Analysis of pilocarpine, quinine and cantharidin in cosmetic hair lotions

ABSTRACT

Pilocarpine, quinine and cantharidin were qualitatively and quantitatively determined in three cosmetic hair lotions. The pharmacopeal tests, microcrystalization and TLC investigation revealed the presence of pilocarpine and cantharidin in all lotions, and quinine in Tonoscalpine and Healthy Hair lotions, only. Tonoscalpin contained 0.01% w/w of pilocarpine, 0.1% w/w of quinine and 0.056% w/w of cantharidin, while Dorin contained 0.97% w/w of pilocarpine, 0.048% w/w of cantharidin and was devoid of quinine, as determined by HPLC and acid-base titration methods. The Healthy Hair preparation tested contained 0.0042% w/w of pilocarpine, 0.002% w/w of quinine and 0.0344% of cantharidin. The HPLC method was proved more sensitive, rapid and reliable. The recovery percentage for the titrimetric and HPLC methods ranged from 95 to 98% and 98 to 100.7%, respectively