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Abstract

The present study focuses on the formulation and evaluation of a herbal ointment using extracts of Murraya koenigii (curry leaves) and Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (hibiscus). Herbal formulations are gaining importance due to their safety, effectiveness, and minimal side effects compared to synthetic drugs. The plant materials were collected, cleaned, shade dried, and powdered. The formulated ointment was evaluated for various physicochemical parameters including color, odor, consistency, pH, and spreadability. Phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of bioactive constituents such as alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, glycosides, and phenolic compounds, which contribute to the therapeutic activity of the formulation. The ointment also exhibited promising antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and wound healing properties. The study concludes that the formulated herbal ointment is safe, effective, and cost-efficient, making it a potential alternative to conventional topical formulations for the treatment of various skin conditions.

Keywords

Murraya koeingii, Hibiscus, rosa sinensis

Introduction

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Herbal ointment:-

Herbal ointment is a semi-solid, topical preparation made by blending medicinal plant extracts or powders with an oily or waxy base. It is used for external application to treat skin conditions, reduce inflammation, heal wounds, and relieve muscle/joint pain. These natural, often anti-microbial products, such as those made from neem or turmeric, provide an alternative to synthetic medication.It is prepared by mixing medicinal plant extracts or herbal powders with a suitable ointment base such as paraffin, lanolin, or soft wax. Herbal ointments are widely used for the treatment of wounds, cuts, burns, skin infections, inflammation, rashes, and other skin disorders.Herbal formulations are gaining importance because they are natural, safe, cost-effective, and produce fewer side effects compared to synthetic medicines. Medicinal plants contain bioactive compounds such as alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, glycosides, and phenolic compounds that possess antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and wound healing properties.The ointment base helps in easy application, better absorption of active constituents, and prolonged contact of the medicine with the skin. Herbal ointments provide soothing, moisturizing, and protective effects on the affected area and help in faster healing of damaged tissues.

TYPES OF HERBAL OINTMENT:-

 

 

 

Fig. no. 1 Types of Herbal Ointment

 

PLANT  PROFILE:-                                                            

CURRY LEAVES                                                                                           

Biological source:

Curry leaves consist of the fresh and dried leaves of Murraya koenigii Linn

Family:-Rutaceae.

The plant is commonly known as Curry leaf tree and is widely distributed in India and other tropical regions.

Common Names:- Curry leaf tree, Curry patta, Sweet neem

Major Chemical Constituents: Rich in volatile oils , carbazole alkaloids,  Carbazole carboxylic acid, and flavonoids. 

Uses :-

  • They help keep the wound clean and support tissue repair.
  • Curry leaf extract is used in herbal ointments and topical preparations for wound care.
  • Curry leaves may reduce redness, swelling, and pain associated with skin injuries.
  • They help in preventing microbial growth in wounds and cuts.

 

 

Fig. no. 2. Leaf of Murraya koengii (Curry leaves)

HIBISCUS :-

BIOLOGICAL SOURCES:-

Hibiscus consist of the fresh and dried petals of Rosa Sinensis Linn

Family: Malvaceae.

Chemical constitute:-Flavonoids,Tannins, Alkaloids,Glycosides.

Uses :-

  • Rosa sinensis is used in herbal ointments for its antimicrobial activity against skin infections.
  • It helps in wound healing by promoting tissue repair and regeneration.
  • The plant possesses anti-inflammatory properties that reduce redness, swelling, and irritation.

 

 

Fig.no.3. Hibiscus (Rosa Sinensis)

MATERIAL AND METHODS :-

Curry (Murrayakoenigii) leaves were procured from a local market. The stems as well as extraneous foreign material were removed. Fresh, green, un-damaged curry leaves were selected whereas, insect infested, bruised, discolored, decayed and wilted leaves were discarded before washing the leaves. The stalks of the leaves were cut from the main branches and the leaves were washed thoroughly three to four times with tap water to remove all the adhering dust, dirt particles. The curry leaves were then blanched in boiled distilled water containing 0.1 per cent magnesium oxide for 15-20 seconds. Leaves were then spread on filter paper.

Ingredient used in herbalointment:-

 

Table No. 1. Ingredient used in herbal ointment

Sr.No.

Ingredients

Uses

1.

Curry leaves extrract

Antibacterial

2.

Hibiscus extract

Anti-inflamatory

3.

Hard parraffin

Stiffening agent

4.

Cetostearyl alcohol

Emulsifier and stabilizer

5.

White soft parraffin

Ointment base

6.

Wool fat (lanolin)

Absorption base

7.

Methyl Paraben

Antimicrobial preservative

 

  • Ointment Base Ingredients:-

1.Hard paraffin:

Hard paraffin (also known as paraffin wax or hard paraffin wax) is a solid, white, odorless mixture of high-molecular-weight hydrocarbons (alkanes) derived from petroleum, coal, or shale oil. It is characterized by its crystalline structure.

