NATURE’S CLEANSE: ORGANIC SPINACIA OLERACEA & MURRAYA KOENIGII FORMULATION FOR SKIN CARE

NATURE’S CLEANSE: ORGANIC SPINACIA OLERACEA & MURRAYA KOENIGII FORMULATION FOR SKIN CARE

C. Thibiraj, P. Priya *, A. N. Venkatesh, K. Vignesh and R. Sivanandhan

Department of Pharmaceutics, The Erode College of Pharmacy, Veppampalayam, Erode, Tamil Nadu, India.

ABSTRACT: The rising demand for natural and skin-friendly personal care products has prompted the exploration of plant-based formulations. This study focuses on the development and evaluation of an organic herbal cleanser incorporating Spinacia oleracea (spinach) and Murraya koenigii (curry leaf) extracts, known for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. Two gel-based formulations were prepared using Carbopol 934 as a gelling agent, glycerine as a humectant, and sodium lauryl sulfate as a foaming agent. Formulations were evaluated for physical characteristics, pH, spread ability, washability, and foamability. Both formulations exhibited pale green color, smooth consistency, pleasant herbaceous aroma, and easy washability. Among the two, formulation F2 demonstrated superior gel formation, optimal pH (5.2), excellent spreadability, and stable foam. Preliminary phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, steroids, and glycosides in the extracts, supporting their bioactive potential. The results suggest that the developed herbal cleanser is safe, effective, and cosmetically acceptable for routine facial care. This eco-friendly, plant-powered formulation offers a promising alternative to synthetic cleansers, aligning with the growing trend of green and sustainable skincare. Further studies are warranted to assess long-term efficacy and potential dermatological benefits.

Keywords: Herbal cleanser, Spinacia oleracea, Murraya koenigii, Face wash gel, Anti-acne, Antioxidant activity, Phytochemical screening, Carbopol 934, Skin care, Ayurvedic cosmetics

INTRODUCTION: Skin cleansing is a fundamental aspect of personal hygiene and dermatological care, contributing to the removal of dirt, excess sebum, microorganisms, and environmental contaminants while preserving the skin barrier function ^{1, 2}. However, frequent use of synthetic cleansers containing aggressive surfactants, preservatives, and fragrances has been associated with irritation, dryness, and disruption of the stratum corneum lipid matrix ^{3, 4}.

These concerns have encouraged the development of mild, plant-based cleansing systems that combine cleansing efficiency with skin-protective properties ⁵. Herbal cosmetics have gained considerable attention due to their safety, biocompatibility, and multifunctional benefits derived from bioactive phytoconstituents ^{6, 7}.

Spinacia oleracea (spinach) is rich in natural antioxidants, including flavonoids, carotenoids, and vitamins A, C, and E, which exhibit strong free-radical-scavenging, anti-inflammatory, and cytoprotective effects on skin cells ^8–10. These properties support its use in topical formulations aimed at reducing oxidative stress and maintaining skin health ¹¹. Murraya koenigii (curry leaf) is a medicinal plant widely reported for its antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing activities ^12–14. Its bioactivity is attributed to carbazole alkaloids and phenolic compounds, which have demonstrated effectiveness against skin-associated pathogens and oxidative damage ^{15, 16}. Incorporation of such plant extracts into topical cleansing formulations can provide synergistic benefits, offering gentle cleansing while promoting skin protection and nourishment ^{17, 18}.

Maintaining skin pH and minimizing detergent-induced barrier disruption are essential considerations in cleanser formulation, as alterations in skin surface pH can impair enzymatic activity and barrier homeostasis ^{19, 20}. Therefore, the present study aims to formulate and evaluate a herbal skin cleanser incorporating Spinacia oleracea and Murraya koenigii, focusing on its physicochemical characteristics, stability, and suitability for routine skin care applications.

Plant Profile:

Spinacia oleracea L. (Spinach): Spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) is an edible flowering plant belonging to the family Amaranthaceae. It is an annual herbaceous leafy vegetable widely consumed across the world ²¹. The genus Spinacia includes a small number of annual herbs distributed from the eastern Mediterranean region to Central Asia and Afghanistan.

Spinacia oleracea is native to south-west Asia and is extensively cultivated in India for its nutritional leaves ^{21, 22}. The plant grows up to approximately 30 cm in height and can survive mild winters in temperate regions ²². The leaves are alternate, simple, ovate to triangular in shape, with lengths ranging from 2–30 cm and widths from 1–15 cm. The larger leaves are present at the base, while smaller leaves occur on the flowering stem ²². The flowers are small, inconspicuous, yellow-green in colour, measuring about 3–4 mm in diameter. They develop into small, hard, dry fruit clusters of about 5–10 mm, containing several seeds ²³.

Scientific Classification:

Kingdom: Plantae

Class: Angiosperms

Subclass: Eudicots

Order: Caryophyllales

Family: Amaranthaceae

Genus: Spinacia

Species: Spinacia oleracea L ²¹

Morphological Characters: Spinacia oleracea is an annual or biennial, glabrous herb. The leaves are petiolate, simple, ovate-triangular and arranged in alternate to rosette phyllotaxy ²². Leaf margins are entire to slightly serrated with palmate venation. The average leaf length and breadth are approximately 7 cm and 4 cm, respectively ²². The inflorescence consists of small actinomorphic flowers arranged in spike-like clusters ²³.

Phytoconstituents Present in Leaves of Spinacia oleracea: Phytochemical studies have confirmed the presence of flavonoids, phenolic compounds, tannins, saponins, alkaloids, glycosides, carbohydrates and proteins in spinach leaves ⁴. Spinach leaves also contain organic acids, particularly oxalic acid, which is characteristic of leafy vegetables ²⁴. Vitamins such as Vitamin A (β-carotene) and Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) are abundantly present in spinach leaves ²⁵. Spinach is rich in inorganic minerals including iron, calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium ²⁵. The high content of Vitamin A and carotenoids in spinach contributes to skin health by supporting epithelial maintenance and sebum regulation ²⁶.

Pharmacological Activities of Spinacia oleracea L.: Spinacia oleracea has been extensively investigated for its pharmacological potential, and research studies have demonstrated that spinach exhibits strong antioxidant activity due to its high content of flavonoids, carotenoids and phenolic compounds, which effectively scavenge free radicals and reduce oxidative stress ²⁷. Experimental studies have also reported anti-inflammatory activity, mediated through inhibition of inflammatory mediators and modulation of cytokine expression ^{27, 28}. Spinach has shown anti-obesity and hypolipidemic effects by regulating lipid metabolism and reducing body fat accumulation ²⁸. Additionally, Spinacia oleracea possesses antidiabetic activity, evidenced by improvement in glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity in experimental models ²⁸.

Anticancer and antimutagenic activities have also been reported, attributed to its bioactive phytochemicals that inhibit cell proliferation and induce apoptosis ²⁹. Furthermore, spinach consumption has been associated with cardioprotective effects, supporting vascular health and reducing oxidative damage related to cardiovascular diseases ^{27, 29}.

Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng: Murraya koenigii belongs to the family Rutaceae, which comprises more than 150 genera and approximately 1600 species ³⁰. The leaves of Murraya koenigii are widely used in Indian culinary practices due to their characteristic aroma and flavor ³¹. The aromatic nature of curry leaves is attributed to volatile compounds such as β-gurjunene, β-caryophyllene, β-elemene and α-phellandrene present in the essential oil ³². Compounds such as β-pinene, β-caryophyllene, β-phellandrene and α-pinene possess antimicrobial activity and help in controlling food spoilage when used individually or in combination ³³. Three different morphotypes of Murraya koenigii have been reported, differing in growth pattern, leaf colour and aroma intensity. The regular type is a fast-growing plant with dark green leaves and moderate aroma. The dwarf type grows as a bushy shrub with light green leaves and a distinct aroma. The brown type is the most fragrant, having thick, small leaves with dark brown coloration ³⁴.

Scientific Classification:

Kingdom: Plantae

Subkingdom: Tracheobionta

Superdivision: Spermatophyta

Division: Magnoliophyta

Class: Magnoliopsida

Subclass: Rosidae

Family: Rutaceae

Genus: Murraya J. Koenig ex L.

Species: Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng ³⁰

Morphological Characters: Murraya koenigii is a small spreading shrub reaching a height of approximately 2.5 m, with a dark green to brownish stem ³¹. When the bark is peeled longitudinally, the underlying white wood becomes visible, and the main stem diameter is about 16 cm ³¹. The leaves are compound, about 30 cm long, each bearing approximately 24 leaflets with reticulate venation ³¹. The flowers are white, funnel-shaped, bisexual, sweet-smelling, and measure about 1.12 cm in diameter when fully opened ³². The fruits are round to oblong, measuring 1.4–1.6 cm in length and 1–1.2 cm in diameter, and turn black and shiny upon ripening ³. The seeds are green in colour, about 11 mm long, and weigh approximately 445 mg ³².

