Avaliação de diferentes formas de extracção e estabilização da mucilagem da dicerocaryum senecioides (lilhelhua) na preparação do champô

Abstract

Dicerocaryum senecioides is a plant traditionally used as a natural shampoo in various regions of Mozambique. Despite its widespread traditional use, it is a scientifically underexplored plant, lacking data on its quality and stability. The growing demand for natural and sustainable products has driven the search for innovative alternatives in cosmetic formulations. In this context, this study explored the possibility of preserving the mucilage extracted from D. senecioides leaves. To this end, different extraction methods (maceration, infusion, and decoction) were investigated in fresh and dried leaves to determine the most effective technique. Different formulations were developed using a combination of cassava starch, xanthan gum, rosemary, and a slow thermal pasteurization method, aiming to improve mucilage stability. The mucilage with the highest viscosity was obtained from dried leaves, with infusion being the most effective extraction method. The treatment combining mucilage, cassava starch, xanthan gum, and rosemary showed the best results in terms of odor and viscosity, standing out for maintaining a stable smell for 72 hours due to the antimicrobial action of rosemary. In terms of viscosity, this treatment also remained superior, with values ranging from 1014.04 cP on the first day to 734.44 cP on the fifth day, demonstrating lower degradation compared to other treatments, which lost viscosity completely, reaching only 0.17 cP on the fifth day