Formulation and Evaluation of Polyherbal Antioxidant Hydrogel from Moringa

Fig no.1: - Structure of Skin

Introduction to Skin Cosmetics  

Skin cosmetics are special formulations that are used to apply on the skin surface for cleansing, moisturizing, protecting, beautifying, and improving skin appearance. These cosmetics have great significance in keeping the skin healthy as they prevent drying of skin, make the skin soft, and protect the skin from external influences like dust, pollution, ultraviolet radiations, etc. Some examples of skin cosmetics are creams, lotions, gels, ointments, serums, face packs, hydrogels, etc. which usually consist of moisturizers, emollients, antioxidants, extracts of herbs, vitamins, sunscreens, etc. Herbal skin cosmetics have gained popularity over chemical cosmetics due to the reasons that they are safer, provide natural nourishment, and cause fewer side effects.    

Polyherbal antioxidant hydrogel

Polyherbal antioxidant hydrogel can be described as a sophisticated semi-solid topical preparation formulated by incorporating one or more herbal extracts with antioxidative properties in a hydrogel matrix. Polyherbal antioxidant hydrogel has various uses in pharmaceutical as well as cosmeceutical products for protecting the skin, moisturizing, wound healing, anti-aging effect, and scavenging of free radicals. A hydrogel matrix is usually composed of synthetic or natural polymers such as Carbopol 940 that creates a clear, smooth, and non-oily hydrogel system that retains a high percentage of moisture. Antioxidants in the herbs like moringa and aloe vera help neutralize free radicals in the body, reduce oxidative stress, and protect skin from harmful effects of ultraviolet rays, pollutants, and aging effects. Hydrogels are very ideal carriers of such herbal ingredients due to spreadability, cooling effect, easy removal from the skin, extended contact with skin, and enhanced patient compliance. With hydrophilic and biocompatible properties, polyherbal antioxidant hydrogels have promising potential as topical skin care as well as herbal cosmetics preparations.

Choosing the Right Hydrogel for Your Skin Type

1. 1. For Dry Skin: -Choose hydrogels with glycerin, aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, or panthenol. Provides deep hydration and long-lasting moisturization.
   2. For Oily Skin: -Select oil-free and non-comedogenic hydrogels. Prefer ingredients like niacinamide, green tea, tea tree, or salicylic acid. Helps in sebum control. Prevents pore blockage and acne formation
   3. For Sensitive Skin: -Use fragrance-free and alcohol-free hydrogels. Best ingredients: aloe vera, chamomile, Centella, allantoin. Provides soothing and anti-inflammatory effect. Reduces redness and irritation
   4. For Combination Skin: -Choose lightweight hydrogels with balanced humectants. Hydrates dry areas without making oily zones greasy. Maintains skin moisture balance.

Benefits of antioxidant hydrogel

• • • Neutralizes free radicals and protects skin from oxidative damage.
    • Prevents premature aging by reducing wrinkles and fine lines.
    • Provides deep hydration and keeps skin soft and smooth.
    • Gives a cooling and soothing effect on irritated skin.
    • Promotes wound healing and supports tissue repair.
    • Shows anti-inflammatory action by reducing redness and swelling.
    • Protects skin from UV rays and pollution damage.
    • Enhances the delivery of herbal antioxidant actives into the skin.

Fig no.2: - Hydrogel

2. PLANT PROFILE

1. 1. Moringa Seed:

Moringa oleifera, commonly known as Moringa or Drumstick tree, is a highly valued medicinal plant used in Ayurveda and traditional medicine systems. The seeds of moringa are rich in bioactive compounds and are widely used for their antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Fig no. 3: -Moringa seed

Its seeds are obtained from long pods and are known for their oil content (Ben oil) and therapeutic benefits. In traditional medicine, moringa is considered a “miracle tree” due to its multiple health benefits. The seeds are used for skin care, water purification, and pharmaceutical formulations, especially in antioxidant hydrogels

Botanical classification: -

Kingdom: Plantae

Division: Magnoliophyte

Class: Magnoliopsida

Order: Capparales

Family: Moringaceae

Genus: Moringa

Species: Moringa oleifera Lam

Common Name:

English: Drumstick Seed, Ben oil Seed

Hindi: Sahjan ke Beej, Munaha ke Beej

Marathi: Shevgyachya Biya, Shevga beej

Geographic Source of Moringa:

Native Region: Sub-Himalayan tracts of North-Western India mainly the foothills of the Himalayas in present-day Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and parts of Bihar.

