This document discusses 11 plants that Indian women have traditionally used to enhance beauty and treat skin conditions. It provides details on the uses and benefits of turmeric, tulsi, and amla. Turmeric is used to treat dry skin, acne, and retard aging. It is rubbed on the skin and used in cosmetics for its coloring properties. Tulsi helps treat acne and skin infections due to its antibacterial properties. Amla contains high amounts of vitamin C and helps promote glowing skin, delay wrinkles, and treat conditions like eczema. It is also used to wash hair and provide nourishment. In general, these plants are widely used in home remedies and cosmetics due to their therapeutic

1. International Reseach Journal,November,2010 ISSN-0975-3486 RNI: RAJBIL 2009/300097 VOL-I *ISSUE 14
76 RESEARCH ANALYSIS AND EVALUATION
Introduction
On an average a female use up to 20 different
beauty care or skincare products per day. This is
partially interesting due to the fact that most of the
these personal care products, makeup and skin care
products are filled with chemical ingredients that can
cause skin irritation, allergies, or even more serious
health risks. These chemicals are absorbed through
the skin result in various skin problems and aging
issues. Some time vitamin and mineral deficiencies,
poor antioxidant status, impaired digestion and
compromised immune functions are all reflected in a
sallow complexion, lifeless hair and brittle or
discolored nails.
India women are in general pretty
outstanding. There’s nothing quite as beautiful as a
good-looking Indian woman. Beauty, confidence and
expression are inherited quality of Indian women.
Beauty employs confidence and confidence women
always express her best. Beauty in general is all about
taking proper care. Glowing and smooth skin add in
the definition of beauty. We can achieve it from the
nature. Indian women know that plant help her to
enhance her beauty. Various literatures inform us on
the use of herbs in beauty treatments during the
ancient period. The women of the ancient world
used the grounded leaves and seeds of herbs on
their hair, face and over-all body they used to drank
herbal tonics and applied oils obtained from herbs.
Indian Ayurveda too has been promoting the use
of herbs for skin and beauty for over 5000 years
(Muhammed and Lakshmi). This starts right from
our own empire ie. Kitchen. Our kitchen has most
of the things that we are looking for. They are safe
and help to yield satisfactory results without
harming our skin. We can make a cleaning solution
out of them. Mixture of these natural things
provides a natural shining skin. Herbs can be used
for beauty in original or processed form. They act
against the internal impurities and external toxins
of our body, add additional nutrients to it, make it
glow and shine. Oral intake of antioxidants such as
carotenoids, selenium, proanthocyanidins (found
in grape seed extract, apples and other plant
sources) and vitamin E is reported to reduce the
risk of DNA damages by ultraviolet radiation that
lead to skin aging and skin cancers (Kamal Dua,
2007). The herbal beauty care products were
Research Paper
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November, 2010
USE OF PLANTS BY INDIAN WOMEN FOR
ENHANCEMENTOFBEAUTY
* Dr. Kavita Sharma, ** Dr. Sajal Deo
***Dr.Ayesha F. Rizvi
*Asst Professor (Biotechnology), Rungta Education Campus, Raipur
**Schooloflifesciences,MATSUniversity,RaipurArts&Comm.GirlsCollegeRaipur
ProblemStatement:Asneverbeforemorewomenareinterestedintakingcareoftheirbeauty,andensuring
that they maintain their youthful looks for as long as possible. Beauty brings confidence, self-assurance,
poise and independence in a person. The skin care or personal care products we use every day may contain
chemicals linked to infertility, birth defects, cancer and other health problems. Since our skin readily
absorbs the products we use, it’s important to be aware of the possible dangers and use products that are
safe. A total of 11 plants belonging to 11 families have been documented for their therapeutic use against
skin diseases and as herbal care of their beauty. These plants are: (1) Termaric (2) Tulshi (3) Amla,), (3)
Carrot (4) Cucumber, (5) Papaya (6) Potato (7) Sandalwood, (8) Nutmeg (9) Gram flour (10) Neem (11)
Aloevera These plants are commonly exploited for beauty treatment process in homes and their cosmetics
are also manufactured by industries. Natural beauty care or skin care embodies a trend to go back to the
basics and give a good result. More women are realizing the harsh affects that chemical laden products
can have on their skin and beauty. But skin cares done by the home made products are more effective, easily
available, low-priced and don’t have any side effect on skin.
A B S T R A C T
Key words: Beauty, herbal care, therapeutic use, Nutmeg

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77RESEARCH ANALYSIS AND EVALUATION
prepared from various plant parts of single plant, or
multiple plants. In several cases the pure herbal
preparations was administered along with milk, ghee,
honey, coconut oil, curd, etc (Abinash et al.,
2006).The present paper deals with the eleven
common plants belonging to eleven families used
by the women of India for curing different skin
ailments and for cosmetics. These plants are
commonly exploited for beauty treatment process
in homes and their cosmetics are also manufactured
by industries.
