Phytochemical and thickening properties of the mucilage of Malachra alceifolia jacq., in a shampoo formulation

Abstract

The feasibility of the using of mucilages as viscous hydrocolloids in order to reduce dependence on inorganic products that are unfriendly to the environment, is a necessity that the scientific community must take advantage on behalf of development of new products. The aim was to determine the phytochemical components and thickening capacity of mucilage as a hydrocolloid in a shampoo formula. Phytochemical sieve was done by coloration, precipitation and flotation reactions. Mucilage extraction was performed by hydration-maceration of crushed stems according to experimental design  (three factors and two levels) and controlled by the viscosity response variable. For the shampoo, a design of  was used (two factors and two levels), evaluated with viscosity response variables and lather formation, results that were tabulated with the statistical software statgraphics plus. The results show in the hydrocolloid the presence of tannins, alkaloids, triterpenes. Its thickening capacity due to the significant viscosity of the hydrocolloid (1186 mPa.s). The viscosity of the shampoo between 1020 and 1460 mPa.s and the amount of foam (213 ml) that reward the quality. It is concluded that, the complex molecular structure and abundant presence of mucilage in its natural state in the stems of Malachra alceifolia Jacq allows the hydrocolloid obtained to have a great viscosifying and moisturizing capacity with an almost neutral pH, qualities that affect the quality of the shampoo and are suitable for commercial products with friendly features to the environment; being promoted as a raw material for formulations of other personal hygiene products with an important projection of immediate application in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry.