Formulation and Evaluation of Mangifera Indica Leaf Extract Lip Balm for Enhanced Antioxidant Activity

Lips are soft, movable, and highly sensitive structures located at the opening of the mouth. The skin on the lips is very thin and does not have oil glands, which makes them dry and cracked easily, especially in cold or dry weather. Because of this, lips need special care to stay soft and healthy. Their delicate nature requires regular care and protection, especially from harsh weather conditions, dehydration, and UV exposure. Proper lip care is essential not only for maintaining appearance but also for ensuring comfort and preventing infections or inflammation. They help us talk, eat, smile, and show emotions.  Using lip care products like lip balm helps protect the lips from dryness and damage. Natural ingredients, such as mango leaf extract, can help heal and protect the lips because they have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

5. ANATOMY OF LIPS: -

Fig 1: Anatomy of Lips

Lip anatomy includes a variety of structures that contribute to its function and appearance. Here's main parts of lips include-

1. Skin (Cutaneous Layer):

-The outermost layer of the lips is similar to facial skin but much thinner.

-It lacks hair and has very few melanin-producing cells, which is why lips appear reddish or pinkish.

2. Vermilion Border:

-This is the transition zone between the outer skin and the inner mucous membrane.

- It has no sebaceous or sweat glands and is rich in capillaries, giving the lips their color.   -The vermilion zone is very sensitive and prone to dryness.

3. Vermilion me:

-The vermilion the reddened area of the lips.

-It has a higher concentration of blood vessels, which gives it a reddish color.

4. Cupid's bow:

-The centre portion of the top lip's double curve or V-shaped area is known as cupids bow.

5. Commissure:

- The corner of the mouth where upper and lower lips meet.

-It’s a crucial point for facial expression and oral function.

6. Philtrum:

-The philtrum is a vertical groove or indentation in the center of the top lip that extends from the base.

7)  Mucosa (Inner Lining):

-The inner surface of the lips is lined with moist, pink mucous membrane.

- It helps in lubrication and protection and contains minor salivary glands.

8)   Muscles (Orbicularis Oris Muscle):

-This is the main muscle of the lips, responsible for movement.

-It allows the lips to perform actions like speaking, kissing, and facial expressions.

9)  Blood Vessels:

-The lips have a rich blood supply, especially in the vermilion area.

-This contributes to their sensitivity and pink appearance.

10)  Nerves:

- Lips are highly innervated by sensory nerves, mainly branches of the trigeminal nerve.

-This makes them very responsive to touch, temperature, and pain.

5. PROBLEMS RELATED TO LIPS:

The following are some lip-related issues:

• Dry Lips:

Lips become dry when they lose moisture. This can happen because of cold weather, dry air, or licking your lips too much. Dry lips may feel tight, rough, or start peeling.

Fig 2: Dry lips

• Chapped Lips:

This is a worse form of dry lips. They can hurt, crack, or even bleed. It is often caused by too much sun, wind, or very cold weather.

Fig 3: Chapped lips

• Fever Blisters (Cold Sores):

These are small, painful blisters that appear on or around the lips. They are caused by a virus (herpes simplex virus) and are contagious. They can come back again during stress or sickness.

• Angular Cheilitis:

This means the corners of the mouth are cracked or sore. It may happen due to infections (bacteria or yeast), poor diet, or too much moisture in that area.

• Lip Infections:

Germs like bacteria, viruses, or fungi can infect the lips. This can cause redness, swelling, pain, and sometimes pus-filled sores.

• Allergic Reactions:

Some people may be allergic to certain foods, cosmetics, or lip care products. This can cause swelling, itching, redness, or blisters on the lips.

• Lip Discoloration:

The color of the lips can change due to sun exposure, smoking, some medicines, or health problems. Lips may look darker or uneven in color.

