Formulation And Evaluation of Turmeric Based Herbal Pain Relief Balm

Curcuma longa, a perennial herb, is a member of the Zingiberaceae (ginger) family. Turmeric is an ancient spice, a native of South East Asia, used from antiquity as dye and a Condiment. It is cultivated primarily in Bengal, China, Taiwan, Sri Lanka, Java. Peru. Australia And the West Indies. Turmeric is the rhizome or underground stem of ginger like plant. The plant is an herbaceous Perrineal, 60-90 cm high with a short stem tufted leaf. Its flowers are yellow, between 10-15 cm in Length and they group together in dense spikes, which appear from the end of spring until the middle Session. No fruits are known for this plant.¹ The whole turmeric rhizome, with a rough, segmented Skin. The rhizome is yellowish-brown with a dull orange interior that looks bright yellow when Powdered. Rhizome measures 2.5-7.0 cm (in length), and 2.5 cm (in diameter) with small tuber Branching off It is still used in rituals of the Hindu religion, and as a dye for holy robes, being natural, synthesized and cheap.² Turmeric is a widely used spice in cooking and as a herbal treatment, with an increasing amount of research supporting its potential health benefits. Antioxidants can neutralize free radicals And may reduce or even help prevent some of the Damage they cause. In addition, curcumin reduces Inflammation by lowering levels of two Inflammatory enzymes (called COX-2 and LOX) in The body and stops platelets from clumping Together to form blood clots. It is a valuable home Remedy for bronchial asthma. A teaspoon of Turmeric powder with a glass of milk twice or Thrice daily is very effective. It acts best on an Empty stomach. On the other hand, curcumin has not demonstrated toxicity up to 8 g per day, making it a Potentially attractive alternative to currently used medication in treating various diseases. The growth of a variety of bacteria, parasites, And pathogenic fungi are reduced due to Turmeric extract and the essential oil of Curcuma longa. A study of chicks which is Infected with the caecal parasite. Eimera Maxima proved that diets supplemented with turmeric helps in a reduction in small intestinal Lesion scores and improved weight gain.?Turmeric (Curcuma longa) has been used for 4,000 years to treat various health conditions. Research studies suggest that turmeric may help in managing several illnesses. Turmeric can also be applied topically in poultices to relieve pain and inflammation has a number of beneficial qualities Including anti-inflammatory, biliary, hepatoprotective, Blood purifier, antioxidant, detoxifying and regenerating liver tissue, anti-asthmatic, anti-cancer, anti-toxin, Digestive and detoxifiers. Scientists are still researching turmeric to see if it can help with conditions like arthritis, depression, diabetes, and cancer.³ Some studies suggest that curcumin, its main compound, may reduce inflammation and support overall health.?’¹?The pain balm works on the counter irritancy principal the where the instead of relieving the Pain, the pain sensation is suppressed by causing the irritation to the point where formulation has been Applied. The balm in common sense is defined as Semisolid formulation( generally having medicament) And which is to be applied externally.¹ Pain balms absorb into the skin and work on nerves to ease pain, boost blood flow, and help muscles relax. The clove (Eugenia caryophyllata) is a tree with 10 to 20 meters in height from Myrtaceae family which is cultivated in some countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, India, and Tanzania? Its parts including leaves and buds are commercially used in cooking, food processing, and perfumery. It has also been used to treat Many diseases such as disorder of Digestive systems. It has Been shown that some components of Clove are useful in bacterial and fungal Infections .¹²’¹³

2.  DRUG PROFILE

2.1Turmeric

Turmeric is a yellow-orange powder obtained from the rhizomes of Curcuma longa, widely used for its medicinal properties. It contains curcuminoids with curcumin being the primary active compound known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and wound-healing activities.? Turmeric is used in various dosage forms such as capsules, powders, ointments, and balms. It is commonly used in herbal formulations for treating pain, inflammation, skin disorders, and digestive issues.?’¹¹

• Common Name:- Turmeric
• Botanical Name: Curcuma longa
• Family: Zingiberaceae
• Active Constituents:

Curcuminoids

Volatile oils

 Polysaccharides

 Flavonoids   

Fig. No:- 1 Turmeric

2.2 Clove

Clove oil, primarily composed of eugenol, is a natural compound extracted from the clove plant (Syzygium aromaticum). Eugenol is renowned for its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, making it valuable in dental care, aromatherapy, and as a flavoring agent.¹?

• Common Name: Clove
• Botanical Name: Syzygium aromaticum
• Family: Myrtaceae
• Active Constituents:

Eugenol

Tannins

Flavonoids           

Vanillin   

Fig No:-2 Clove

3. Excipients profile

3.1. Beeswax:-

Fig . No :- 3 Beeswax

5. Non-proprietary Name:

• BP: Cera alba / Cera flava
• PhEur: Cera alba / Cera flava
• USP-NF: White wax / Yellow wax

5. Synonyms:

Beeswax white, Beeswax yellow,  Cera alba, Cera flava, Apis wax,  Natural wax

5. Chemical Name and CAS Registry Number:

Beeswax [8012-89-3 (yellow); 8012-90-3 (white)]

5. Structural formula

5. Functional Category:

Ointment and cream base, coating agent, stiffening agent, emulsifier.¹?

