Formulation and Evaluation of Multipurpose Herbal Based Foot Cream

The skin is the largest organ of the human body, covering an approximate surface area of 20 square feet. It is composed of three primary layers, of which the epidermis is the outermost layer that acts as a protective, waterproof barrier and is responsible for determining skin colour. The skin also serves as the body’s primary defense against environmental factors and external agents. The feet, being a vital part of the body, are constantly subjected to friction, pressure, and exposure to various external conditions, making them particularly vulnerable to damage and infection.

The skin on the feet is categorized as thick skin and is composed of five distinct layers: stratum basale, stratum spinosum, stratum granulosum, stratum lucidum, and stratum corneum. Due to the absence of sebaceous (oil) glands, the skin in this region tends to become dry, which may lead to discomfort and, in some cases, pain.

The feet are an essential part of the human body and are constantly subjected to friction and environmental exposure. Since the soles lack oil glands, they are more prone to dryness. Poor foot care can result in various problems, often caused by unsuitable footwear. Additionally, cuts and cracks in the skin can allow dirt, fungi, and bacteria to enter, leading to infections.

Foot creams made with polyherbal extracts are increasingly favored compared to allopathic products that rely on synthetic chemicals, as herbal formulations are believed to support a more holistic approach to treating foot conditions.

The polyherbal plant extract is known to have antibacterial, healing smoothing activity improves skin texture. In these studies, attempts have been made to develop foot care cream from the polyherbal extract.

The foot is susceptible to microbial infections caused by various bacteria and fungi, including Staphylococcus aureus (Staph), Streptococcus species, Other Gram-negative bacteria.

Common Local Side Effects of synthetic foot cream are Burning and Stinging: A common, typically temporary sensation upon applying the cream. Skin Irritation: Redness (erythema), itching (pruritus), and discomfort. Dryness and Peeling: The skin may become dry, flaky, or peel (desquamation).Irritation from ingredients: Some creams, such as those containing urea, can cause burning or irritation.

Unlike synthetic alternatives that may contain harsh chemicals, urea that cause irritation, herbal creams are usually gentler, eco-friendly, and better suited for sensitive skin. Some advantages of herbal foot cream are Improved Skin Health & Nutrition, Natural Healing and Repair, Safety and Lower Toxicity, Long-Term Benefits, Aromatherapy and Odour Control.

The aim of this study is to formulate and evaluate a multipurpose herbal-based foot cream using natural ingredients like neem and bael for providing moisturization, antimicrobial, and soothing effects. The objectives include preparing a stable and homogeneous formulation and evaluating its physicochemical properties such as pH, spreadability, consistency, stability, and antimicrobial activity to ensure its effectiveness and safety.

AIM AND OBJECTIVES :

Aim :

Formulation and Evaluation of Multipurpose Herbal Based Foot Cream.

Objectives :

• To prepare a herbal-based multipurpose foot cream
• To use natural ingredients for moisturizing and healing
• To evaluate physical properties (pH, spreadability, washability, irritancy)
• To check stability of the formulation
• To study antimicrobial activity
• To assess skin irritation and safety
• To develop a safe and cost-effective product

PLAN OF WORK:

• Literature survey
• Selection and Collection of ingredients
• Formulation of the product
• Evaluation parameters

              1) Colour

              2) Odour

              3) Texture

             4) Appearance

             5) Spreadability test

             6) Washability test

             7) Homogeneity test

             8) Grittiness

• Results and discussions
• Conclusions
• References

MATERIALS AND METHODS :

Excipients used in preparation are as follows :

Table No. 1 : List of Ingredients.

HERBS PROFILE :

1. Beal leaf powder

Synonym: Aegle marmelos linn.

Biological source: Aegle marmelos (beal tree), It consists of the unripe or half-ripe fruits or their slices or irregular pieces of Aegle marmelos Corr.

Family: Rutaceae

Chemical constituents:

The chief constituent of the drug is marmelosin A, B and C (0.5%), which is a furocoumarin.

Other coumarins are marmesin, psoralin and umbelliferone.

The drug also contains carbohydrates (11-17%), protein, volatile oil and tannins. The pulp also contains good amount of vitamins C and A.

Uses:

Used for treating various ailments, including digestive problems, diarrhea, diabetes, skin conditions, and respiratory problems.