Phytoconstituents Present in Leaves of Murraya koenigii: Leaves of Murraya koenigii contain several carbazole alkaloids, including koenimbine, mahanimbine, isomahanimbine, koenigine, koenidine and murrayacine ³⁵. Other alkaloids such as O-methyl murrayamine, O-methyl mahanine, bismahanine, bispyrayafoline, euchrestine B and bismurrayafoline E have also been reported ³⁵. Dried leaves contain glycozoline, 1-formyl-3-methoxy-6-methyl carbazole and 6,7-dimethoxy-1-hydroxy-3-methyl carbazole ³⁶. In addition to alkaloids, curry leaves are rich in proteins, carbohydrates, dietary fiber, minerals, carotene, vitamin C and nicotinic acid ³⁷.

Pharmacological Activities of Murraya koenigii: Murraya koenigii has been widely studied for its diverse pharmacological activities, and research evidence indicates that curry leaf extracts exhibit potent antioxidant activity, mainly due to carbazole alkaloids, flavonoids and phenolic compounds that reduce oxidative stress ³⁸. Numerous studies have demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects, mediated through suppression of inflammatory mediators and oxidative pathways ^{38, 39}. Murraya koenigii has shown significant antidiabetic activity, including reduction of blood glucose levels, improvement of insulin sensitivity and inhibition of carbohydrate-digesting enzymes such as α-glucosidase ³⁸. The plant has also been reported to possess anticancer and antitumor activities, particularly attributed to alkaloids such as mahanine, which induce apoptosis and inhibit cancer cell proliferation ⁴⁰. In addition, curry leaves exhibit antimicrobial and antifungal activities, supporting their traditional use in food preservation and infection control ³⁹. Neuroprotective and cardioprotective effects have also been reported in experimental studies, indicating the therapeutic potential of Murraya koenigii in managing chronic diseases ^{38, 40}.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Collection of Plant Material and Identification: The spinach oleracea and Murraya koenigii were collected from local area of erode district, Tamil Nadu, India in the month of December, 2024. The plant material were identified and authenticated at Tamil Nadu University Campus, Lawley Road Coimbatore and Ministry of environment, forest and climate change botanical survey of India. The authentication number for Spinach oleracea BSI/SRC/5/23/2024-25/Tech./616 and Murraya koenigii BSI/SRC/5/23/2024-25/Tech./23. They were then washed thrice with tap water to remove dirt particles. The leaves were allowed to dry at room temperature. The dried leaves were grounded with ordinary grinder to get coarse particle of powder.

Preparation of Plant Extract: After the leaves were gathered, they carefully dried in the shade to preserve their medicinal properties. Once completely dried, they were powdered to increase their surface area and facilitate the extraction process. To extract the active components from the leaves, approximately 15g of powdered material were subjected to Soxhlet extraction ⁴¹.

This process involves mixing the powder material with ethanol, an organic solvent known for its ability to dissolve various plant compounds. The process is continued for 7 hours at constant temperature of 70 °C. After the extraction period, the mixture was carefully filtered by using Whatman filter paper ⁴².

The resulting extract contained a concentrated solution of the bioactive compounds present in the leaves. To remove the ethanol and obtain a dry extract, the liquid extract was subjected to evaporation under reduced pressure (e.g., using a rotary evaporator), leaving behind the plant extract for further analysis ⁴³.

FIG. 1: SOXHLET EXTRACTION OF SPINACH OLERACEA   

FIG. 2:  SOXHLET EXTRACTION OF MURRAYA KOENIGII

Preliminary Phytochemical Studies of Extract:

Test for Alkaloids: The small portion of the extract was dissolved in suitable solvent and each extract was stirred separately with few drops of dilute hydrochloric acid and filtered. The filtrate was tested for alkaloids by using the following reagents.

Dragendorffs Reagent: To 2ml extract, add few drops dragendorffs reagent formation of reddish-brown precipitate indicates the presence of alkaloids.

Test for Flavonoids:

Shinoda Test: To 2ml extract, add few drops H₂SO₄ in sample, formation of deep yellow colour indicates the presence of flavonoids.

Test for Tannins

Ferric Chloride Test: To 2ml extract, add solution of 2ml of fecl₃, formation of green colour indicates the presence of tannins.

Test for Steroids: To 2ml of extract, add 2ml of acetic anhydride and H₂SO₄, Occurrence of blue colour indicates presence of steroids.

Test for Glycosides:

Keller Killani Test: To 2ml of filtrate, add sulphuric acid and glacial acetic acid containing 1 drop of ferric chloride, Development of brown ring indicates presence of glycosides ^{44, 45, 46}.

TABLE 1: FORMULATION OF HERBAL CLEANSER

TABLE 2: FORMULATION OF HERBAL CLEANSER WITH QUANTITY

Preparation Procedure:

Steps:

Step 1: Weigh all the ingredients.

Step 2: Addition of glycerine and sodium lauryl sulphate (Phase B) in previously prepared solution of distilled water with phenoxyethanol (Phase A).

