shampoo, which additive is preferred to prevent cloudiness when combining aqueous botanical extracts with surfactants?

• High-salt loading (excess NaCl)
• Solubilizers or co-surfactants like PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil
• Suspending agents such as bentonite
• Colloidal silica

Correct Answer: Solubilizers or co-surfactants like PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil

Q19. Which regulatory documentation is typically required for a marketed herbal shampoo in many countries regarding safety and claims?

• Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR) or equivalent and substantiation of claims
• Pharmacopoeial monograph for tablets
• Veterinary drug approval
• No documentation is required for herbal products

Correct Answer: Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR) or equivalent and substantiation of claims

Q20. Which approach improves preservative efficacy in herbal shampoos that contain chelating, sugar and polyphenol-rich extracts?

• Reduce preservative concentration to minimum
• Use a well-chosen preservative system plus chelator (EDTA) and adjust pH to optimal range
• Rely solely on botanical antimicrobial activity with no synthetic preservative
• Store product at room temperature without testing

Correct Answer: Use a well-chosen preservative system plus chelator (EDTA) and adjust pH to optimal range

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