Global Distribution: Moringa is now cultivated and naturalized in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, mainly in Asia, Africa, America and ither regions like Hawaii, Oceania and parts of the Arabian Peninsula.

Major Geographic Sources:

India: By far the largest producer of moringa globally. Major producing states include Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh.

Africa: Countries like Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, Zambia, and Zimbabwe are major producers.

Southeast Asia: The Philippines and Indonesia Are prominent for leaf production.

Other Producers: Taiwan, Nicaragua, and Brazil are growing commercial producers.

Morphology:

Stem:

• Stem is often characterized by its rapid growth, soft wood, and distinctive, corky, whitish-gray bark.

Leaves:

• Shape- Individual leaflets are small, mostly elliptical to obovate.
• Size-The entire leaf (including the stalk) is quite large, ranging from 30-60cm long
• Texture- leaflets are smooth on top, pale and hairless underneath, but young leaves are  often hairy.
• Arrangement-The leaves are alternate spiral on the branches.
• Color- Light green when young, deep green when mature.

Flowers:

• Shape- zygomorphic (bilaterally symmetrical) and have drooping, reflexed appearance.
• Color- blooms are predominantly white to creamy white.
• Petals- five unequal, thinly veined, spathulate (spoon-shaped) petals.
• Sepals- Five linear- lanceolate, greenish- white sepals.
• Flowering season- late spring/eary summer (April- June) and again in late fall/eary winter (Nov-Dec)

Seeds:

• Round or triangular, protected by brownish, semi- permeable seed hull.
• They are characterized by three whitish, papery wings that facilitate wind.

Root System:

• Moringa features a prominent, deep, and stout white taproot system, which serves as a nutrient and water storage organ.
• Seedlings develop a carrot- like tuberous main root, which later system, with roots often developing a pungent odor.

Chemical Constituents:

1. Isothiocyanates: Specifically in seeds, these compounds act as a strong antioxidant and antimicrobial agents.

Isothiocyanates

2. Behenic Acid (Fatty Acid): High concentrations are found in seed “Ben Oil” which is used as a high-quality edible oil, biofuel and in cosmetics.
3. Niazimicin: A potent compound present in leaves and seeds known for its anti-tumor and antimicrobial activities.
4. 4-(alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyloxy) benzyl glucosinolate: Present in leaves and seeds, it provides anti-inflammatory benefits and helps in water purification.
5. Quercetin and Rutin: These powerful antioxidants are rich in leaves.
6. Kaempferol: A strong antioxidant found in leaves and flowers that promotes apoptosis (cancer cell death)
7. Phenolics: present in roots amd leaves, these provide significant antioxidant and anti-cancer properties
8. Dimeric cationic proteins: these are used as natural flocculants in water treatment to remove impurities

Medicinal use:

1. Antioxidant & anti-inflammatory: Leaves and seeds reduce oxidative stress and inflammation.
2. Antidiabetic: Leaf powder lowers blood glucose levels.
3. Antimicrobial: Seed, bark, and root extracts active against bacteria and fungi.
4. Antihypertensive: Leaves help reduce blood pressure due to quercetin and nitrile.
5. Glycosides Cholesterol-lowering: Leaf extract reduces LDL and triglycerides.
6. Hepatoprotective: Protects liver against damage.
7. Wound healing: Leaf paste applied externally promotes healing.
8. Galactagogue: Increases breast milk production in lactating mothers.
9. Anemia: High iron content in leaves helps treat iron deficiency.
10. Water purification: Crushed seeds clarify and disinfect water due to coagulant proteins.

Other uses of Moringa:

1. Animal fodder: Leaves used as high-protein feed for cattle, goats, poultry
2. Biofuel: Seed oil suitable for biodiesel production
3. Cosmetic: used in skin creams, hair oils, perfumes due to stability and antioxidants
4. Industrial: Seed cake after oil extraction used as fertilizer or animal feed

Marketed formulation        

Fig no 4: -Natural Moringa Powder   Fig no 5: -Moringa &Neem face wash   Fig no 6: - Moringa Tablet

1. 2. Aloe vera:

The Aloe vera plant has been known and used for centuries for its health, beauty, medicinal and skin care properties. The name Aloe vera is derived from the Arabic word “Alloeh” meaning “meaning shining bitter substance, ”while “vera” in Latin means “true” The properties includes- Healing properties, Protective effects against radiation damage to the skin, Anti-inflammatory action, Laxative effect, Anti-tumor activity, Moisturizing, Anti-aging effect and Antiseptic effect.