Mango Leaves (Mangifera Indica Linn):

Fig 4: Mango leaf

Mango leaves (from Mangifera indica) are an important part of the mango tree, traditionally used in various medicinal and cultural practices. These leaves are dark green, leathery, and lance-shaped, rich in bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins, and mangiferin a powerful antioxidant. In traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda and folk remedies, mango leaves are known for their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, and antimicrobial properties. They have been used to manage conditions like diabetes, respiratory problems, and digestive disorders. Due to their beneficial phytochemicals, mango leaves are now being explored in modern herbal formulations for skincare and wellness products.

Taxonomic Classification:

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Subkingdom: Tracheobionta
• Supervision: Spermatophyta
• Division: Magnolioyta
• Class: Magnoliopsida
• Subclass: Rosidae
• Order: Sapinadles
• Family: Anacardiaceae
• Genus: Mangifera
• Species: Mangifera indica linn

Properties of Mango Leaves  :

1. Antioxidant Activity:

Rich in polyphenols and mangiferin, mango leaves help neutralize free radicals and protect cells from oxidative stress.

2. Anti-inflammatory Properties:

They reduce inflammation by inhibiting pro-inflammatory enzymes and pathways, making them useful in treating wounds and skin irritation.

3. Antimicrobial Effects:

Mango leaf extracts exhibit antibacterial and antifungal activities against various pathogens, aiding in infection control.

4. Antidiabetic Action:

Compounds like mangiferin help regulate blood sugar levels by improving insulin sensitivity and reducing glucose absorption.

5. Antihyperlipidemic Effect:

They help in lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels, contributing to heart health.

6. Analgesic (Pain-Relieving) Properties:

The leaves can reduce pain and discomfort through their bioactive constituents.

7. Wound-Healing Ability:

Their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects support faster healing of minor cuts and wounds.

8. Anti-aging & Skin-Soothing:

Due to their antioxidant content, mango leaves help combat skin aging and soothe irritation when used in topical applications.

Botanical description of mango leaves (Mangifera indica L.):

Botanical Name: Mangifera indica L.

Family: Anacardiaceae

Common Name: Mango Leaves

Shape: Lanceolate to oblong-lanceolate

Apex: Acuminate (pointed tip)

Base: Rounded to cuneate (wedge-shaped)

Margin: Entire (smooth, without serrations)

Venation: Pinnate, with prominent midrib and secondary veins

Texture: Leathery (coriaceous), smooth surface

Color: -

Young leaves: Reddish or purplish when young, turning light green

Mature leaves: Dark green and glossy on the upper surface; lighter on the underside

Size: 15–35 cm long and 4–10 cm wide

Arrangement: Alternate on the stem, forming a dense crown

Lip balm: -

Fig 5: Lip balm

Lip balm is a topical formulation designed to moisturize, protect, and soothe the delicate skin of the lips. It is typically composed of emollients, waxes, oils, and sometimes active ingredients like vitamins, natural extracts, or sunscreens. The primary function of lip balm is to prevent or treat dryness, cracking, and chapping caused by environmental factors such as wind, cold weather, or sun exposure. Modern lip balms often include natural ingredients like shea butter, beeswax, essential oils, and plant-based extracts (e.g., mango leaf extract) to provide additional benefits like antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and healing properties. Lip balms are widely used in both medicinal and cosmetic applications and are available in various forms -sticks, pots, or tubes.

Types of Lip Balm:

1. Medicated Lip Balm:

-Contains healing ingredients like menthol, camphor, or phenol to relieve pain, dryness, and cold sores. Often used for chapped or damaged lips.

2. Tinted Lip Balm:

-Combines lip care with a hint of color for a natural makeup look.

-May contain pigments along with moisturizing ingredients.

3. Flavored Lip Balm:

-Enhanced with natural or synthetic flavors (e.g., mint, strawberry, chocolate).

-Popular among younger users for daily use.

4. Herbal or Natural Lip Balm:

-Made with plant-based oils, waxes, and herbal extracts (like mango leaf, aloe vera, or calendula).

-Free from synthetic chemicals and suitable for sensitive skin.

5. Sun Protection Lip Balm (SPF Lip Balm):

-Contains sunscreen agents to protect lips from UV rays.

-Ideal for outdoor use to prevent sunburn and pigmentation.