(1)Turmeric: (Common name: Haldi) Family:
Zingiberaceae
Activities of Turmeric include:Acompound called
curcumin (the antioxidant pigment), is the yellow
pigment in turmeric B
. Turmeric are analgesic,
antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-
allergic, antioxidant, antiseptic, antispasmodic,
appetizer, astringent, cardiovascular, carminative,
cholagogue, digestive, diuretic, stimulant, and
vulnerary(Somiaetal.,2005;Miqueletal.,2002).Soit
is one of nature’s most powerful healers.
Turmeric for Cosmetic: Turmeric has globally
attractedforitscosmeticandtherapeuticuse.Itisskin-
friendlyandconstitutesanimportantingredientofmany
creams and lotions. Natural plant’s extracts used in
cosmetic products marketed for skin care (Abinash
et.al 2006). In the world, the biggest users of turmeric
are in India. India is also major producer of turmeric.
· Skin Care and Coloring: The skin is the main
portion of the body and provides a shielding barrier
againstharmfulchemicals,microbes,andultraviolet
radiation. Turmeric has been formulated to heal and
preventdryskin,treatskinconditionssuchaseczema
and acne, and retard the aging process. Turmeric is
used in many celebrations of Hindus. Especially in
Hindu wedding brides would rub with turmeric on
their bodies for glowing look. New born babies also
rubbedwithturmericontheirforeheadforgoodluck.
Traditionallywomenrubturmericontheircheeksto
produceanaturalgoldenglow,extractofturmerichas
been added to creams for use as a coloring agent.
Washing in turmeric improves skin complexion and
also reduces hair growth on body. Natural cleansers
like milk with turmeric powder are effective natural
cosmetics in themselves; it brings a healthy glow to
the skin and makes them beautiful. They also help to
restoreormaintainyouthbycontrollingwrinkleand
creaseformationonthesurfaceoftheskin.Effectual
healingpropertiesofturmerichavemadeitaccepted
afteringredientincosmeticsanddrugs,astheleafoil
of turmeric and extract can also be used as bio-
pesticides and sunscreens. Turmeric is also very
effective tonic and a blood purifier. · Hair
Care: For the treatment of dandruff, and as hair
colorants and dyes, plant extracts are used as hair
growthstimulators,themechanismofactionappears
tobeanaccelerationofbloodcirculationorincreased
nutrition to the hair follicles. Natural dyes derived
from plant extracts are being used in hair colorant
products (2) Tulshi (Ocimum sanctum, Family:
Lamiaceae) Benefits of Tulsi on Skin· Tulsi
behave as an anti-bacterial and anti-fungal agent
thus helps in eradicating any of the microorganisms
developing on the wound and the skin (Adhikary
et.al, 2000). ·Tulsi is a wonderful blood purifier that
helps in eradicating any toxins circulating in blood
and helps us from any kind of foreign invasion
therefore helps in protecting our skin from acne and
other skin infectionsC
. Tulshi is considered the best
remedy for leucoderma and other skin disorders. ·
It helps in normalizing our digestive system thus
helpful in treating cause by which dark circles are
caused.(3) Amla (Indian gooseberry, Phyllanthus
emblica,Family:Phyllanthaceae)
Benefits ofAmla on Skin
Amla has highest quantity of vitamin ‘C’ (ascorbic
acid) in natural form which is one of the anti oxidant
(Khopde et al., 2001). The fruit is used as a major
constituent in several Ayurvedic preparations such
as Chyavanprash and Rasayana which promotes
healthandlongevity(Rajkumaretal.,2001;Poonamet
al., 2009). Amla has been reported to posses
expectorant, purgative, spasmolytic, antibacterial,
hypoglycemic (Jamwal et al., 1959; Jayshri and Jolly,
1993), heaptoprotective and hypolipidemic (Thakur
and Mandal, 2004) activity. Regular use of Amla
promotes glow on skin and delays wrinkles or
loosening of skin. Good results have been found in
eczema.· Indian women generally useAmla to wash
their hairs, which act as natural hair conditioner as it
helps in providing good nourishment and also helps
in normalizing blood supply C
. Its internal use as well
as its local application on scalp gives good results in
hair loss as it provides nourishment to the skin on
scalp. It stimulates hair follicles thus promoting hair
growth and also improves texture of the hair. · It also
prevents premature graying of hairs and dandruff,
whichisflakingofdeadcellsofthescalp. ·It is helpful
in making skin glow and works as an antioxidant
therefore prevents wrinkles and loosening of skin.

