Herbal hair growth formulations MCQs With Answer

Introduction: Herbal hair growth formulations MCQs With Answer is designed for M.Pharm students specializing in herbal cosmetics to reinforce advanced concepts related to botanicals used for promoting hair growth. This concise question set covers phytochemistry, mechanisms of action (anti-androgenic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory), extraction and standardization of active markers, formulation types (oils, shampoos, serums, nanoformulations), evaluation methods (in vitro follicle culture, patch testing, HPLC, AAS), stability, penetration enhancers and regulatory aspects. Each MCQ challenges your understanding of formulation strategy, quality control and clinical evaluation, preparing you for examinations and practical formulation design in herbal hair-care research.

Q1. Which phytochemical is considered a major bioactive constituent in Bhringraj (Eclipta alba) linked to hair growth promotion?

• Gallic acid
• Wedelolactone
• Aloin
• Luteolin

Correct Answer: Wedelolactone

Q2. Emblica officinalis (Amla) is valued in hair formulations mainly because it is rich in which nutrient that promotes scalp health and hair strength?

• Vitamin C
• Vitamin D
• Vitamin B12
• Vitamin K

Correct Answer: Vitamin C

Q3. What is the principal mechanism by which Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens) extracts are believed to reduce androgenetic hair loss?

• Stimulating keratinocyte proliferation
• Inhibiting 5-alpha reductase and reducing DHT formation
• Acting as a strong antioxidant only
• Replacing hair follicle stem cells

Correct Answer: Inhibiting 5-alpha reductase and reducing DHT formation

Q4. Which class of phytochemicals in Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek) is mainly associated with hormonal modulation and hair growth effects?

• Saponins (e.g., diosgenin)
• Coumarins
• Anthraquinones
• Alkaloids (e.g., nicotine)

Correct Answer: Saponins (e.g., diosgenin)

Q5. Which experimental model is most appropriate to directly assess impact of herbal actives on hair follicle growth ex vivo?

• DPPH antioxidant assay
• Hair follicle organ culture
• Franz diffusion cell for transdermal absorption
• Disc diffusion antimicrobial test

Correct Answer: Hair follicle organ culture

Q6. Which commonly used vehicle/penetration enhancer in topical herbal hair oils increases scalp permeation of polar phytoconstituents?

• Propylene glycol
• Sodium lauryl sulfate
• Sorbitan monooleate
• Calcium carbonate

Correct Answer: Propylene glycol

Q7. For prolonged scalp residence and sustained release of oil-soluble herbal actives, which formulation base is typically most suitable?

• Ointment (anhydrous, oil-based)
• Rinse-off shampoo
• Hydroalcoholic lotion
• Powder shampoo

Correct Answer: Ointment (anhydrous, oil-based)

Q8. Hibiscus rosa-sinensis is widely used in hair care primarily because it contains which type of constituent that conditions and imparts softness to hair?

• Mucilage
• Essential oils
• High concentrations of caffeine
• Iron salts

Correct Answer: Mucilage

Q9. Which preservative is commonly selected for herbal shampoos balancing broad-spectrum activity with acceptable irritation profile?

• Phenoxyethanol
• Formaldehyde
• Mercuric chloride
• Benzalkonium hydroxide

Correct Answer: Phenoxyethanol

Q10. Which is the most significant chemical stability concern for polyphenol-rich herbal extracts used in hair formulations?

• Oxidation leading to loss of activity and browning
• Radioactive degradation
• Spontaneous polymerization into peptides
• Sublimation at room temperature

Correct Answer: Oxidation leading to loss of activity and browning

Q11. Which chromatographic marker is commonly quantified by HPLC to standardize Indian gooseberry (Amla) extracts?

• Gallic acid
• Menthol
• Azadirachtin
• Catechol

Correct Answer: Gallic acid

Q12. What is the primary rationale for including antioxidants (e.g., tocopherol) in herbal hair growth formulations?

• To protect hair follicles from oxidative stress and prevent active degradation
• To act as primary conditioning agent
• To increase formulation pH
• To enhance fragrance persistence

Correct Answer: To protect hair follicles from oxidative stress and prevent active degradation

Q13. What is the ideal pH target for most hair shampoos to maintain scalp and hair cuticle integrity?

• 3.0
• 5.5
• 8.5
• 10.0

Correct Answer: 5.5

Q14. Which test is most appropriate to screen a new herbal topical hair serum for potential skin irritation and sensitization in humans?

• Patch test (human repeat insult patch test)
• Acute oral toxicity test
• Mutagenicity Ames test
• Petri dish antimicrobial assay

Correct Answer: Patch test (human repeat insult patch test)

Q15. Which carrier oil is known for good scalp penetration and is frequently used in herbal hair oil formulations to deliver fatty actives?

• Coconut oil
• Mineral oil (heavy)
• Silicone oil only
• Liquid paraffin

Correct Answer: Coconut oil

Q16. What is an expected advantage of nanoemulsion or lipid nanoparticle delivery of herbal actives for hair growth?

• Enhanced penetration, increased bioavailability and reduced required dose
• Complete elimination of need for preservatives
• Guaranteed cure of all alopecia types
• Increased volatility of actives

Correct Answer: Enhanced penetration, increased bioavailability and reduced required dose

Q17. Which naturally derived emulsifier is commonly used in herbal creams and is compatible with botanical actives?

• Lecithin
• Sodium lauryl sulfate
• Polysorbate 80 only (synthetic)
• Aluminum stearate

Correct Answer: Lecithin

Q18. Which analytical technique is most appropriate for quantifying trace heavy metals (lead, arsenic, cadmium) in herbal raw materials used for hair formulations?

• Atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS)
• Thin-layer chromatography (TLC)
• UV-visible spectrophotometry for tannins
• Gravimetric analysis for total ash

Correct Answer: Atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS)

Q19. Under Indian regulations, an over-the-counter marketed product labeled as “herbal hair oil” is typically classified as which category?

• Cosmetic
• Schedule H drug
• Prescription-only medicine
• Intravenous formulation

Correct Answer: Cosmetic

Q20. What is the principal functional effect of fenugreek mucilage when applied topically as a hair conditioner in formulations?

• Forms a protective film on hair fibers, reducing breakage and improving manageability
• Acts as a potent bleaching agent
• Increases hair porosity dramatically
• Provides systemic hormonal replacement

Correct Answer: Forms a protective film on hair fibers, reducing breakage and improving manageability

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