FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF HERBAL CREAM

Abstract:
Herbal formulations are preparations that consumers apply to improve their looks. These goods
are made from plant components, and the demand for herbal items has skyrocketed in the
twenty-first century as consumers become more aware of the uses and consequences of
cosmetics. Creams are the most used herbal formulations. These are applied on the skin with
riction. Creams are prepared from the herbal extracts of Aloe barbadensis miller,
Azadiractaindica, Curcuma longa, and others. A variety of pharmaceutical properties, including
viscosity, spreadability, rheology, pH, electrical conductivity, and stability, were assessed for the
cream. They also ac t as a barrier of defense, protecting the skin from UV radiation and other
environmental aggressors. The current study found that herbal creams are a valuable treatment
for typical dermatological issues that result in acne, inflammation, localized infections, and anti-
aging products.
Keywords: Inflammation, dermatological problem, appearance, pharmaceutical product,
defense.

INTRODUCTION:
The semisolid dosage forms known as creams are intended to be used topically on the skin,
placed in the eye, or even inserted nasally, vaginally or rectally for therapy, prophylaxis or
cosmetic purposes. Such products are designed to show their impact at the place of application
through penetration of medicine into the deep layer of skin or mucous membrane. These
formulations help deliver drugs into the skin to treat dermatologic conditions. Creams are an
emulsion of oil and water that is semi-solid in nature. They can be classified as oil-in-water
(O/W) creams with small droplets of oil spread in a continuous phase and water-in-oil (W/O)
creams that have small droplets of water dispersed throughout a continuous oily phase. Oil-in-
water creams cause less greasiness and can be easily washed using water; thus, they are more
comfortable and cosmetically acceptable than other types.
However, water-in-oil creams pose difficulties in use but most drugs incorporated in them are
hydrophobic and will therefore be released faster from water-in-oil cream instead of oil-in-water
cream. Moreover, they have improved moisturizing action since they form a lipidic film that
reduces trans-epidermal loss from stratum corneum which is outermost part of epidermis. World
Health Organization (WHO) as well as our country has been promoting traditional medicine
because they are less expensive, easily available and comprehensive, especially in developing
countries.

It is also true that eight percent of the world’s population relies on medicinal plants for their
primary health care. Whole world including the developed country recognized the importance of
traditional medicine and has treatment strategies, guidelines and standard for ethno medicine.
The manifestations of skin diseases are many and many at times the treatment is to be continued
for a long time. The need for a safe and effective herbal skin cream is to treat various skin
diseases like wounds, acne vulgaris, cracks, psoriasis and various types of skin diseases.
For many years, ladies have been dressing themselves because they wanted their own beauty to
improve. Even nowadays, persons especially in rural areas apply herbal preparations (plant
extracts) when making traditional cosmetics. Cosmetics are products that cleanse and make the
skin look beautiful. These products contain active ingredients purporting to treat the body
structure similarly to drugs. The most important reason behind application of herbal cosmetics is
that it is purely made by herbs and shrubs. However, these herbal remedies are composed of all
natural substances found in the herbs which do not have any side-effects on human body but
enrich it with nutrients and other valuable minerals. However, there exist increased scientific
evidence today that plants harbor a wide range of potent bioactive compounds, including photo-
chemicals that can either soothe or smoothen the skin as well as actively regenerates, heals and
protects it.
Although various types of cream are considered for wound healing but these are still
appearing to be limited in rate of tissue regeneration. Hence after a depth review regarding
pathogenesis as well as different traditional and alternative therapy for wound healing. The basic
idea of skin care lies deep in the Rigveda, Yajurveda, Ayurveda, Unani and Homeopathic system
of medicine. In this modern era, the knowledge and experience of usage of herbs are being blend
with advanced cosmetic technology to develop a safe and effective product, which has wider
range of people acceptability.
Certain examples for wound healing herbs are given below:

a)Aloe vera
Aloe, a native to Africa, is also known as “lily of the desert” or the plant of immortality. Its name
was derived from the alloeh meaning “bitter” because of the bitter liquid found in its leaves.
Egyptians recorded use of this herbal plant in treating burns, infections and parasites as early as
1500B.C. Its clear gel has a dramatic ability to heal wounds, ulcers and burns by forming a
protective coating on the affected areas and speeding up the healing process. The fresh plant
contains 96% of water and rest is essential oil, amino acids, minerals, vitamins, enzymes and
glycoproteins. Various constituents of Aloe vera have been shown to have anti- inflammatory
activity. They also stimulate wound healing. Some clinical reports suggest topical Aloe vera gel
is useful in healing minor burns and that such application of the gel is harmless as hypersensitive
reactions to it are rare. However, in some severe burns, aloe gel may actually impede healing.

b) Curcuma longa Linn.

