Formulation and Evaluation of Herbal Ointment from Neem and Turmeric Extract

For thousands of years, herbal medicines have been an essential component of traditional healthcare systems and continue to serve as a primary healthcare option in many regions worldwide. Herbal ointments semi-solid preparations meant for topical use are particularly valuable in treating various skin conditions, including infections, wounds, inflammations, and burns. These formulations are favored not just for their medicinal properties but also because they are affordable, environmentally friendly, and generally cause fewer side effects. Typically, herbal ointments are made by blending plant extracts with an appropriate base that facilitates the gradual release and effective absorption of active plant compounds. Bioactive substances like flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, and terpenoids offer antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and wound-healing properties, making these products a promising alternative to synthetic topical medications. Among the many medicinal plants, Neem (Azadirachta indica) and Turmeric (Curcuma longa) are especially renowned for their skin-related benefits. Herbal ointments generally consist of a thick, semi-solid base infused with parts of medicinal plants such as seeds, leaves, roots, or flowers for external use on the skin. The key bioactive compound in turmeric, curcumin, is backed by scientific evidence for its wide range of health benefits, including improving cardiovascular health, and offering protective effects against Alzheimer’s disease and cancer. Curcumin is also known for its strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions and may help relieve symptoms of arthritis and depression.^{1 2}

Fig.1. Herbal Ointment

 Neem contains bioactive compounds like nimbin, nimbidin, azadirachtin, and quercetin, which are known for their strong antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory effects. Traditionally, neem has been widely applied in treating skin ailments such as infections,
Similarly, turmeric is a well-recognized medicinal plant, primarily due to its active component curcumin, which exhibits powerful antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is especially effective in managing wounds, small cuts, and skin irritations, owing to its ability to stimulate collagen synthesis and decrease microbial presence.
Combining neem and turmeric in a single ointment formulation can result in a synergistic effect, enhancing both healing and antimicrobial activities beyond what each component offers individually.  Given the growing concern around antibiotic resistance and adverse effects of chemical-based skincare products, plant-derived topical formulations are gaining significant.

Plant profile

1. Neem (Azadirachta indica)

Azadirachta indica, commonly known as neem, is a fast-growing evergreen tree widely found in regions of India, Africa, and the Americas. Valued for its extensive medicinal properties, neem has been a key component of Ayurvedic medicine for over 4,000 years. In Sanskrit, neem is referred to as 'Arista', which translates to "perfect, complete, and imperishable." It is also known as 'Arishtha', meaning "reliever of sickness," and is thus regarded as Sarbarogaribarini a healer of all ailments. The significance of the neem tree has been internationally acknowledged; notably, the U.S. National Academy of Sciences highlighted its potential in a 1992 report titled "Neem – A Tree for Solving Global Problems."³

Neem – Plant Profile⁴

• Common Name: Neem
• Scientific Name: Azadirachta indica
• Family: Meliaceae
• Native Region: Indian Subcontinent
• Plant Type: Fast-growing, evergreen tree

Benefits of Neem

• Antioxidant Activity
• Anti-Cancerous Activity
• Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Neem
• Antiviral Activity
• Anti-Bacterial Activity
• Anti-Fungal Activity

Fig.2. Neem leaves

Important use of various part of neem tree

Table 1. Important use of various part of neem tree

Interesting Facts:

? Neem is often referred to as the “Village Pharmacy” in India due to its wide range of medicinal applications.

? In many Indian traditions, the neem tree is regarded as sacred, symbolizing health and protection.

? For more than 2,000 years, neem has held a significant place in Ayurvedic medicine, where it has been used to treat various ailments including skin conditions, infections, and ulcers.

2. Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.), a member of the Zingiberaceae family, has long been valued in many Asian countries for its diverse applications as a medicinal herb, culinary spice, food additive, natural preservative, and coloring agent. Curcuma longa is a perennial plant characterized by a short stem and large leaves, producing ovate, pear-shaped, or oblong rhizomes that are brownish-yellow in color and branched in structure. Turmeric is known for its mild digestive properties and is classified as an aromatic, stimulant, and carminative agent. Often regarded as one of nature's most potent natural remedies, its primary bioactive compound is curcumin, which is responsible for most of its therapeutic effects. Historically, turmeric has been used in India for over 2,500 years, initially as a dye and later as a medicinal and cosmetic agent. Turmeric-infused water is traditionally applied in parts of Asia to enhance the skin’s complexion, giving it a golden glow.  Curcumin has demonstrated notable antimicrobial activity, particularly against Staphylococcus aureus, a bacterium commonly responsible for pus-forming infections. Additionally, turmeric has been explored for its potential role in managing conditions such as anemia, cancer, diabetes, digestive disorders, food poisoning, and gallstones.

Fig.3. Turmeric

Uses of Turmeric

Turmeric has been valued since ancient times for its wide range of applications in both traditional medicine and beauty care. In the Ayurvedic system of Indian medicine, turmeric is recognized as a key herbal remedy prescribed for a variety of health conditions. Interestingly, beyond its medicinal and cosmetic roles, turmeric has also found practical use in modern applications such as sealing leaks in water-cooled radiators.