Fig no.7: -Aloe vera

Botanical Classification:

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Division: Magnoliophyta
• Class: Liliopsida
• Order: Asparagales
• Family: Asphodelaceae
• Genus: Aloe
• Species: Aloe Vera

Geographical source:

• Native region: Arabian Peninsula, specifically Oman, and Northeast Africa including Sudan and parts of Ethiopia.
• Widely naturalized/cultivated now in:

Asia: India - Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu; China, Pakistan

Americas: Mexico, Dominican Republic, Venezuela, USA - Texas, Florida,

California Africa: South Africa, Kenya,

Mediterranean: Spain, Greece

Australia: Northern regions

Morphology:

Growth Habit: Perennial, succulent xerophytic herb with short stem or stemless

Leaves: Rosette arrangement at base

• Thick, fleshy, lanceolate, 30-50 cm long, 10 cm broad
• Green to grey-green with white spots when young
• Margins have small white spiny teeth Apex acute
• Upper surface flat, lower surface convex
• Inner mucilaginous gel/parenchyma

Roots: Fibrous, shallow root system

Inflorescence: Raceme on long scape 60-90 cm, flowers yellow/orange, tubular

Fruit: Triangular capsule containing numerous seeds.

Chemical constituents:

1. 1. 1. Anthraquinone glycosides – in yellow latex layer:
         1. Barbaloin/Aloin A & B (10-30%) – main purgative
         2. Isobarbaloin, Aloe-emodin, Chrysophano

Anthraquinone glycosides

1. 1. 2. Polysaccharides – in inner gel
         1. Acemannan – immunomodulatory, main active
         2. Glucomannan, Mannose-6-phosphate
      3. Other constituents:
         1. Enzymes: Amylase, lipase, bradykinase, alkaline phosphatase.
         2. Vitamins: A, C, E, B1, B2, B6, B12, folic acid.
         3. Minerals: Ca, Mg, Zn, Fe, K, Na, Cu, Mn.
         4. Amino acids: 20 out of 22 required, 7 out of 8 essential.
         5. Sterols: Lupeol, campesterol, β-sitosterol – anti-inflammatory.
         6. Salicylic acid – analgesic, anti-inflammatory.
         7. Saponins – cleansing, antiseptic.
         8. Lignin – enhances penetration of other ingredients.

Medicinal uses:

Gel - inner mucilage:

1. 1. 1. 9. Wound healing & burns: Accelerates healing of 1st and 2nd degree burns, cuts, abrasions
         10. Anti-inflammatory: Reduces skin inflammation, psoriasis, eczema, acne
         11. Moisturizer: Used in cosmetics for skin hydration
         12. Antidiabetic: Oral gel lowers blood glucose levels
         13. Immunomodulatory: Acemannan stimulates macrophage activity
         14. Anti-ulcer: Protects gastric mucosa

Latex - yellow sap:

1. 1. 1. 15. Purgative/laxative: Strong stimulant laxative due to aloin – used for constipation
         16. Emenagogue: Stimulates menstrual flow.
         17. Other: Antimicrobial, Anti-arthritic, Dental

EXPERIMENTAL WORK

Requirements:

Apparatus: Beaker, Mortar pestle, Spatula, Stirrer, Measuring cylinder, Conical flask, Iodine flask, Water bath, Funnel, Petri plate.

Instrument: Weighing balance, pH meter, Mixer.

Chemicals: Triethanolamine, Carbopol 940, methyl paraben.

Formula :

Table no 1 :- Ingredients for polyherbal antioxidant hydrogel

3. METHODOLOGY:

Extraction:

1. Collection And Authentication: Mature seed of moringa oleifera were collected from reliable source and authenticated for botanical identify. The seeds were cleaned to remove adhering dust and foreign materials.
2. Preparation of raw material: The collected seeds were manually dehulled to remove outer covering. The kernels were then washed with distilled water and allowed to dry under shade at room temperature to   prevent degradation of thermolabile constituent. The dried seed were coarsely powdered using a    mechanical grinder and stored in airtight container until further use.
3. Preparation of extraction solvent:  A hydroalcoholic solvent system consisting of ethanol and distilled water in   the ratio of 70:30 was prepared. This solvent system was selected due to its efficiency in extracting both polar and moderately non-polar phytoconstituents.