Commonly known as turmeric and haldi in Hindi. C. longa has been reported to possess anti-
bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory activities . The part used are rhizomes and it
contains curcumin (Di feruloyl methane), turmeric oil or turmerol and 1,7-bis, 6-hepta-diene-3,
5- dione. Curcumin has potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities .Volatile oil isolated
from C. longa also exhibits antibacterial and potent anti-inflammatory activity. Curcuma longa
also contains protein, fats, vitamins (A, B, C etc.) all of which have an important role in would
healing and regeneration. Turmeric has been used for treating the wounds in the rats . The anti-
inflammatory property and the presence of vitamin A & proteins in turmeric result in the early
synthesis of collagen fibers by mimicking fibroblastic activity . Juice of the fresh rhizome is
commonly applied to recent wounds, bruises & leech bites. A paste of turmeric & leaves of
Justicaadhatoda with cow urine is rubbed on skin affected with prurigo & eczema. It can also be
mixed with ginger oil to prevent skin eruptions.

c)Azardirachtaindica:

It is commonly called as Neem and the plant has diverse medicinal properties. Neem oil contains
margosic acid, glycerides of fatty acids, butyric acid and trace of valeric acid. Various active
principles are nimbidin, nimbidal, azardirachtin, nimbin, azadirine, gedunin, salanin. They have
diverse medicinal activities. Neem oil is especially beneficial for curing skin ailments. Oil is
used for dressing for foot ulcers, eczema and skin diseases like ringworm, scabies and mange in
dogs. It is a powerful insect repellant, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory
and also strengthens the body’s overall immune responses. Neem oil contains fatty acids which
build collagen, promote wound healing and maintain the skin’s elasticity. The active ingredients
of neem oil help in the process of wound healing and the skin are able to retain its suppleness as
the wounds heal. Neem oil has a high content of essential fatty acids. They keep the site moist
and give a soft texture to the skin during the healing process. Alcoholic extract of neem is useful
in eczema, ringworm and scabies. Neem leaf extracts and oil from seeds has proven anti-
microbial effect. This keeps any wound or lesion free from secondary infections by
microorganisms. Clinical studies have also revealed that neem inhibits inflammation as
effectively as cortisone acetate, this effect further accelerates wound healing.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE:

Natural products from plants are rich sources used for treating a number of diseases. Most of the
herbal drugs are a mixture of a number of plant ingredients. Their synergistic effect increases the
efficacy of the drug in curing the diseases. In this modern era, the knowledge and experience of
usage of herbs are being blended with advanced formulation technology to develop a safe and
elegant herbal product, which has a wider range of people's acceptability. Formulation of
medicinal plants in the form of a cream will be made by mixing plant extracts in different
proportions and tested for wound healing activity. Methanolic extracts of plants such as
Azadiractaindica (leaf),Curcuma longa (rhizome),Aloe vera (whole plant) are used for
formulation of herbal skin cream for wound healing. Then the formulated skin cream is
evaluated for parameters like physical properties, pH , viscosity, spread ability and stability of
the formulated cream.

Plan of work:
a)Collection of the plants and authentication.

b)Extraction of the selected plants.

c)Preliminary Phyto- chemical investigation of methanolic extract of the plants.

d)Formulation and evaluation of the herbal skin cream using the extracts.

Evaluation of cream

• Physical properties

• Rheology test

• Determination of pH

• Spreadability Test

• Peroxide Stability test

• Test for stability

• Skin Irritation test

Traditional Medical Uses of Herbs:

1. Azadirachta indica: Products made from neem trees have been used in India
for over two millennia for their medicinal properties. Neem products are believed
by Siddha and Ayurvedic practitioners to be anthelmintic, antifungal, antidiabetic,
antibacterial, antiviral, contraceptive, and sedative. It is considered a major
component in siddha medicine and Ayurvedic and Unani medicine and is
particularly prescribed for skin diseases. Neem oil is also used for healthy hair, to
improve liver function, detoxify the blood, and balance blood sugar levels. Neem
leaves have also been used to treat skin diseases like eczema, psoriasis, etc.
Insufficient research has been done to assess the purported benefits of neem,
however. In adults, short-term use of neem is safe, while long-term use may
harm the kidneys or liver; in small children, neem oil is toxic and can lead to
death. Neem may also cause miscarriages, infertility, and low blood sugar.

