Herbal hair oils MCQs With Answer

Introduction: This collection of MCQs on Herbal Hair Oils is tailored for M.Pharm students studying Herbal Cosmetics (MPG 204T). It focuses on phytochemistry, extraction methods, formulation science, mechanisms of action, quality control and regulatory/safety aspects relevant to herbal hair oil development. The questions are designed to deepen understanding of active botanical constituents, delivery to hair follicles, stability testing, analytical standardization and microbiological requirements. Each MCQ integrates practical formulation considerations with pharmacognostic and analytical perspectives to prepare students for both academic examinations and real-world herbal cosmetic development. Use these questions to test knowledge, identify gaps and guide further reading in advanced herbal formulation science.

Q1. Which major phytochemical in Phyllanthus emblica (Amla) contributes significantly to its antioxidant action in hair oils?

• Alkaloids
• Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C)
• Saponins
• Essential fatty acids

Correct Answer: Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C)

Q2. What is the reported primary mechanism by which Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) oil promotes hair growth?

• Direct keratinocyte proliferation
• Inhibition of 5-alpha reductase reducing DHT formation
• Acting as a sunscreen on the scalp
• Providing a high level of vitamins to follicles

Correct Answer: Inhibition of 5-alpha reductase reducing DHT formation

Q3. For topical herbal hair oil formulations intended for the scalp, which pH range is generally most compatible with scalp physiology and product stability?

• pH 3.0–4.0
• pH 4.5–5.5
• pH 6.5–7.5
• pH 8.0–9.0

Correct Answer: pH 4.5–5.5

Q4. Which extraction technique is preferred when aiming to maximize yield and preserve thermolabile volatile constituents for a herbal hair oil?

• Steam distillation
• Cold maceration in solvent
• Supercritical CO2 extraction
• Soxhlet extraction with alcohol

Correct Answer: Supercritical CO2 extraction

Q5. Which chromatographic technique is most commonly used for fingerprint standardization of non-volatile phytoconstituents in herbal hair oil botanicals?

• Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS)
• High-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC)
• Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR)
• Colorimetric titration

Correct Answer: High-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC)

Q6. What is the principal purpose of incorporating penetration enhancers into a herbal hair oil formulation?

• To increase systemic drug exposure via oral absorption
• To promote follicular and transdermal delivery of active phytochemicals
• To act as primary preservatives against microbes
• To increase the fragrance of the product

Correct Answer: To promote follicular and transdermal delivery of active phytochemicals

Q7. Regarding preservative requirements, which statement is accurate for herbal hair oil formulations?

• All hair oil formulations always require a broad‑spectrum aqueous preservative
• Preservatives are generally required only in formulations containing water; anhydrous oils typically do not need them
• Preservatives are never needed in any cosmetic oil products
• Only antioxidant preservatives are required in oil products

Correct Answer: Preservatives are generally required only in formulations containing water; anhydrous oils typically do not need them

Q8. Which anatomical component of the hair follicle is the primary target for agents that stimulate hair growth and regrowth?

• Melanocyte stem cells
• Sweat glands
• Dermal papilla cells
• Hair cuticle

Correct Answer: Dermal papilla cells

Q9. Traditionally which herb is most commonly used in Ayurveda and herbal cosmetics to prevent premature graying and nourish hair?

• Bhringraj (Eclipta alba)
• Amla (Phyllanthus emblica)
• Neem (Azadirachta indica)
• Hibiscus rosa-sinensis

Correct Answer: Amla (Phyllanthus emblica)

Q10. Which polyphenolic compound from Camellia sinensis (green tea) has been researched for promoting hair growth via antioxidant and anti‑inflammatory effects?

• Quercetin
• Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
• Resveratrol
• Curcumin

Correct Answer: Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)

Q11. Which analytical parameter is most commonly used to monitor the oxidative rancidity of herbal carrier oils used in hair oil formulations?

• pH
• Peroxide value
• Viscosity at 25°C
• Refractive index

Correct Answer: Peroxide value

Q12. For stable oil-in-water herbal hair emulsions which class of emulsifiers is preferred because of mildness and compatibility with plant actives?

• Anionic surfactants (e.g., sodium lauryl sulfate)
• Nonionic emulsifiers (e.g., polysorbates, sorbitan esters)
• Cationic surfactants (e.g., quats)
• Amphoteric surfactants are always mandatory

Correct Answer: Nonionic emulsifiers (e.g., polysorbates, sorbitan esters)

Q13. Which herbal extract is widely studied for antiandrogenic activity and used as a botanical alternative in androgenic alopecia formulations?

• Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens)
• Aloe vera
• Arnica montana

Correct Answer: Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens)

Q14. Which in vitro technique is most appropriate to evaluate percutaneous or follicular penetration of actives from herbal hair oil formulations?

• Franz diffusion cell permeation study using excised skin
• DPPH radical scavenging assay
• HPTLC fingerprinting
• pH meter titration

Correct Answer: Franz diffusion cell permeation study using excised skin

Q15. Which carrier oil is known for good hair shaft penetration and is commonly used in herbal hair oil formulations due to its high lauric acid content?

• Mineral oil
• Coconut oil
• Synthetic silicone oil
• Paraffin oil

Correct Answer: Coconut oil

Q16. Which constituent of Mentha piperita (peppermint) oil produces a cooling sensation and contributes to scalp vasodilation?

• Cineole
• Menthol
• Linalool
• Eugenol

Correct Answer: Menthol

Q17. To profile and quantify volatile constituents in a herbal hair oil (essential oil fraction) the most suitable analytical tool is:

• High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)
• Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS)
• Atomic absorption spectroscopy
• Gel permeation chromatography

Correct Answer: Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS)

Q18. According to typical cosmetic microbiological specifications for leave-on herbal hair oils, acceptable microbial limits are often specified as which of the following?

• Total aerobic microbial count ≤10^5 CFU/g and yeast & mold ≤10^4 CFU/g
• Total aerobic microbial count ≤10^3 CFU/g and yeast & mold ≤10^2 CFU/g
• No limits are required for leave-on oils
• Total aerobic microbial count ≤10^7 CFU/g and yeast & mold ≤10^6 CFU/g

Correct Answer: Total aerobic microbial count ≤10^3 CFU/g and yeast & mold ≤10^2 CFU/g

Q19. How can surfactants or harsh detergents affect the efficacy of lipophilic phytoconstituents in hair oil products during product use?

• They always enhance the pharmacological activity of actives
• They may solubilize and remove lipophilic actives during washing, reducing efficacy
• They convert lipophilic actives into stable polymers
• They neutralize antioxidants increasing shelf life

Correct Answer: They may solubilize and remove lipophilic actives during washing, reducing efficacy

Q20. Which accelerated stability condition is most commonly used in preformulation studies to predict shelf-life and chemical stability of herbal hair oils?

• Storage at −20°C for 6 months
• 40°C ± 2°C with 75% ± 5% relative humidity for accelerated testing
• Room temperature under dark conditions only
• Continuous freeze–thaw cycling only

Correct Answer: 40°C ± 2°C with 75% ± 5% relative humidity for accelerated testing

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