Functional herbs used in cosmetics MCQs With Answer

Introduction: This question set on Functional herbs used in cosmetics is designed for M. Pharm students studying the Herbal Cosmetics (MPG 204T) syllabus. It focuses on active phytoconstituents, mechanisms of action, formulation and stability issues, safety and regulatory considerations, and analytical standardization of botanicals used in topical preparations. The MCQs probe deeper than basic identification—testing understanding of extraction choices, interactions with excipients, phototoxicity, preservative challenges, and appropriate analytical techniques for quality control. These 20 questions with answers will help reinforce conceptual knowledge and prepare students for examinations and formulation-oriented problem solving in herbal cosmeceuticals.

Q1. Which phytoconstituent of Centella asiatica primarily stimulates collagen synthesis and is commonly standardized for wound healing and anti-scarring topical formulations?

• Ursolic acid
• Asiaticoside
• Rosmarinic acid
• Saponin mixture

Correct Answer: Asiaticoside

Q2. The primary moisturizing and wound-repairing activity of Aloe vera gel is attributed to which class of compounds?

• Anthraquinones
• Polysaccharides (e.g., acemannan)
• Essential fatty acids
• Alkaloids

Correct Answer: Polysaccharides (e.g., acemannan)

Q3. Curcumin from turmeric exerts anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in topical cosmetics mainly by which mechanism?

• Activating tyrosinase to reduce pigmentation
• Inhibiting NF-kB mediated inflammatory pathways and COX/LOX enzymes
• Acting as a solvent for lipophilic actives
• Forming a physical UV barrier on the skin

Correct Answer: Inhibiting NF-kB mediated inflammatory pathways and COX/LOX enzymes

Q4. Which licorice-derived constituent is primarily used in skin-lightening formulations due to its inhibitory effect on melanogenesis and tyrosinase activity?

• Glycyrrhizin
• Glabridin
• Liquiritin
• Flavone glycoside

Correct Answer: Glabridin

Q5. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) from green tea contributes to photoprotection in cosmetic preparations mainly through which actions?

• Acting as a surfactant to enhance SPF
• Scavenging reactive oxygen species and inhibiting matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs)
• Increasing transepidermal water loss
• Depigmenting via direct melanin oxidation

Correct Answer: Scavenging reactive oxygen species and inhibiting matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs)

Q6. Which compound from Azadirachta indica (neem) is principally associated with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects useful in topical acne and antiseptic cosmetics?

• Azadirachtin
• Nimbidin
• Menthol
• Curcuminoid

Correct Answer: Nimbidin

Q7. Rosemary extracts are valued in cosmetics for antioxidant and shelf-life enhancing properties. Which constituent is primarily responsible for these strong antioxidant effects?

• Rosmarinic acid
• Carnosic acid
• Linalool
• Quercetin

Correct Answer: Carnosic acid

Q8. Which botanical ingredient is well-known for causing phototoxic reactions due to furanocoumarins and thus requires caution in leave-on formulations?

• Lavender oil
• Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) essential oil
• Aloe vera gel
• Chamomile extract

Correct Answer: Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) essential oil

Q9. Which phytochemical is commonly used as a standardization marker for chamomile extracts in anti-inflammatory topical products?

• Apigenin
• Curcumin
• Menthone
• Thymol

Correct Answer: Apigenin

Q10. For extracting polyphenols and flavonoids from herbal materials intended for cosmetic formulations, which solvent system is generally preferred to maximize yield and preserve activity?

• Neat hexane
• Hydroalcoholic (water–ethanol) extraction
• 100% methanol for topical use
• Supercritical CO2 exclusively

Correct Answer: Hydroalcoholic (water–ethanol) extraction

Q11. In labeling and regulatory nomenclature (INCI) for cosmetic ingredient declarations, how is Aloe vera most appropriately listed?

• Aloe gel
• Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
• Aloe extract
• Aloe vera topical

Correct Answer: Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice

Q12. Which phytochemical commonly found in some essential oils is restricted or closely monitored in cosmetics due to genotoxicity/carcinogenicity concerns?

• Linalool
• Methyleugenol
• Cinnamaldehyde
• Geraniol

Correct Answer: Methyleugenol

Q13. Which herbal extract is often used in topical anti-androgenic formulations for androgenic alopecia because it inhibits 5α-reductase activity?

• Ginkgo biloba
• Serenoa repens (saw palmetto)
• Centella asiatica
• Calendula officinalis

Correct Answer: Serenoa repens (saw palmetto)

Q14. Anthocyanin pigments used as natural colorants in herbal cosmetics exhibit maximum color stability under which pH condition?

• Strongly alkaline (pH > 9)
• Neutral (pH 7)
• Acidic (pH 2–4)
• Any pH, they are pH-independent

Correct Answer: Acidic (pH 2–4)

Q15. Which standardized test is used to evaluate the effectiveness of preservative systems in herbal cosmetic formulations by challenging them with microbial inocula over time?

• Patch test
• Preservative efficacy test (PET) / Challenge test
• Organoleptic stability test
• pH drift assay

Correct Answer: Preservative efficacy test (PET) / Challenge test

Q16. Madecassoside is another triterpenoid saponin from Centella asiatica; what is its principal topical cosmetic activity?

• Strong antimicrobial against gram-negative bacteria
• Inhibition of melanogenesis via tyrosinase blockade
• Anti-inflammatory and promotion of collagen synthesis aiding repair
• Acts as a primary emulsifier in creams

Correct Answer: Anti-inflammatory and promotion of collagen synthesis aiding repair

Q17. Tannins and polyphenolic herbal extracts can precipitate when combined with which class of surfactants during formulation due to ionic complexation?

• Anionic surfactants
• Nonionic surfactants
• Cationic surfactants
• Amphoteric surfactants exclusively

Correct Answer: Cationic surfactants

Q18. Which human clinical test is commonly used in cosmetic safety assessment to detect delayed contact hypersensitivity to a botanical topical product?

• Single application irritation test
• Human Repeat Insult Patch Test (HRIPT)
• Acute systemic toxicity test
• In vitro cytotoxicity on keratinocytes

Correct Answer: Human Repeat Insult Patch Test (HRIPT)

Q19. Silymarin from Silybum marianum (milk thistle) is included in some sunscreens and after-sun products primarily for what cosmeceutical benefit?

• Direct UV absorption as a physical sunscreen
• Antioxidant and photoprotective activity reducing lipid peroxidation and inflammation
• Acting as a thickening agent in emulsions
• Serving as a fragrance component

Correct Answer: Antioxidant and photoprotective activity reducing lipid peroxidation and inflammation

Q20. For quantitative determination and standardization of marker phytoconstituents in herbal cosmetic raw materials, which analytical technique is most appropriate and widely accepted?

• Thin-layer chromatography (qualitative only)
• High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)
• Simple UV-Vis colorimetric spot test
• Gravimetric residue on ignition

Correct Answer: High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)

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