Step 3: Addition of weighed amount of Carbopol 934 to the above solution.

Step 4: Addition of herbal extracts to the base solution.

Step 5: Packaging of product in the container.

FIG. 3: ADDITION OF GLYCERINE AND SODIUM   

FIG. 4: ADDITION OF CARBOPOL 934 LAURYL SULPHATE

FIG. 5: ADDITION OF HERBAL EXTRACTS TO THE BASE SOLUTION IN   

FIG. 6: PACKAGING OF PRODUCT THE CONTAINER

Evaluation of Herbal Cleanser:

Colour and Odour: Physical parameters like colour, odour, texture and state were examined by visual examination ⁴⁷.

Consistency: The consistency of the herbal cleanser formulations was evaluated by visual inspection and manual examination by pressing a small quantity between the fingers to assess smoothness, uniformity, and gel-like nature ⁴⁸.

FIG. 7: CONSISTENCY

pH: The pH of the herbal cleanser formulations was measured by dispersing a small quantity of the formulation in distilled water and determining the pH using a calibrated digital pH meter at room temperature after equilibrium was attained ⁴⁸.

FIG. 8: pH

Spreadability: The spread ability of the herbal cleanser was evaluated manually by applying a small quantity of the formulation on the skin and spreading it gently to assess ease of spreading and uniform coverage ⁴⁹.

FIG. 9: SPREADABILITY

Washability: The washability of the herbal cleanser was evaluated by applying a small amount of the formulation on the skin and washing it under running tap water to observe the ease and completeness of removal ⁵⁰.

FIG. 10: WASHABILITY

Foamability: Small amount of gel was taken in a measuring cylinder containing water. Initial volume was noted, beaker was shaken for 10 times and the final volume was noted ⁴⁹.

FIG. 11: BEFORE FOAM  

FIG. 12: AFTER FOAM

RESULT AND DISCUSSION:

Colour and Odour: The colour and odour of cleanser was found to be pale green and characteristic odour respectively.

TABLE 3: COLOUR AND ODOUR

Consistency: The consistency of all formulation was checked and it was found that all formulation of cleanser has good gel like consistency.

pH:

TABLE 4: pH

Spreadability: The cleanser spread easily and uniformly over the skin surface with minimal effort. The formulation showed smooth application without grittiness, indicating good spreadability.

Washability: The formulated cleanser was easily washable with plain water and did not leave any greasy or sticky residue on the skin. The formulation was completely removed after gentle rinsing, indicating good washability.

Foamability: The cleanser produced sufficient foam upon gentle shaking and the foam remained stable for a considerable period. Adequate and stable foam formation indicates good foamability, which is desirable for effective cleansing action.

Herbal face wash gel containing, Spinach oleracea extract and Murraya koenigii extract was formulated successfully by using Carbopol as a gelling agent. Prepared formulation was evaluated for colour, odour, consistency, pH, spread ability, washability, grittiness, foam ability studies and it shows acceptable results. So performed studies it can conclude that prepared formulation may effectively use for facial care still further studies related to effectiveness and adverse effect of formulation are required to perform before to bring it in real life use.

Two batches were formulated, out of that, batch F2 shows better results for formation of the gel. Evaluation tests were carried out for batch F2 as colour, consistency, pH, spread ability, washability and foamability it showed compatible results. So, from the studies it was concluded that the prepared formulation can be effectively used for facial care.

CONCLUSION: The present study successfully formulated and evaluated a herbal face wash gel incorporating Spinacia oleracea and Murraya koenigii leaf extracts, demonstrating optimal physicochemical properties including neutral pH, desirable spreadability, viscosity, and foamability suitable for topical application on sensitive skin. Among the developed batches, F2 exhibited superior performance compared to F1, with enhanced stability, antioxidant activity, and controlled release profile contributing to promising in-vitro anti-acne potential through the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory bioactive of these extracts.

This natural formulation addresses the growing market demand for safe, side-effect-free skincare alternatives while maintaining skin texture and preventing external infections. Although in-vitro results validate the gel's essential characteristics for dermatological use, limitations include the lack of in vivo efficacy data and long-term microbial challenge testing. Future research should focus on clinical trials for Acne vulgaris, accelerated stability studies, and scale-up optimization to facilitate commercial translation and broader therapeutic validation.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: Nil

CONFLICT OF INTEREST: Nil

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    How to cite this article:

    Thibiraj C, Priya P, Venkatesh AN, Vignesh K and Sivanandhan R: Nature’s cleanse: organic Spinacia oleracea & Murraya koenigii formulation for skin care. Int J Pharmacognosy 2026; 13(1): 46-54. doi link: http://dx.doi.org/10.13040/IJPSR.0975-8232.IJP.13(1).46-54.

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