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(4) Carrot (Common name: Gajar, Daucus carota,
Family:Apiaceae)Carrothasgotmultilevelbenefits
for our body. They are very high in vitaminAand a
source of vitamin C, folacin and potassium (Ogunlesi
et al., 2010). Vitamin ‘C’also known as ascorbic acid
is a water soluble antioxidant found to prevent tissue
damage (Parviainen, 1995: Xu et al., 1996 and Romay
et al. 1998). Antioxidants can prevent the chemical
damage caused by reactive oxygen species such as
free radicals that are generated by a variety of
sources including pesticides, tobacco smoke,
exhaust fumes, certain pollutants and organic
solvents (Halliwell and Gutteridge, 1989: Davies,
1994; Robinson et al., 1997). Carrots can actually
help to clear up skin problems. Carrot is used in skin
as pack and drink as juice.
(5) Cucumber (Common name: Khira, Cucumis
sativus, Family: Cucurbitaceae)
Its plant is a warm season annual plant cultivated
for its fleshly fruit, eaten as a salad vegetable or used
for pickling (TEA, 1980). Cucumber has been
considered as one of the oldest cultivated vegetables
onearth(Simons,1976).ItscultivationinwesternAsia
dates to at least 3,000 years (McCollum, 1980).
Cucumbercontainslacticacid,glycolicacidandsalicylic
acid fiber, potassium and magnesium. These acids are
known as organic or fruit acids because they contain
oneormorecarboxylradicals(COOH)intheirstructure
(McGrawHill Dictionary of Chemistry, 1984). Lactic
and glycolic acid belong to a subdivision known as
alpha hydroxyl acids while salicylic acid belongs to
beta hydroxyl acid (Brannon, 2002). Another
constituent of cucumber is ascorbic acid (Vitamin C),
caffeic acid (Tindall, 1975) and 14a-methyl D-
phytosterol (phytosterols) (Pollak, 1953). Alpha
hydroxyl acids have been used as chemical exfoliants
to promote the natural removal of dead cells and to
keeptheprotectivesurfacelayershealthybydissolving
thegluelikesubstanceintheepidermallayerthatcause
a buildup of dead skin cell layer; leaving skin
dehydrated, dull and coarse. It also possesses
fungicidal properties and is used topically in the
treatment of fungal skin infections such as tinea
(Reynold, 1996). Cucumbers have very high water
content of around 96% and are excellent body
dehydrators (Simons, 1976) has a cooling and
refreshing effect on body.
(6)Papaya(Commonname:Papita, Caricapapaya,
Family: Caricaceae)
The papaya is full of vitamins. They have A, C,
potassium in high amounts and also calcium, iron,
thiamine, riboflavin and niacin. It’s beneficial for skin
care, repair, as cleanser, toner, softener and removal
of wrinkle. We can use papaya to treat or eliminate
old dead skin cells, dandruff and other skin disorders
and even to reduce the signs of premature aging.
Intake of papaya reduces the effect of stress and
strain of modern life on skin. The antioxidants in
papaya control premature ageing of the skin, thus
imparting a youthful skin. Papain is the proteolytic
enzymes. Cosmetically it acts as an exfoliative agent
and removes dead cells. It is also used in some
dentifrices, shampoos, and face-lifting preparations
(Oloyede, 2005)
(7) Potato (Common name: Aaloo, Solanum
tuberosum, Family: Solanaceae)
The potatoes are vegetables, known as
“underground Apple”. Potato is not only a life of
the nutrition food but can be an important alternative
therapy for skin problems.
· They relieve dark or puffy circles under eyes.
· They also remove excess oil from face.
· A grated raw potato can be used as a mask which
helps in removing tanning and dead cells on face.
(8) Sandalwood Plant (Common name: Chandan ,
Santalum album, Family: Santalaceae)
Sandalwood oil is one of the oldest known perfume
materials and is still used for incense and as a
fragrance and fixative in soaps, cosmetics and
perfumes. The main chemical constituents in Indian
Sandalwood are “Santalol, Santyl acetate and
Santalene” (Esoteric Oils, 2009).Alpha-santalol and
beta-santalol amount to more than 90 % of the oil,
beta-santalol being the most important character
impact compound. The characteristic odor and
medicinal properties of sandalwood oil are mainly
due to the santalols. Sandalwood, a product of the
tropical sandalwood tree that grows in India, is one
of natures most versatile and effective skin-care
treatments when made into a powder or oil. It is a
key ingredient in many perfumes, incense and
Ayurvedic skin-care treatments for scrapes, rashes,
blemishes, acne, and more. Sandalwood can be used
to treat many conditions such as:
· Heal scrapes and cuts: Sandalwood has
antimicrobial properties, making it a popular herbal
antiseptic for treating minor skin abrasions

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79RESEARCH ANALYSIS AND EVALUATION
· Shrink pimples: Sandalwood can reduce random
pimples overnight. ·Calm acne: Many believe
sandalwood and rosewater can tamp down acne flare-
ups on face, chest, shoulders, and back.
· Sandalwood oil calms itchy, irritated skin all over
body ·Dry skin becomes smooth with sandalwood
oil: Sandalwood oil can be used as a moisturizer on
the face and body, making it great for anti-ageing
skincare - and the astringent action has a great
toning effect and is also used with great results in
oily skin conditions (Mojay, 2007). ·Banish bug
bites with sandalwood: To fight the stinging and
itchy swelling of an insect bite, apply a sandalwood
pasterightaway.(9)Nutmeg(Commonname:Jaiphal,
Myristica sp., Family: Myristicaceae)
Nutmeg has aromatic, stimulant, narcotic,
carminative, astringent, aphrodisiac, hypolipidemic,
antithrombotic, anti-platelet aggregation, antifungal,
antidysenteric, anti-inflammatory activities (Nadkarni
1998). The presence of two compounds, myristicin
and elemicin, is often related to intoxication and to
the hallucinogenic action of nutmeg while safrole
has been suspected to be carcinogenic (Green, 1959;
Shulgin, 1966; Harvey 1998).
Oil of Nutmeg is used in perfumes and
ointments. Nutmeg is commonly used for seasoning
foods. Apparently nutmeg has anti-inflammatory
properties and was used since ancient times for
variety of skin diseases including ringworms and
eczema. When added with honey which has
antiseptic benefits and the concoction is supposed
to help erase acne marks over time.
(10)Gramflour(Commonname:Chanaatta,Cicer
arietinum), Family: Fabaceae)
Gram flour is a very important ingredient in Indian
kitchens. We use it to make different dishes like
snacks and sweets. It is very useful for skin care. A
mixture of gram flour and rose water are good to use
on face for spots. This mixture gives a clean and
clear skin. Its mixture with milk improve complexion
and make skin feel very smooth. In cold weather this
mixture will help prevent the wrinkly look of the skin.
(11) Neem (Azadirachta indica, Family:
Meliaceae)Neem is a wonder herb and the most
useful traditional medicinal plant in India (Kausik
et al., 2002).
Neem trees have many unique compounds that have
been identified (Sankaram, 1987). The more common
and the most analyzed compounds isolated from
neem include nimbin has been reported to possess
anti-inflammatory activities; nimbidin as anti-
bacterial, anti-ulcer (Pillai et al., 1978 and 1984) ,
analgesic, anti-arrhythmic, anti-fungal activity;
nimbidol as antitubercular, anti-protozoan, anti-
pyretic activity.
Benefits of Neem on Skin
· Since early times Neem is known for its wonderful
properties and marvelous results on skin. It works as
blood purifier and is very helpful in eradicating toxins
from the blood that are supposed to cause harm to the
skin. ·Local application of Neem powder or Neem oil
has miraculous results. It is a famous anti microbial
herb;itrendersallthemicroorganismsinactivetherefore
helping in proper healing of wound without causing
any infections and septic conditions.
Tropical application and internal use of
neem makes us relieved from eczema and even
ringworms. Good results have been seen on skin
problems like acne and blemishes. It helps in
disinfecting the hair follicles and helps in eradicating
the particle which is the main culprit in blocking the
pore.·Neem helps in early healing of burns and
injuries that might also helps in fading of scars that
are left after the any injury. ·Neem is very helpful in
providing internal glow to the skin by providing
natural supplements that are required for good and
healthy skin. ·
Neem is extensively used in hair fall and
early graying of hairs with very satisfying results.
·It also finds its application in dandruff and in lice
growth. ·Neem is helpful in lighting dark circles
which are usually caused due to life style
disturbances.
Conclusion:
Good skin care is essential if you want to
look young and keep your skin glowing and wrinkle
free the natural way without botox and plastic
surgery or cosmetics that are loaded with chemicals.
It is best to go the natural care route if you are serious
about skin care because:
Our skin cannot differentiate between
good and bad chemicals. It indiscriminately absorbs
whatever chemicals we slather on our face and body,
causes adverse effect on our body. More women
are realizing the harsh affects that chemical laden
products can have on their skin. They want to see

5. International Reseach Journal,November,2010 ISSN-0975-3486 RNI: RAJBIL 2009/300097 VOL-I *ISSUE 14
80 RESEARCH ANALYSIS AND EVALUATION
results, but the side effects often cause worse
problems than what they are trying to cure.
Natural skin care embodies a trend to go back to the
basics. By choosing eco-friendly, natural body or
skin care products, we know that our skin is
absorbing products rooted in nature and simply
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R E F E R E N C E
prepared by hand, within the highest quality with
the least chemical processes. We can also be
assured that no product will introduce a rash,
irritation or allergic reaction because its ingredients
are pure and natural. And that is best thing we can
do for ourselves.