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There is a growing interest in Ayurveda and its products worldwide. Within this, the growth of Ayurvedic medicated oils marketed as skincare and haircare solutions is particularly noteworthy. 

Globally, the hair care product market is projected to generate revenue of USD 104.7 billion by 2028, with an annual growth rate (CAGR 2024–2028) of 7.71%. As of 2023, the market size of the Ayurveda industry itself has surged past $18.1 billion. With the Ayurvedic medicated oils marketed globally as cosmetics in the form of skin care products and hair care products, this positive trajectory is likely to increase further the demand and market revenue for Ayurvedic hair oils worldwide.

Medicated oils have a big place among Ayurveda products. ‘Sneha Kalpana’ is the pivotal pharmaceutical discipline in Ayurveda that deals with the production of medicated oils. It involves the precise infusion of oils or fats with botanical components through an intricate process termed Sneha Paka.

To offer a clearer understanding, the process can be subdivided into four distinct components. The first component, Kalka, involves medicinal herbs that are transformed into a paste. The second component, Sneha, integrates oil or fat as a core/base medium for therapeutic application. The third component, Drava, requires the addition of liquid media, either herbal decoctions, infusions, juices, milk, curd, gruel water, buttermilk, meat soup, or water. The fourth component, Gandha Dravya, involves the inclusion of fragrant substances.

The initial three components are generally present in most Sneha Kalpana formulations. They are combined in specific proportions (typically, 1:4:16) before being heated over mild-to-moderate heat until specific process completion characteristics are achieved. The resulting mixture is subsequently passed through a filter, and if the incorporation of Gandha Dravya (fragrant herbs) is recommended, it is added to filtered oil or fat thereafter. After a subsequent filtration, the formulation is ready for use and is stored in an airtight container.

The medicated oils made through this process are effective against many disease conditions including hair- and scalp-related issues like hair fall and greying of hair.

However, challenges remain. 

To consistently achieve the desired efficacy, it is crucial to optimize the process using authentic raw materials and standardize the final product as well. To date, there have been no systematic efforts to validate the pharmaceutical methodologies for its preparation or to establish its physicochemical analytical parameters. Moreover, official standards for these processes are conspicuously absent from recognized publications or compendia.

Further study and research are needed to consistently produce safe, effective, and standardized products to foster consumer trust and enhance Ayurveda medicine quality in the pharmaceutical industry. This could validate their production on a commercial scale tailoring to specific production needs, and enhance quality control through advanced analyses. 

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