Used to relieve pain, inflammation, and symptoms of conditions like arthritis and asthma

Bael leaf extracts are sometimes used as dietary supplements, although there's no strong scientific evidence to support these uses.

Fig 1. Beal Leaf Powder

2. Neem leaf Powder :

Synonyms: Azadirachta indica

Biological Source: Neem is derived from the leaves, seeds, bark, and oil of the tree Azadirachta indica.

Family: Meliaceae

Chemical Constituents: Limonoids: Azadirachtin (major bioactive compound), nimbin. nimbidin, salannin, meliantriol. Flavonoids: Quercetin, kaempferol.

Triterpenoids: Gedunin, nimbolide. Fatty Acids (from seed oil):- Oleic, stearic, palmitic.

linoleic acids, Others: Polysaccharides, tannins, and essential oils.

Uses:

Medicinal: Antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, Antimalarial, antiparasitic, antidiabetic

Agricultural: Natural pesticide and insect repellent (due to azadirachtin)

Cosmetic: In soaps, shampoos, and creams for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects.

Fig.2 Neem Leaf Powder

3. Aloe Vera Gel

Synonym: Kummari, Mussabar

Biological source: It is obtained from dried Juice collected by incision from the bases of the leaves of various species of Aloe.

Family: Liliaceae.

Chemical constituents: Vitamins: A, B1, B2, B4, B6, B12, and tocopherol.

Enzymes: Allantoin, catalase, amylase, cellulase, lipase, and others.

Minerals: Calcium, phosphorus, zinc, copper, selenium, magnesium, and chromium.

Amino Acids: Approximately 18 amino acids, including those essential for the body.

Phenolic Compounds: Anthraquinones (aloin, emodin), and other phenolic compounds.

Uses:

Skin conditions: Sunburn relief, wound healing, reducing skin irritation.

Cosmetics: Moisturizing, soothing, and used in various skincare products.

medicinal properties: Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant properties.

Fig.3 Aloe Vera Gel

LIST OF INSTRUMENTS :

Table No. 2 : List of instruments used in the formulation study

Table No. 3 : List of instruments used in evaluation study.

METHOD OF PREPARATION:

Step 1:

• Extraction 

The method use in extraction is maceration. About 10 gram of neem powder and beal powder was taken in separate conical flask and performing maceration process along with ethanol : water (70 : 30 ) as a solvent for about 2 days. Filter it to collect the filtrate. After collecting filtrate evaporation was done to get the  extract.

Fig.4 Evaporation of Extract

Step  2:

• Preparation of oil phase

Oil phase ingredients such as stearic acid, cetyl alcohol, liquid paraffin were weighed and heated.

Step 3:

• Preparation of water phase

Water phase ingredients such as glycerine, triethanolamine, water, methyl paraben, propyl paraben, were weighed and heated with continuous stirring.

Step 4 :

The content of water phase were mixed in the oil phase with the homogenizer and then the neem extract, beal extract and aloevera gel added to the mixture. Then drop of lemon oil was added into formulation and the prepared cream were filled and stored in final container and was closed tightly.

FORMULATION TABLE .

Table NO. 4 : Quantity wise batches formulated.

EVALUATION OF HERBAL FOOT CREAM

1. Colour: A visual inspection was used to determine cream colour.
2. Odour: The Odor of formulated cream was checked by smelling it.
3. Texture: The foot cream was smooth and having uniformity in texture.
4. Homogeneity: Developed cream was tested for homogeneity by visual inspection. They were checked for their appearance and presence of any particles.
5. Washability: The formulations were applied on skin; the easy and extent of washing with water were checked manually.
6. pH evaluation: Take 1gm of sample & dissolve in 10ml of ethanol. By heating on water bath for 10 minuets, then filter the content & measure PH using PH meter

Fig.5 PH Test of F1                                                     Fig.6  PH Test of F2

7. Antimicrobial evaluation: The antimicrobial activity of the formulated foot cream (F1 and F2) was evaluated using the nutrient agar plate method. After incubation at 37°C for 24 hours, both formulations (F1 and F2) showed no visible microbial growth on the agar plates.

Fig.7 Antimicrobial evaluation

8. This indicates that both formulations possess significant antimicrobial activity against the tested microorganisms.
9. Spreadability: The formulation was evenly or uniformly spread. It didn't feel dry and rough to the skin or feet of skin after applying.

Fig.8 Spreadability Test

OBSERVATION TABLE: