STANDARDIZATION OF HERBAL DRUGS.

Various formulations like ointments, creams, lotions, suspensions, emulsions, powders, etc which are prepared from herbal extracts are used in cosmetics today. Herbal drugs also have medicinal properties which are used in the treatment of various diseases. Researchers have evaluated herbal extracts for use as cosmetic preparations over the years. The world wide use of herbal cosmetics is increasing and to enter into the global market it is vital to maintain its quality. The quality of herbal drugs is the sum of all factors which contribute directly or indirectly to the safety, effectiveness and acceptability of the product. Standardization of drugs means confirmation of its identity and determination of its quality and purity. Initially the crude drugs were identified by comparison only with the standard description available. At present due to advancement in the chemical knowledge of crude drugs various methods like botanical, chemical, spectroscopic and biological methods are used for estimating active constituents present in the crude drugs in addition to its physical constants. These active constituents are then formulated into cosmetic preparations. Hence standardization of drugs is an important aspect in the acceptance of an herbal product. Key words: Herbal extract, standardization, herbal cosmetics, herbal product