2. Curcuma longa: In Ayurvedic practices, turmeric has been used as an

attempted treatment for a variety of internal disorders, such as indigestion, throat
 infections, common colds, or liver ailments, as well as topically to cleanse
wounds or treat skin sores.
3. Aloe vera Aloe vera is used in traditional medicine as a skin treatment. In
Ayurvedic medicine it is called kathalai, as are extracts from agave. Early
records of Aloe vera use appear in the Ebers Papyrus from the 16th century BC,
and in Dioscorides' De Materiamedica and Pliny the Elder's Natural History –
both written in the mid-first century AD. It is also written of in the Juliana Anicia
Codex of 512 AD. The plant is used widely in the traditional herbal medicine of
many countries. Aloe Vera is a major medicinal plant when it comes to treating
and protecting the skin. Used externally, it is very effective on burns and
sunburn, as well as a variety of skin diseases (eczema, pruritus, psoriasis, acne)
– it is extremely constructive and protective. Aloe vera is good for irritated or
inflamed skin. Aloe vera helps repair your skin from the most tender of wounds.
Aloe vera helps speed the process of healing to burns and other wounds. Aloe
vera is hydrating, rejuvenating and toning for your skin. Aloe vera moisturizes
and softens your skin.

DRUG SELECTION CRITERIA FOR HERBAL CREAM

1. Gel should not have too much dry gel; it should not have skin irritancy.

2. Ability to cross skin layer and cure skin problems permanent.

3. It should have a pleasant smell.

4. It should suitable for all type skin such as dry skin.

5. It should suitable be available in affordable price.

6. It should be natural origin.

7. Ability to provide more moisture.

ADVANTAGES OF HERBAL CREAM:

• They do not provoke allergic reaction and do not have negative side effects.

• They are easily incorporated with skin.

• When small quantity they are very effective as compared to synthetic cosmetic.

• Extract of plant decreases the bulk property of cosmetics and gives appropriate
pharmacological effects.
• Easily available and found in large variety and quality.

• Easy to manufactures and cheap cost.

DISADVANTAGES OF HERBAL CREAM:

• Herbal drugs have slower effects as compare to Allopathic dosage form. Also, it requires long
term therapy.

• They are difficult to hide taste and odour.

• Most of the herbal drugs are not easily available. • Manufacturing process is time consuming
and complicated.

• No pharmacopoeia defines any specific procedure or ingredients to be used in any of herbal

cosmetics.

BENEFITS OF HERBAL CREAM :

• Treats pimples and acne.

• Controls excess oil secretion.

• Makes the skin softer and smoother.

• Maintains pH balance of the skin.

• Suitable for all skin types.

• 100% cruelty-free.

• Easily available

• Economical

• It enhances the energy level of the body.

• Variety of Phyto-constituents can be incorporated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Herbs Required

Sl.no List of herbs used Botanical Name Action

1 Aloe-Vera extract Aloe barbadensis miller Anti- ageing, reduce acne

and pimples

2 Neem extract Azadirachta indica Relieves skin dryness

promote wound healing

3 Turmeric extract Curcuma longa Anti-inflammatory action,

wound healing, improves
skin health.

Extraction Process
Preparation of Aloe vera extract:
Ripe and fresh aloe vera leaves were collected from the plant and washed with distilled water. is
a drying hot air oven. Cut the leaves lengthwise with a sterile knife. Gather semi-solid aloe vera.
Remove fibers and impurities from it. Collect the Liquid aloe vera extract.

Preparation of neem extract:

Collect fresh neem leaves and wash them with distilled water. Dry in a hot air oven, then crush,
take 5 grams of neem powder in 20 ml of dimethyl sulfoxide and heat at 100°C for 5 to 10
minutes. It is then filtered through filter paper to obtain a pure solution.

Preparation of turmeric extract:

Take 1gm of turmeric in 10ml distilled water and shaken in volumetric flask. Heated in water
bath at 80c to 100c for 10 minutes. Then filter it and collect the turmeric extract.
Formulation of Cream:

 Take the liquid paraffin and bees wax in a borosilicate glass beaker and heat
at 750c and maintain that heating Temperatures[oil phase]
 In other beaker , dissolve borax and distilled water by maintaining
temperatures 750c with water bath.
 Stir the solution with glass rod until all solid particles dissolve (Aqueous
phase).Then gently add heated aqueous phase in heated oily phase with
continuous stirring.
 After mixing both phases, immediately add aloe-vera extract , neem extract
and tulsi extract into it with continuous mixing using glass rod until it forms
a smooth cream. When cream is formed , then add rose oil as fragrance.