Some of the key uses of turmeric include:

1. Traditional Medicine – Used for treating inflammatory conditions, digestive disorders, and skin ailments.
2. Cosmetic Applications – Commonly applied for enhancing skin complexion and treating acne and blemishes.
3. Ayurvedic Therapy – Acts as an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and detoxifying agent in numerous formulations.
4. Culinary Use – Widely used as a spice in cooking, offering both flavor and color to food.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Collection of Plant Material

The leaves of Azadirachta indica (Neem) were collected from areas around Perambalur, while dried rhizomes of turmeric (Curcuma longa) were also gathered from the same region. Both plant materials were authenticated in the Delight College of pharmacy koregaon bhima. The neem leaves were then cleaned thoroughly and shade-dried at room temperature.

Preparation of Neem Extract

• Preparation of Plant Material:
• Collect neem leaves and wash thoroughly with distilled water.
• Shade-dry for 7–10 days to avoid photodegradation of phytochemicals.
• Grind the dried leaves into coarse powder using a grinder or mortar and pestle.

2. Weighing the Sample:

• Weigh about 20–50 grams of neem leaf powder.

3. Loading the Thimble:

• Place he powdered neem in a cellulose extraction thimble and insert it into the Soxhlet extractor.

4. Assembly of Soxhlet Apparatus:

• Attach the Soxhlet extractor to a round-bottom flask containing 250 mL of ethanol or methanol.
• Connect the condenser on top of the Soxhlet extractor and ensure a tight seal.
• Circulate cold water through the condenser.

5. Extraction:

• Heat the flask gently using a heating mantle or water bath.
• Allow the solvent to boil; vapors will rise, condense, and drip onto the neem powder.
• The siphon will carry the solvent-extract mixture back into the flask after every cycle.
• Continue the extraction for 6 to 8 hours or until the solvent in the thimble runs clear.

6. Solvent Recovery:

• Once extraction is complete, allow the setup to cool.
• Concentrate the extract using a rotary evaporator or by gentle heating in a water bath at 40 to 50°C until the solvent is evaporated.

7. Storage:

• Collect the thick neem extract and store it in an amber glass bottle.
• Keep it refrigerated at 4°C for later use in ointment or formulation.

Preparation of Turmeric Extract

1.Powdering:

• Shade-dry turmeric rhizomes and grind into fine powder.

2. Weighing:

• Place 30–50 grams of turmeric powder into a cellulose thimble.

3. Setup:

• Place the thimble into the Soxhlet extractor.
• Fill the round-bottom flask with 250–300 mL ethanol and attach to the extractor.
• Connect a condenser on top and circulate cold water.

4. Extraction:

• Heat the setup gently to reflux for 6–8 hours or until the solvent in the siphon runs clear.

5. Concentration:

• Remove the solvent using a rotary evaporator or water bath (not exceeding 50°C) to get a concentrated turmeric extract.

6. Storage:

• Store in a light-resistant amber bottle and refrigerate.

Extraction process:

Fig.5. Process of extraction.

Fig.7. Filtration of extract

Fig.8. Extracted liquid.

Phytochemical analysis test of Neem extract:

Phytochemical analysis test of Turmeric extract:

Formulation for Herbal Ointment:

1. Preparation of the Ointment Base (Oil Phase):

• In a stainless-steel beaker, weigh and add:
• Beeswax (4.5 g) 
• White soft paraffin (12 g)
• Liquid paraffin (6 g)
• Melt the mixture gently using a water bath or double boiler at around 60–70°C, stirring constantly with a spatula until a clear solution is obtained.

2. Aqueous Phase Preparation (If needed):

• If using a hydroalcoholic or aqueous extract, dissolve borax (0.3 g) and preservative (0.2 g) in a few mL of distilled water and gently warm it.
• If your neem and turmeric extracts are alcoholic and oily, you can skip this step.

3. Mixing Phases:

• Slowly add the aqueous phase to the melted oil phase with constant stirring to form a uniform emulsion.
• Continue stirring while maintaining the temperature (around 60°C) for 5–10 minutes.

4. Incorporation of Extracts:

• Cool the emulsion to about 40–45°C, then add:
• Neem extract (3 g) 
• Turmeric extract (3 g)
• Mix thoroughly to ensure uniform dispersion of the herbal extracts.

5. Add Perfume (Optional):

• Add a few drops of perfume (q.s.) once the mixture cools below 40°C to prevent volatilization.

6. Cooling and Packaging:

• Allow the ointment to cool to room temperature while stirring gently to avoid air bubbles.
• Transfer into clean, sterile glass jars or collapsible tubes.
• Label with date of preparation, batch number, and ingredient

7.Storage Conditions:

• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. 
• Preferably use within 1–2 months unless preservatives are added effectively.                        

Fig.9. Herbal Ointment