Formulation and Evaluation of Moringa Seeds Lip Balm

Lip balm or lip salve is a wax-like substance applied topically to the lips to moisturize and relieve chapped or dry lips, angular chillies, stomatitis, or cold sores. Lip balm often contains beeswax or carnauba wax, camphor, acetyl alcohol, lanolin, paraffin, and petrolatum, among other ingredients. Some varieties contain dyes, flavours, fragrances, phenol, salicylic acid, and sunscreen. The applied lip balm is frequently consumed; thus, the health authorities must authorise them with caution. Lip balms can be used for colouring as well as moisturizing the lips. Herbal, is a sign of safety, satisfaction and surety of less or no harm to the users and so herbal lip balm can be made without the colours being compromised ^[1]. The public is becoming more and more interested in herbal cosmetic formulas. Technologies and tactics have been put in place to use organic raw materials in the formulation of these new approaches ^[2]. The public is becoming more and more interested in herbal cosmetic formulas. Technologies and tactics have been put in place to use organic raw materials in the formulation of these new approaches ^[2]. These ingredients and goods that have been certified as organic are selected from the raw materials that are grown and cared for in a systematic way to make lip balm. It is preferred that these ingredients be free of dangerous chemical pesticides or manures, and they are stored using natural methods rather than modern ones under suitable conditions ^[3]. Chapped, dry lips can crack and get dry patches, especially in extreme weather. The absence of oil glands in the anatomical structure of the lips necessitates more care, miniaturization, and protection during the day. There is a huge population which have problem of dryness of lips in winters and some of these problems are continued to summer seasons also. The synthetic lip balms contain petrolatum, synthetic waxes, parabens, alumina and artificial fragrances and colours which are toxic. The lip balms may accidently be eaten by the people and should a detailed study on the ingredients used to formulate the lip balms to avoid any acute or chronic effects due to these ingredients ^[2]. The lipsticks and lip balms have significant differences regarding the function of both of the formulations that the lipsticks have the function of imparting the colour to the lips while the lip balms have the function of nourishment and protection to the lips. Moringo oleifera seeds are high in nutrition value as well as it is also a promising crop. Though the extracted colour pigments are susceptible to light and air, its stability could be maintained by keeping them in low temperatures (≤14°C) and also devoid from light and air. These can then be a potent organic colour pigment which can be used in food as well as cosmetic industries stating the stability conditions ^[4]. The beeswax could retain the moisture necessary for healing the dried chapped scaly lips and to maintain its quality ^[5]. The plant is referred to by a number of names such as horseradish tree, drumstick tree, ben oil tree, miracle tree, and “Mother’s Best Friend”. This plant grown and widely cultivated in the northern part of Nigeria and many countries in tropical Africa. Moringo oleifera can be grown in a variety of soil conditions preferring well-drained sandy or loamy soil that is slightly alkaline. Almost every part of M. oleifera can be used for food ^[6-7]. Moringa oleifera is a versatile natural ingredient with numerous dermatological and therapeutic benefits. Known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, it effectively combats oxidative stress and soothes inflammation. Its remarkable wound-healing ability promotes faster tissue repair and regeneration. For skin health, Moringa acts as a humectant, drawing moisture into the skin, while its emollient properties enhance softness and elasticity. It also helps brighten dark spots and even out skin tone, delivering essential nutrients for a healthier complexion. Additionally, its occlusive function forms a protective barrier, locking in moisture and preventing dehydration. Due to these multifaceted benefits, Moringa oleifera is a highly promising ingredient in skincare formulations and medical applications. ^[6] The lips serve as organs of pretension, suction and speech. It is composed of the skin, superficial fascia, orbicularis muscle and the muscles inserted around it (areolar tissue & mucous membrane). The margins of the lips are covered with dry, red mucous membrane, continuous with the skin and containing numerous vascular papillae and touch corpuscles. The mucous membrane internally is reflected from the upper and lower lip upon the gums, and in the median line forms two folds of superior is and inferiors.  