3.2. Menthol Crystal

Fig. No 4:- Menthol Crystal

5. Non-proprietary Name:

• BP: Menthol
• PhEur:Mentholum
• USP-NF: Menthol

5. Synonyms:

Levomenthol, l-menthol, Mint camphor, Hexahydrothymol, Menthacamphor, Peppermint l.

5. Chemical Name and CAS Registry Number:

(1R,2S,5R)-2-Isopropyl-5-methylcyclohexanol

5. Structural formula

5. Functional Category:

Topical analgesic, cooling agent, flavoring agent, counterirritant¹?

3.3. Camphor

Fig No 5:- Camphor

5. Non-proprietary Name:

• BP:Camphor
• PhEur : Camphora
• USP-NF:Camphor

5. Synonyms:

Bornan-2-one, 2-Bornanone, Gum Camphor, Natural Camphor, Camphora, Racemic  Camphor, D-Camphor.

5. Chemical Name and CAS Registry Number:

1,7,7-Trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-one [76-22-2]

5. Structural formula

5. Functional Category:

Counterirritant; topical analgesic; plasticizer; antimicrobial preservative; fragrance agent.¹?

3.4. Peppermint Oil

Fig . No 6:- Peppermint oil

5. Non-proprietary Name:

• BP:Oleum Menthae Piperitae
• PhEur:Menthae pipe ritaeaetheroleum
• USP-NF:Peppermint Oil

5. Synonyms:

Mentha piperita oil, Menthae piperitaea etheroleum, Peppermint essential oil, Oil of peppermint

5. Chemical Name and CAS Registry Number:

Peppermint oil (Mentha piperita, oil) [8006-90-4]

Structural formula

5. Functional Category:

Flavoring agent; topical analgesic; cooling agent; fragrance; carminative²?

3.5. Coconut Oil

Fig . No. 7:- Coconut oil

5. Non-proprietary Name:

• BP: Coconut Oil
• PhEur: Cocos Nucifera Oleum
• USP-NF: Coconut Oil

5. Synonyms:

Cocosnucifera oil, Copra oil, Virgin coconut oil, Refined coconut oil

5. Chemical Name and CAS Registry Number:

Coconut oil [8001-31-8]

5. Structural formula

5. Functional Category:

Emollient,  solvent,  ointment base, moisturizer, skin protectant, carrier oil²¹

3.6.Vitamin E Oil

Fig. No.8:- Vitamin E oil

5. Non-proprietary Name:

• BP: Tocopherol
• PhEur: Tocopherolum
• USP-NF: Vitamin E

5. Synonyms:

Alpha-tocopherol,D-alpha-tocopherol,RRR-alpha-tocopherolTocopherol concentrate, Tocopherol vitamin E,DL-alpha-tocopherol, Mixed tocopherol.

5. Chemical Name and CAS Registry Number:

2,5,7,8-Tetramethyl-2-[(4R,8R)-4,8,12-trimethyltridecyl]-6-chromanol [59-02-9] (for d-alpha-tocopherol)²²

Structural formula

4.MATERIAL AND METHOD

4.1.Material

Table No. 4.1 Material

1.Melt beeswax in a water bath.

2.Add coconut oil and mix well.

3.Once melted, add camphor and menthol crystals.

4.Stir continuously until they dissolve completely.

5.Add turmeric extract and clove extract mix well to distribute evenly.

6.Remove the mixture from heat and let it cool slightly

7.Add peppermint oil and vitamin E oil.

8. Pour into containers and allow to cool.?’¹?

Table 4.2 Formulation Table of Balm

5.Evaluation Parameters

• Appearance:- Smooth, semi-solid consistency with a uniform texture.
• Colors:- Yellow to brownish-yellow due to turmeric and clove oil.
• Odor:- Characteristic pleasant aroma from clove and essential oils.?

2.Spread ability:-

The spreadability was determined by placing sample Between two glass slides which was compressed to uniform thickness by applying definite time period. The time required to separate the two slides was measured as spreadability less time taken for separation of two Slides shown better spreadability calculated by Formula.?

S = M * L / T

S = Spreadability.

M = Weight applied to slides.

T = Time taken to separate the slides

Fig. No. 9:- Spreadability Test

3.pH Test:-

pH was found to be 5 to 6.

Fig .No. 10:- pH Test

4. Melting point:-

The balm was checked for melting point using a capillary tube method. Melting point was found to be 50°C to 65°C.

6. RESULT AND DISCUSSION

6.1. RESULT:-

The physicochemical parameters of the prepared balm were determined parameters such as Color; odour, appearance and pH were tested.? The formulations exhibited good in appearance Quality as well as pH was found in the range 7.0 which is the desired PH of the skin.¹?                     

Table 6.1 Result of Various Evaluation Parameters