Formulation And Evaluation of Herbal Ointment Containing Neem and Turmeric

Certain European and oriental countries have been exploring the use of herbs and has been in practice since the centuries. Great work has been done which eluded the common man’s reach and knowledge. With the techno-savvy lifestyle in 21st century human sufferings are coming out with different names. The basic herbs have the answer with no side effects and effective remedies and the golden fact is use of herbal treatment is independent of any age group. When two or more herbs are used in the formulation they are known as polyherbal formulations.[1] Numerous studies have been conducted with the extracts of Neem leaves (Azadirachta indica Family-Meliaceae) and extract of turmeric rhizomes (Curcuma longa Family-Zingiberaceae) with the combination of many other herbal drugs.[2,3] Along with other dosage forms herbal drugs are also available in the form of ointment which is semisolid preparation used topically for several purposes e.g. as protectants, antiseptics, emollients, antipruritics, keratolytics and astringents. Neem is consists of leaves and other aerial parts of Azadirachta indica Family- Meliaceae. Neem leaves and neem oil has many properties like antiseptics, insecticides also attributed antifertility and antiviral properties and is being screened for efficacy in treatment of AIDS.[4] Turmeric consists of dried as well as fresh rhizomes of plant known as Curcuma longa. Family Zingiberaceae. It is used as antiseptic, expectorant, condiment or spice. It is rich in antioxidants, research conducted has demonstrate uses of turmeric in the treatment of arthritis, liver diseases, Alzheimer and depression management.[4,5] Neem Turmeric ointment is crafted with an enhanced antiseptic formula which is a must for one's medical kit. It contains Neem and Turmeric that are known for their antiseptic, antibacterial and antifungal properties. It helps in the natural healing of small cuts, burns and wounds without leaving any marks. Neem can help treat most skin and hair problems and is suitable for all skin types. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties. It helps reduce acne and dark circles. Its anti-oxidative properties also help the skin fight signs of ageing. Both neem and turmeric are known for their antiseptic properties. Hence, if you apply a paste made from neem and turmeric powders, it should help you in reducing acne, inflammations and other topical infections in general.

NEEM (Azadirachta indica) is a fast growing ever green popular tree found commonly in India, Africa and America. It has been used in ayurvedic medicine for more than 4000 years due to its medicinal properties Neem is called 'arista' in Sanskrit a word that means 'perfect, complete and imperishable. Arishtha is the Sanskrit name of the neem tree meaning 'reliver of sickness and hence considered as a ‘Sarbarogaribarini’. The importance of neem tree has been recognised by US National Academy of Sciences, which publish a report in 1992 entitled 'Neem- a tree for solving global problem.

Benefits of Neem

• Antioxidant Activity

• Anti Cancerous Activity

• Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Neem

• Anti Bacterial Activity

• Anti Fungal Activity

TURMERIC (Curcuma longa) belonging to the Zingiberaceae family, has been traditionally used as a medicinal herb, dietary spice, food source, food preservative, and a coloring agent in many Asian countries. C. longa L. is a perennial plant with a short stem and large leaves that bears ovate, pyriform, or oblong rhizomes that are brownish-yellow colored and branched.4 Turmeric is a mild digestive, being aromatic, a stimulant and carminative Turmeric is one of nature’s most powerful healers. The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin. Turmeric has been used for over 2500 years in Indian, where it was most likely first used as a dye. Turmeric water is an Asian cosmetic applied to impart a golden glow to the complexion. Curcumin has been shown to be active against Staphlococcus aureus (pus-producing infection). Turmeric decreases Kapha and so is used to remove mucous in the throat watery discharges like leucorrhea, and any pus in the eyes, ears, or in wounds, etc.5 Uses of Turmeric Since ancient times, turmeric has been used as a traditional medicine and for beauty care. In Ayurvedic system of Indian medicine, turmeric is an important herbal medicine prescribed for various diseases. In fact, turmeric is even used in modern times to plug radiator leaks in water-cooled radiators. The various uses of turmeric are as follows.

Medicinal

•Turmeric is used for treating digestive disorders.

• Raw Turmeric juice is used to treat hyper acidity and indigestion.

• Curcumin also has an anti-inflammatory effect by reducing histamine ( hormone ) levels.

• The fluoride present in turmeric is essential for teeth.

• Curcumin an active component of turmeric, has antioxidant properties and so turmeric is used alternative medicine.

 Cosmetic

• Regular turmeric use is said to make the skin fair, soft and smooth.

• It is believed that regular bathing in water containing turmeric reduces growth of body hair.

• It is an essential ingredient of the traditional bathing ritual of Indian marriages where it is applied along with sandal wood paste before the bath.

• Turmeric is used for spots caused due to pigmentation or blotches and also for disease like eczema

Advantages of Herbal ointment

• Removes acne or pimples and tightens open pores.
• Thoroughly cleanses the skin and maintains oil balance.
• Regenerates cellular growth.
• Enhances skin complexion.
• Removes dead skin cells.
• Brings out the natural radiance.
• Helps in the removal of facial hair and ingrown hair.