The areolar tissue or sub mucous layer contains the coronary vessels which completely encircle the buccal orifice near the free margin of the lips. The coronary vessels are the superior and inferior coronary arteries which arise from the facial. The superior coronary is larger than the inferior, and anastomoses with its fellow of the opposite side and gives off a small artery to the septum arteriaseptinasi. Compression of this artery will sometimes control nasal haemorrhage. The superior labial or coronary vein begins as a plexus in the orbicular is muscle of the upper lip, passes with the coronary artery and drains into the facial vein a little below the alae of the nose of the veins which drain the lower lip the inferior coronary empties into the facial a little below the superior labial; but the chief branch from the lower lip descends as a rule to the submental vein, thence to the facial or often to the anterior jugular .  The nerves supplying the lower lip are derived from the mental which emerges from the bone through the mental foramen and sends large twigs to the mucous membrane, the integument and the fascia of the lip and chin. Some of the lymphatic vessels of the lips pass to a gland just above the body of the hyoid bone, while others pass to the sub maxillary glands. The labial glands are in the sub mucous layer of the lips around the orifice of the mouth. They secrete a mucous fluid. Lip swelling might result from an allergic reaction. Sensitivity to particular foods or drinks, medications, cosmetics, or airborne allergens may be to blame for the reaction. The lips typically revert to normal if a cause is found and subsequently removed. However, the reason for the swelling is typically unidentified. The lips, particularly the lower lip, may become dry and hard from sun exposure. Damage that raises the risk of later cancer is indicated by red flecks or a white filmy appearance. This kind of damage can be minimised by using sunscreen-containing lip balm to the lips or by wearing a wide-brimmed hat to protect the face from the sun's harmful rays. The corners of the mouth may become uncomfortable, inflamed, red, cracked, and scaly as a result of lip inflammation (chelates). A diet that is deficient in vitamin B2 might cause chelates. The Freckles and irregularly shaped brownish areas (malacotic macules) are common around the lips and may last for many years. These marks are not cause for concern. Multiple, small, scattered brownish black spots may be a sign of a hereditary disease called Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, in which polyps form in the stomach and intestines. Kawasaki disease, a disease of unknown cause that usually occurs in infants and children 8 years old or younger, can cause dryness and cracking of the lips and reddening of the lining of the mouth ^[9-10]. While Castor oil penetrates into deep skin and acts as moisturizer for lips, used in the treatment of dry and chapped lips. Honey lightens up the dark lips that it acts in regimentation to the lips, it also protects lips from UV radiation. Recently, some studies have investigated the use of honey to prevent infection and treat burns; they used honey as a remedy for the prevention of infection in bedsores and burns. It has been reported that honey can facilitate removing necrotic tissues, increase the granulation and epithelialization speed, and reduce scars. The antimicrobial power of honey prevents the growth of bacteria on the moist environment of skin surface. The factors that make honey a useful remedy for burns is: Acidic environment (pH= 3.4–6.1), high osmotic properties, avoids dressing from sticking to the wound, and decreases the dislodgement of granulation tissues at the time of dressing ^[11].

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Materials

Collection of plant material:

The Moringa Oleifera seed oil used as the main herbal ingredient in formulation of herbal lip balm. Other ingredients used in the formulation are cocoa butter & bees wax which were obtained from college laboratory. Virgin Coconut oil, vitamin E, olive oil and, vanilla essence was obtained from local market.

Method

1. Melting the base material and adding other ingredients to the melted base:

The base materials used are cocoa butter and beeswax. Both of them were melted in a beaker on a water bath and in the melted base the other ingredients which are Moringa Oleifera seed oil, vitamin E, olive oil, and coconut oil were added, lastly, vanilla essence added to give a nice essence to the formulation.

2. Storage and Cooling at room temperature: The prepared formulation was allowed to settle at room temperature and was stored in a suitable wide-mouth container.

Formulation table:

Table 1: Preparation of formulation of herbal lip balm