Extraction Procedure (Maceration Technique):

1. A weighed quantity of powdered seeds material (e.g., 50g) was transferred into clean, dry conical flask.

2. To this, an adequate volume of prepared solvent (approximately 250-300 mL, maintaining a 1:5 ratio) was added.

3. The flask was tightly sealed to prevent solvent loss and kept at room temperature for a period of 48-72 hours.

4. During this period, the mixture was intermittently shaken to ensure proper interaction between the solvent and plant material, facilitating efficient extraction.

Filtration:

After completion of the extraction period, the mixture was filtered through Whatman filter paper to separate liquid extract from solid residue.

Concentration of Extract:

The obtained filtrate was subjected to solvent removal using water bath maintaining at temperature not exceeding 40-50°C to avoid degradation of active constituents.

Storage:

The final extract was transferred into an airtight container and stored under refrigerated conditions (4–8°C) to maintain its stability and prevent microbial contamination or oxidative degradation.

Fig no.8: - Extraction from moringa seed

Methodology for preparation of polyherbal antioxidant hydrogel:

Collection of Materials:

Carbopol, moringa seed extract, propylene glycol, preservatives, triethanolamine, distilled water

⬇

Preparation of gel base:

Carbopol weighed → Slowly added to distilled water with continuous stirring → Allowed to swell for 1–2 hours

⬇

Addition of additives:

Add glycerin slowly with stirring

Dissolve methyl paraben, propyl paraben  in small amount of warm water and add.

⬇

Incorporation of extract:

Add moringa extract and aloe vera extract with continuous stirring

⬇

Neutralization

Add triethanolamine dropwise to reaches pH ~6-7

⬇

Final adjustment :

Make up weight to 50g with distilled water

Mix gently to avoid air bubbles.

Fig no.9: - preparation of polyherbal antioxidant hydrogel

4. EVALUATION PARAMETERS

1. Organoleptic Properties:

1. color
2. Odor
3. Consistency
4. Clarity  
5. Homogeneity
6. Appearance

2. pH Determination

3. Spreadability

4. Washability

5. Skin Irritation Test

6. Stability Study

7. Viscosity measurement

8. Antioxidant Activity

1. Organoleptic Properties: - Physical Appearance was evaluated by visual inspection.
2. pH Determination

• 1 g of hydrogel was taken and dispersed in 100 ml distilled water. The pH of hydrogel was measured by calibrated digital pH meter.

3. Spreadability

1g of hydrogel was placed between two glass slides. A weight of 500 g was   placed on the upper slide for 1 minute. The diameter of the spread hydrogel was measured in cm.

S=ML/T

Where:  M = Weight of upper slide

L = Length of glass slide

T = Time take

4. Washability

A measured quantity of hydrogel (around 1–2 g) was applied uniformly on a clean glass slide. The glass slide was held under running tap water for 1–2 minutes without rubbing.

It was observed whether the hydrogel was removed completely, partially, or left any residue.

5. Skin Irritation Test

The hydrogel was applied on a small area of skin. The site was observed for redness, swelling or irritation over 24–72 hours.

6. Stability Study

The formulation was subjected to stability testing under different conditions:

Room Temperature (25°C) Accelerated conditions (40°C ± 2°C / 75% RH ± 5%)

Samples were evaluated periodically for changes in pH, viscosity, color, and drug content.

7. Viscosity Measurement

The viscosity of hydrogel was determined using a Brookfield viscometer with spindle no. 64

At 10 rpm. 10 g of hydrogel was taken in a beaker and the spindle was immersed in it.

The reading was recorded after 1 minute of rotation at 25°C and expressed in centipoise (cps).

8. Antioxidant Activity

The antioxidant activity of hydrogel was evaluated using the DPPH free radical scavenging   assay. A known concentration of gel extract was mixed with DPPH solution and the decrease  in absorbance was measured at 517 nm.  

5. RESULT

Antioxidant hydrogel containing moringa seed was formulated and evaluated successfully.

1. 1. 1. 1. Organoleptic Properties:-

Table No. 2 : Organoleptic properties of hydrogel

2. pH Determination:-

Observation: pH was found to be 6.25

Fig no.10: - pH testing of Hydrogel using pH meter

3. Spreadability:-

S=ML/T

Where:  M = Weight of upper slide

L = Length of glass slide

T = Time taken

S= 20 × 10/6= 33.3

Observation: Spreadability was found to be 33.3.

Fig no. 11: - Result of Spreadability test

4. Washability

Observation:- Completely Washable (Easily washable with water)

5. Skin Irritation Test:

Observations: - There is no irritation, redness, or itching was observed on skin.

Fig no.12: -  Result of skin irritancy test

6. Stability:

Table no 3 : Results of stability test