2.Cetostearyl alcohol:-

Cetostearyl alcohol (also known as cetearyl alcohol or cetylstearyl alcohol) is a mixture of solid, long-chain fatty alcohols, primarily cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol . It is widely used in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries as an emulsifier, thickener, and emollient. 

3.White soft paraffin:-

White soft paraffin is a highly refined, white, semi-solid hydrocarbon blend used as an emollient to moisturize and treat dry skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. It acts as a barrier, preventing water loss from the skin. It is generally considered safe for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

4.Wool fat (Lanolin):-

Wool fat, commonly known as lanolin, is a natural, waxy secretion from sheep's wool used heavily in cosmetics, skin care (moisturizer, sore nipples), and industrial lubricants. It is yellow, fatty, and highly effective as an emollient that reduces transepidermal water loss to hydrate skin. It is hypoallergenic, sustainable, and biodegradable. 

EXTRACTION OF CURRY LEAVES:-

A. Soxhlet Extraction Method:- Preparation of Herbal Ointment

Curry Leaves:-  

                               

 

Take 20–50 g powdered leaves

 

 

Place in a thimble inside Soxhlet apparatus

 

 

Add ethanol (250–300 mL) in round bottom flask

 

 

 

Heat using heating mantle Solvent evaporates → condenses → extracts compounds Continuous cycles occur for

6–8 hours

 

 

Extraction completes when solvent becomes colorless20–50 g of powdered curry leaves were placed in a thimble

 

 

The thimble was inserted into the Soxhlet apparatus

 

 

Ethanol was used as solvent (250–300 mL).Extraction was carried out for 6–8 hours (until solvent becomes colorless).

 

 

Extract was concentrated using:Rotary evaporator or Water bath at 40–50°C.A thick, semi-solid extract was obtained.

 

                  

 

 

 

Fig.No.4. Soxhlet Apparatus Extraction  Process Of Curry                                                                          Leaves(Murraya Koengii )

 

HIBISCUS:-       

 

. rosa-sinensis leaves were collected

 

 

They were washed using distilled water and then dried in airy conditions

 

 

The sample was then pulverized using a blender

 

 

The extraction of the leaf was done using distilled water in a hot water bath for 2 days (6 hours per day).

 

 

After extraction, the supernatant was filtered using filter paper and evaporated to dryness using a heating plate at 40-50°C

 

 

H. rosa-sinensis leaf extract was dissolved with dimethyl-sulfoxide (DMSO) to a final concentration of 0.1 mg/mL and sterilized by passing through a syringe filter (0.45 µm)

 

 

The extract was stored in sterile tubes at +4°C until used

 

 

Take 20–40 g hibiscus powder.Place in a thimble inside Soxhlet apparatus

 

 

Add ethanol (200–300 mL) in round bottom flask.Heat using heating mantle.

 

 

Solvent evaporates → condenses → extracts compounds Continue extraction for 6–8 hours Process completes when solvent becomes colorless.

 

 

 

Fig . No.5.Soxhlet Apparatus Extraction Process of Rosa Sinensis (Hibiscus)

 

PHYTOCHEMICAL CONSTITUENT:-

CURRY LEAVES:-

  1. Test for Alkaloids

Sr.no.

Test

Observation

Inference

1.

Dragendorff’s Test

 

Orange or orange-brown precipitate.

Alkaloids present

 

2.

Mayer’s test

Cream or pale yellow precipitate.

Alkaloids present

 

(C) Test for Tannins and Phenols:-

Sr.no.

Test

Observation

Inference

1.

Ferric Chloride Test

 

Blue-black or green color

 

Tannins and phenolic compounds present

HIBISCUS (ROSA SINENSIS):-

Phytochemical examination, comprising multiple chemical tests, was performed on the testing extracts to discover secondary metabolic chemicals (flavonoids, and phenolic compounds).

Phenols Test

Sr.no.

Test

Observation

Inference

1.

ferric chloride test

blue-black color

presence of phenols

Flavonoids Test

Sr.no.

Test

Observation

Inference

1.

Lead acetate test

yellow precipitate.

Presence of flavonoids

2.

Shinoda Test

Pink/red color

Flavonoids present

 

  1. Test for Alkaloids

Sr.no.

Test

Observation

Inference

1.

Dragendorff’s Test

 

Orange-brown precipitate formation

Alkaloids present

 

2.

Mayer’s Test

 

Cream-colored precipitate

Alkaloids present

 

(B) Test for Tannins:-

Sr.no.

Test

Observation

Inference

1.