Formulation code

Sl.no Ingredients
F1HC F2HC F3HC

1 Neem Extract 2.7ml 1.42ml 1.67ml

2 Aloe-vera extract 0.9 ml 0.28ml 0.67ml

3 Turmeric extract 2.7ml 1.42ml 1.67ml

4 Bees wax 5.45g 4.97g 5.36g

5 Liquid paraffin 18.1ml 21.32ml 20.11ml

6 Borax 0.36g 0.56g 0.50g

7 Methyl paraben 0.03g 0.056 0.050g

8 Distilled water q.s q.s q.s

9 Rose water q.s q.s q.s

Formulation Table

Evaluation methods of Herbal Cream:

Morphological Evaluation:

 Physical Properties:
The cream was observed for the color, odour and appearance.

Sl.no Parameters F1HC F2HC F3HC

1 Color Light yellow Light yellow Light green

2 Texture Smooth Smooth Grittiness

3 State Semisolid Semisolid Semisolid

4 Odour Pleasant Pleasant Pleasant

Physicochemical Evaluation

 Washability:
The ease of removal of the cream when it was applied and examined washing the applied
part with tap water and the ease with which the washing of the cream was observed.

SL.no Formulatio Washability

n

1 F1HC Easily washable

2 F2HC Easily washable

3 F3HC Easily washable

 pH of the cream :
The pH meter should be calibrated using standard buffer solution. About 0.5g of the
cream was taken and dissolved in 50ml of distilled water then Ph was measured using pH
meter.

Sl.No Formulation pH

1 F1HC Neutral Ph

2 F2HC Slightly Acidic

3 F3HC Slightly alkaline

 Viscosity:
The viscosity determination of all formulations (F1-F3)was carried out at 25ºC using a
Brookfield Viscometer, spindle number S-64 at 20rpm speed. The determination was
carried out in triplicate and the average of three readings was recorded.

Rpm F1HC F2HC F3HC

0.3 7342 7413 7534

0.6 3876 3906 3987

1.5 1876 1893 1956

 Spreadability:
To determine the spreadability of herbal v cream (F1-F3), 0.5gm cream was placed
within a circle measuring 1cm in diameter that was marked on the glass plate, over which
another glass plate was put. A 500gm weight was kept on top to rest for five minutes.
Average values of three readings were recorded.
S=m*l/t
m = weight on upper slide
l = length moved on a glass slide
t = time taken
 Sl.No Formulation Time[sec] Spreadability(cm/sec)

1 F1HC 7 1.4

2 F2HC 5 4

3 F3HC 6 1.6

 Tube Extrudability:
In this method, herbal cream formulation (F1–F3) shall be filled into standard capped
collapsible aluminium tube and sealed by crimping it from one end with it being weighed
again. The filled tube is then placed between two glass slides and clamped. Thereafter,
cap is removed from the tube as a weight (500 gm) rests on top of it. The extruded
quantity of cream is collected and weighed whereas the
%w/w extrudability = Weight or mass of tube with sample/Weight or mass of tube after
extraction x100% calculated.
 All formulations, F1 to F6 have more than 90% of the content extrudable, indicating
excellent extrudability. (> 90% extrudability: excellent, > 80% extrudability: good, >
70% extrudability: fair)

 Dilution test:
A situation whereby the herbal cream (F1-F3) has been diluted either with oil or water. If
this emulsion is o/w type and it gets diluted with water, it will still remain stable because
the water is a dispersion medium for it. However, if it is diluted with oil, the emulsion
will break since oil and water are immiscible with each other. O/W emulsion can be
easily diluted by a water-based solvent while W/O emulsion can be diluted by an oily
liquid.

 Dye solubility test: In this test, the herbal vanishing cream (F1-F3) is mixed with
water soluble dye i.e. amaranth and observed under the microscope. If the continuous
phase appears red, it means that emulsion is o/w type as the water is in the external phase
and the dye will dissolve in it to give color. If the scattered globules appear red and
continuous phase colorless, then it is w/o type.

Sl.No Formulation Type of emulsion

1 F1HC W/O type emulsion

 2 F2HC W/O type emulsion

3 F3HC W/O type emulsion

 Phase separation: The prepared cream was transferred in a suitable wide

mouth container. Set aside for storage the oil phase and aqueous phase
separation were visualizing after 24 hours.

Sl.No Formulation Phase Separation

1 F1HC No phase separation

2 F2HC No phase separation

3 F3HC No phase separation

 Irritancy: Mark the area (1 cm2 ) on the dorsal surface. Then the cream was
applied to the area and the time noted. After interval up to 24 hr. it is
checked for irritant effect, erythema and edema if any than reported
(Navindgikar N, et al., 2020).

Sl.no Formulation Irritant Erythema Edema

efeect

1 F1HC Nil Nil Nil

2 F2HC Nil Nil Nil

3 F3HC Nil Nil Nil