Ideal Properties of Herbal ointment

1. It should not normally be diluted.

2. The pH of the Herbal ointment must be optimum from 5–6.4.

3. Its consistency should be optimum so that it can be easily put out from the container and    apply easily.

4. Should give a cooling effect on the skin after external application.

5. It must provide a thin waxy protective layer on the skin to protect the water evaporation from the skin surface.

 6. Should give a faster emollient effect, so that very dry skin can swell up and become soft within a short time.

 7. It should be physically and chemically stable throughout its shelf-life.

MATERIALS AND METHOD

Collection of Plant material

Leaves of neem were collected from the local area of Hapur and dried rhizomes of turmeric were purchased from the local market of Hapur.

Figure 1: Turmeric

Figure 2:  Neem

Figure 3: Powder form of Neem and Turmeric

Figure 4: Parcolater

Preparation of Neem extract

Leaves of the plant were collected and washed thoroughly with distilled water and shade dried for 10 days. Dried leaves were ground into powder form. 100gm powder was imbibed with 350ml of 90% ethanol for 3hrs. and transferred to percolator with addition of 150ml of 90% ethanol for maceration for 7 days with occasional stirring. Finally ethanolic extract was collected and concentrated to get blackish green residue. The extract was stored in the airtight container at cool and dark place.

Figure 5: Neem extract

Preparation of Turmeric extract

Dried rhizomes of turmeric were ground and the powder obtained was followed for extraction same as that for neem leaves extract. The extract with crimson red colour was obtained and stored at cool and dark place in air tight container.

Figure 6: Turmeric extract

Formulation of Ointment

Table 1: Formulation of ointment base

Table 2: Formulation of Herbal ointment

Procedure for preparation of herbal ointment

a) Initially ointment base was prepared by weighing accurately grated hard paraffin which was placed in evaporating dish on water bath. After melting of hard paraffin remaining ingradients were added and stirred gently to aid melting and mixing homogeneously followed by cooling of ointment base.

b) Herbal ointment was prepared by mixing accurately weighed Neem and Turmeric extract to the ointment base by levigation method to prepare a smooth paste with 2 or 3 times its weight of base, gradually incorporating more base until to form homogeneous ointment, finally transferred in a suitable container.

Figure 7: Ethanol

Figure 8: Wool Fat

Figure 9: Ointment Base

Figure 10: Herbal Anti-Fungal Ointment

Evaluation

Colour and Odour

Physical parameters like colour and odour were examined by visual examination.

Consistency

Smooth and no greediness is observed.

pH

pH of prepared herbal ointment was measured by using digital PH meter. The solution of ointment was prepared by using 100ml of distilled water and set aside for 2hrs. PH was determined in triplicate for the solution and average value was calculated.

Spreadability

The spreadability was determined by placing excess of sample in between two slides which was compressed to uniform thickness by placing a definite weight for definite time. The time required to separate the two slides was measured as spreadability. Lesser the time taken for separation of two slides results better spreadability. Spreadability was calculated by following formula

S=M×L/T

Where,

S= Spreadability

M= Weight tide to the upper slide

L= Length of glass slide

T= Time taken to separate the slides

Extrudability

The formulation was filled in collapsible tube container. The extrudability was determined in terms of weight of ointment required to extrude 0.5cm of ribbon of ointment in 10 seconds.

Diffusion study

The diffusion study was carried out by preparing agar nutrient medium. A hole board at the center of medium and ointment was by placed in it. The time taken by ointment to get diffused through was noted. ( after 60 minutes)

LOD

LOD was determined by placing the formulation in petri-dish on water bath and dried for the temperature 105oC.

Solubility

Soluble in boiling water, miscible with alcohol, ether, chloroform.

Washability

Formulation was applied on the skin and then ease extend of washing with water was checked.

Non irritancy Test

Herbal ointment prepared was applied to the skin of human being and observed for the effect.

Stability study

Physical stability test of the herbal ointment was carried out for four weeks at various temperature conditions like 2oC, 25oC and 37oC. The herbal ointment was found to be physically stable at different temperature i.e. 2oC, 25oC, 37oC within four weeks.

RESULT AND DISCUSSION

The present study was done to prepare and evaluate the herbal ointment. For this the herbal extracts were prepared by using simple maceration process to obtain a good yield of extract and there was no any harm to the chemical constituents and their activity. The levigation method was used to prepare ointment so that uniform mixing of the herbal extract with the ointment base was occured which was stable during the storage. The physicochemical properties were studied which shows satisfactory results for spreadability, extrudability, washability, solubility, loss on drying and others. Also the formulation was placed for a stability study at different temperature conditions like 2oC, 25oC and 37oC within four weeks. There were no changes observed in spreading ability, diffusion study as well as irritant effect.

Table 3: Physicochemical evaluation of formulated ointment