Ferric Chloride Test

Blue-black ya greenish color

 

Tannins present

 

PROCEDURE FOR PREPARATION OF HERBAL OINTMENT:-

  • Hard paraffin, white soft paraffin, cetostearyl alcohol, and wool fat were weighed accurately.
  • All ointment base ingredients were melted together on water bath according to decreasing order of melting point.
  • The melted ingredients were stirred continuously to obtain uniform ointment base.
  • Measured quantity of curry leaves extract and hibiscus extract was added slowly into the base with continuous stirring.
  • The mixture was mixed properly until smooth and homogeneous ointment was formed.
  • The prepared ointment was cooled at room temperature.
  • Finally, the herbal ointment was filled into suitable containers and labeled properly.

 

 

Fig no.6. Herbal ointment

FORMULATION OF HERBAL OINTMENT:-

 

 

 

Table no. 2 .  Formulation of herbal ointment

 

Sr. no.

Ingredients

F1

F2

F3

1.

Curry leaves extract (Murraya Koengii)

2ml

2.5ml

3ml

2.

Hibiscus extract(Rosa Sinensis)

2ml

2.5ml

3ml

3.

Hard Parraffin

2gm

2.5gm

3gm

4.

White Soft Parraffin

17.5gm

34.5gm

35gm

5.

Cetostearyl alcohol

2.5gm

3gm

3.5

6.

Wool Fat(Lanolin)

2gm

5gm

5.5gm

7.

Methyl Paraben

0.1gm

0.1gm

0.1gm

 

 

 

F1                                F2                                  F3

 

EVALUATION  PARAMETERS  OF  HERBAL  OINTMENT

 

  • Physical Appearance: The ointment was evaluated for color, odor, texture, smoothness, and homogeneity.
  • pH Determination: The pH of the formulation was measured using a digital pH meter to ensure skin compatibility.
  • Spreadability: Spreadability was checked by applying the ointment on a glass slide to observe ease of application on skin.
  •  Skin Irritation Test: A patch test was carried out on the skin to observe any irritation, redness, or allergic reaction.
  •  Antimicrobial Activity: The ointment was tested against microorganisms to evaluate its antimicrobial effectivene

ANTIMICROBIAL TEST OF HERBAL OINTMENT

The antimicrobial activity of the herbal ointment was evaluated against different microorganisms by using the agar diffusion method. The activity was observed in the form of a clear zone of inhibition around the sample.The antimicrobial effect may be attributed to the bioactive constituents present in Murraya koenigii and Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, which possess natural antibacterial and antifungal properties. The formulation was found to be effective in controlling microbial growth and may help in preventing skin infections and promoting wound healing.

 

 

 

Fig no. 15. Microbial test for herbal ointment

 

RESULT AND DISCUSSION

 

Formulation

Physical appearance

PH determination

Spreadability

Skin Irritation

 

Colour

Texture

 

 

 

F1

Dark Green

Smooth

6.2

Good

No

F2

Light green

Rough

5.8

Moderate

No

F3

Greenish brown

Smooth

6.5

Excellent

No

 

The formulated herbal ointments (F1, F2, and F3) showed acceptable physical characteristics with smooth texture and uniform appearance. The pH values were found to be near the normal skin pH, indicating suitability for topical application. Spreadability of all formulations

was satisfactory, with F3 showing the best spreadability. No signs of skin irritation, redness, or itching were observed during the irritation study, indicating that the formulations are safe for skin application. Overall, F3 formulation showed better consistency and stability compared to other formulations.

CONCLUSION

The present study successfully formulated and evaluated a herbal ointment using extracts of Murrayakoenigii and Hibiscus rosa-sinensis. Both plant extracts were selected due to their well-known medicinal properties such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and wound healing activities.The ointment was prepared using suitable base materials including hard paraffin, cetostearyl alcohol, white soft paraffin, and wool fat, which provided good consistency, stability, and spreadability. The formulation process was simple, cost-effective, and reproducible.Evaluation parameters such as physical appearance, pH, spreadability, consistency, homogeneity, and stability studies indicated that the prepared formulation was stable, smooth, and suitable for topical application. The absence of skin irritation further confirmed its safety.Overall, the herbal ointment demonstrated promising therapeutic potential and can be considered as an effective alternative to synthetic formulations for minor skin infections and wound healing.

Acknowledgement

The authors sincerely thank Shri Keshavrao Mankar and Dr. D. K. Sanghi of Bhavabhuti Shikshan Sanstha, Amgaon, for their guidance, support, and the facilities provided during the course of this study. Their encouragement and cooperation are greatly appreciated.