6. Glossy or Shiny Lip Balm:

-Offers hydration with a glossy finish, often used for cosmetic appeal.

-May include light-reflecting particles.

7. Therapeutic or Healing Lip Balm:

-Designed for severely cracked, dry, or inflamed lips.

-Often includes ingredients like lanolin, honey, or vitamins (e.g., Vitamin E).

8. Organic Lip Balm:

-Certified to contain organic ingredients only, avoiding pesticides or GMOs.

-Appeals to environmentally conscious consumers.

Uses and Benefits of lipbalm:

1. Moisturizes and Nourishes Lips

-Natural oils and butters (e.g., coconut oil, shea butter, beeswax) help keep lips hydrated and soft.

-Prevents dryness, cracking, and peeling.

2. Heals Chapped or Damaged Lips

-Herbal ingredients like aloe vera, calendula, turmeric, or mango leaf extract have healing and soothing properties.

-Promotes faster recovery from cuts, burns, or inflammation.

3. Provides Antioxidant Protection

-Herbs like green tea, mango leaves, tulsi, and neem contain antioxidants that protect lips from oxidative stress and pollution.

4. Anti-inflammatory Effects

-Reduces redness, swelling, or irritation caused by allergies, harsh weather, or lip-licking habits.

-Ingredients like mango leaf extract, chamomile, or licorice offer gentle, natural anti- inflammatory action.

5. Prevents Infections

-Some herbal lip balms include antibacterial and antifungal agents, such as neem, tea tree oil, or holy basil.

Table 1: Ingredients and their roles

Ingredients used in Lip Balm Formulation:

Formulation Batches: -

Table 2: Formulation Batches

Experimental Work

5. Preparation Steps:

Step 1: Preparation of Mango Leaf Extract (oil-infusion method):

1. Collect fresh mango leaves and washed properly with clean water to remove any dust and impurities.
2. The leaves were dried in the shade for 5 to 7 days until they became dry
3. The dried leaves were crushed into a coarse powder using a grinder.
4. 10 grams of mango leaves powder was taken and mixed with 100 ml of coconut oil in a clean glass beaker.
5. The mixture was heated using a water bath for 2 to 3 hours at a low temperature and stirred from time to time to help the leaf powder mix well with the oil.
6. After heating, the mixture was allowed to cool down.
7. After cooling, the oil was filtered using filter paper to obtain the mango leaf extract, which was used in the lip balm formulation.

Fig 6: Preparation of mango leaf extract

Step 2: Melting the Base Ingredients: In a clean beaker, 3 g of beeswax, 4 g of cocoa butter, and 0.5 ml of coconut oil were added. This mixture was gently heated using a water bath until all solids were completely melted.

Step 3: Adding Extract and Vitamin E: After melting, the beaker was removed from heat and add 5 ml of the prepared mango leaf extract and 0.5 ml of Vitamin E and stirred continuously to ensure uniform mixing.

Step 4: Adding Flavor and Color: Then add 1 ml of vanilla flavor and 1 ml of beetroot color and mixture was stirred again to mix the flavor and color.

Step 5: Pouring and Cooling: The warm liquid was poured into clean lip balm container and it  was left to cool at room temperature until it became solid.

Step 6: Storing the Lip Balm: Once the lip balm was solid, it was stored in a cool and dry place and protected from sunlight.

Table 3 : Spreadability criteria

RESULT AND DISCUSSION

1. Organoleptic Properties:

Table 4: Observation Table

2. pH determination: The Ph of the formulated lipbalm was found to be –

Table 5: pH test

3. Melting Point: The melting point of the formulated herbal lip balm was found to be in the range of 65°C which matches with the appropriate melting point of between 60°C-75°C.

Table 6: Melting point test

4.  Skin Irritation test: No signs of redness, itching or inflammation were observed after applying for 10 minutes. The lip balm formulation was found to be non-irritant and safe for topical application.
5. Test of Spreadability: Prepared lip balm was tested for its ability of spreading which initially has shown good and uniform application in room temperature.

Table 7: Spreadability test

Fig 8: Spreadability