REFERENCES

  1. Ali M, Khan T. Pharmacological studies of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis. J Ethnopharmacol. 2014;152(1):12–20.
  2. Aulton ME. Pharmaceutics: The Design and Manufacture of Medicines. 5th ed. Elsevier; 2018.
  3. Allen LV. Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms and Drug Delivery Systems. 10th ed. Lippincott; 2014.
  4. Asan-Ozusaglam, M., & Celik, I. (2023). White pitahaya as a natural additive: potential usage in cosmetic industry. Foods and Raw materials, 11(1), 57-63. https://dx.doi.org/10.21603/2308-4057-2023-1-552.
  5. Asan-Ozusaglam, M., & Gunyakti, A. (2019). Lactobacillus fermentum strains from human breast milk with probiotic properties and cholesterol-lowering effects. Food Science and Biotechnology, 28, 501-509. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10068-018-0494-y.
  6. British Pharmacopoeia Commission. British Pharmacopoeia. London; 2019.
  7. Chopra RN, Nayar SL. Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants. New Delhi: CSIR; 2010.
  8. Chhetri HP, Yogol NS, Sherchan J, Kc A, Mansoor S, Thapa P. Formulation and evaluation of antimicrobial herbal ointment. J Sci Eng Technol. 2010;6:102-107.
  9. Cheng NC, Yu YC, Tai HC, Hsueh PR, Chang SC, Lai SY, Fang CT. Recent trend of necrotizing fasciitis in Taiwan: focus on monomicrobial Klebsiella pneumoniae necrotizing fasciitis. Clin Infect Dis. 2012;55(7):930-939.
  10. Chopra, R.N. (1999). Glossary of Indian medicinal plants.New Delhi: Council of Scientific and Industrial Research ,42-59.
  11. Cruickshank, R., Duguid, J. P., Marmion, B. P. & Swain, R.H.A. (1975), Medical Microbiology, 12th ed.,
  12. Dave, B.K., 1971. First lactation curve of Indian water buffalo. JNKVV (Jawaharlal Nehru KrishiVishwaVidyalaya). Res. J., 5: 93-98.

Reference

  1. Ali M, Khan T. Pharmacological studies of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis. J Ethnopharmacol. 2014;152(1):12–20.
  2. Aulton ME. Pharmaceutics: The Design and Manufacture of Medicines. 5th ed. Elsevier; 2018.
  3. Allen LV. Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms and Drug Delivery Systems. 10th ed. Lippincott; 2014.
  4. Asan-Ozusaglam, M., & Celik, I. (2023). White pitahaya as a natural additive: potential usage in cosmetic industry. Foods and Raw materials, 11(1), 57-63. https://dx.doi.org/10.21603/2308-4057-2023-1-552.
  5. Asan-Ozusaglam, M., & Gunyakti, A. (2019). Lactobacillus fermentum strains from human breast milk with probiotic properties and cholesterol-lowering effects. Food Science and Biotechnology, 28, 501-509. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10068-018-0494-y.
  6. British Pharmacopoeia Commission. British Pharmacopoeia. London; 2019.
  7. Chopra RN, Nayar SL. Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants. New Delhi: CSIR; 2010.
  8. Chhetri HP, Yogol NS, Sherchan J, Kc A, Mansoor S, Thapa P. Formulation and evaluation of antimicrobial herbal ointment. J Sci Eng Technol. 2010;6:102-107.
  9. Cheng NC, Yu YC, Tai HC, Hsueh PR, Chang SC, Lai SY, Fang CT. Recent trend of necrotizing fasciitis in Taiwan: focus on monomicrobial Klebsiella pneumoniae necrotizing fasciitis. Clin Infect Dis. 2012;55(7):930-939.
  10. Chopra, R.N. (1999). Glossary of Indian medicinal plants.New Delhi: Council of Scientific and Industrial Research ,42-59.
  11. Cruickshank, R., Duguid, J. P., Marmion, B. P. & Swain, R.H.A. (1975), Medical Microbiology, 12th ed.,
  12. Dave, B.K., 1971. First lactation curve of Indian water buffalo. JNKVV (Jawaharlal Nehru KrishiVishwaVidyalaya). Res. J., 5: 93-98.

Photo
Yogeshwari Motghare
Corresponding author

Shri Laxmanrao Mankar Institute of Pharmacy Amgaon, Gondia Maharashtra 441902.

Photo
Arpita Agrawal
Co-author

Shri Laxmanrao Mankar Institute of Pharmacy Amgaon, Gondia Maharashtra 441902.

Photo
Dr. Tulsidas Nimbekar
Co-author

Shri Laxmanrao Mankar Institute of Pharmacy Amgaon, Gondia Maharashtra 441902.

Photo
Dr. D. Sanghi
Co-author

Shri Laxmanrao Mankar Institute of Pharmacy Amgaon, Gondia Maharashtra 441902.

Yogeshwari Motghare, Arpita Agrawal, Dr. Tulsidas Nimbekar, Dr. D. Sanghi, Formulation And Evaluation of Herbal Ointment by Using Murraya Koengii, Int. J. of Pharm. Sci., 2026, Vol 4, Issue 6, 6933-6941, https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20957505

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