K. B. H. S. S. Trust Institute of Pharmacy, Malegaon
This study presents the development and evaluation of a novel herbal topical cream formulated with extracts from Muntingia calabura and Tridax procumbens, designed to provide dual antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits along with enhanced wound-healing properties. Muntingia calabura (commonly known as Jamaican cherry) is a rich source of flavonoids, tannins, and polyphenols, while Tridax procumbens (commonly known as coat buttons) is widely used in traditional medicine for treating wounds and skin infections, owing to its active compounds such as alkaloids, saponins, and flavonoids. Ethanolic extracts of both plant leaves were prepared and subjected to phytochemical screening to confirm the presence of bioactive constituents. The combined extract was then incorporated into a cream base using suitable excipients. The formulation was assessed for various physicochemical properties, including pH, spreadability, viscosity, homogeneity, stability, and dermal compatibility. Antibacterial activity was evaluated using the agar well diffusion method against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Anti-inflammatory potential was measured using an in vitro albumin denaturation assay, and wound-healing capability was preliminarily tested through in vitro methods. The results indicated that the cream had good physical stability, smooth consistency, and significant antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activity. The combination of both herbal extracts appeared to work synergistically, enhancing the overall therapeutic effect particularly in supporting wound healing and skin regeneration. In conclusion, this polyherbal cream shows promise as a natural alternative to conventional synthetic topical products for treating skin infections, inflammation, and wounds. Further in vivo research and clinical trials are necessary to confirm its safety and therapeutic efficacy in humans.
Creams are semi-solid or viscous liquid emulsions, which can be either oil-in-water or water-in-oil in type. Their consistency depends on the proportion of oil and water present. Creams are commonly used for various purposes, including cosmetic applications like cleansing, beautifying, enhancing appearance, providing protection, as well as for therapeutic treatments. [1]
Classification of Cream:
A. All skin creams can be classified on different basis:
B. Types of creams according to function, characterization property, types of emulsion Make up creams: Foundation cream
Advantages of Cream:
Disadvantages of Cream:
The skin, the body’s largest organ, accounts for approximately 15% of an adult’s total body weight. It plays a crucial role in protecting the body from physical, chemical, and microbial assaults, preventing excessive water loss, and aiding in thermoregulation. Structurally, the skin is made up of three primary layers: the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue The epidermis primarily consists of keratinocytes, which produce keratin, a fibrous protein responsible for the skin’s protective function. Beneath it lies the dermis, which is rich in collagen fibers, providing strength and elasticity. The deepest layer, the subcutaneous tissue or panniculus, is composed mainly of fat cells (lipocytes) arranged in small lobules, serving as insulation and energy storage. Skin thickness varies across the body. Thick, non-hairy skin—found on the palms and soles—lacks hair follicles and sebaceous glands and measures around 0.07–0.15 mm in epidermal thickness. In contrast, thin skin, covering most of the body, especially the eyelids, has fewer cellular layers and a more delicate structure. Skin thickness varies across the body. Thick, non-hairy skin—found on the palms and soles—lacks hair follicles and sebaceous glands and measures around 0.07–0.15 mm in epidermal thickness. In contrast, thin skin, covering most of the body, especially the eyelids, has fewer cellular layers and a more delicate structure. [2]
Functions of Skin:
The skin performs several crucial physiological roles, including:
Pathophysiology of Wound Healing
Wound healing is a complex, dynamic process that involves the coordination of numerous cellular and molecular events to repair tissue damage. Any disturbance, such as diabetes or aging, can lead to delayed or chronic wounds, which pose a significant health and economic burden. The skin uses a wound healing response to rapidly close injuries, typically progressing through four main phases:
Occurs immediately after injury. Damaged blood vessels constrict to prevent blood loss. Platelets adhere to the subendothelial matrix and clump to form a fibrin clot within seconds. Key proteins involved: collagen, fibronectin, and von Willebrand factors.
Serves as the first line of defense against pathogens. Triggered by DAMPs (from damaged cells) and PAMPs (from microbes). Begins immediately and typically lasts 24–48 hours, sometimes
It lasts from 2 to 21 days after the initial injury. Key events: Angiogenesis – formation of new blood vessels. Collagen deposition – strengthens the wound site. Granulation tissue formation – provides a temporary matrix for new tissue growth. nding to 2 weeks. Characterized by redness, swelling, heat, and pain.
Final phase of healing; can last weeks to months. Collagen fibers reorganize to increase tensile strength
The remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM) spans the entire wound healing process, beginning with the formation of the initial fibrin clot and ending months later with the development of a mature, type I collagen–rich scar. Fibroblasts play the key role in ECM remodeling. They replace the initial fibrin clot with:
Over time, mature collagen fibrils are deposited, resulting in scar tissue formation with improved tensile strength. Side Effects of Synthetic Drugs on Skin Prolonged or inappropriate use of synthetic cream. [3]
fig.1.1 Pathophysiology of wound healing [19]
Adverse effects associated with synthetic drugs include Formation of skin ulcers Infections occurring in ulcerated areas Development of hypersensitivity reactions Ulcer tunneling, where the wound extends beneath the skin forming passageways Erythema, characterized by superficial redness of the skin due to capillary dilation from injury or irritation Side Effects of Synthetic Drugs on Skin Prolonged or inappropriate use of synthetic creams and medications may cause:
Recent Trends in Herbal Cream Usage Market demand for herbal substances and creams is increasing rapidly. Reasons for preference: Lower toxicity Fewer side effects compared to synthetic creamsms, and medications may c
MATERIALS AND METHODS
1. Collection and Authentication of Plant Material
Tridax procumbens and Muntingia calabura leaves were collected from local regions around [Insert Location – e.g., Waknaghat, Himachal Pradesh] during the months of [Insert Months – e.g., May to July]. The plant materials were authenticated by a taxonomist at the Department of Botany, [Insert University or Institution Name], and voucher specimens were deposited for future reference.
Fig.1.2 Tridax Procumbens
|
Kingdom |
plantae |
|
class |
tracheophytes |
|
clade |
angiosperm |
|
family |
asteraceae |
|
genus |
Tridex |
|
species |
T. procumbean |
|
Biological name |
T.procumbean L. |
|
Biological source |
Leaves of T. procumbean |
|
Common name |
Coatbuttons ,dagadi pala |
|
Ayurveda name |
Jayanti veda |
fig. 1.3 Mutingia calabura
|
kingdom |
Plantae |
|
phylum |
Spermatophyte |
|
Subphylum |
Angiospermae |
|
Domain |
Eukaryote |
|
Class |
Dicotyldonae |
|
Order |
Malvales |
|
Family |
Muntingiaceae |
|
Genus |
Muntingia |
|
Species |
Calabura |
|
Biological source |
Mutingia calabura |
2. Preparation of Plant Extracts
2.1 Drying and Powdering
The collected leaves were washed thoroughly with running tap water followed by distilled water. They were shade-dried at room temperature (25–30°C) for 7–10 days. The dried leaves were ground to a coarse powder using a mechanical grinder and stored in airtight containers until extraction.
2.2 Extraction Method
Solvent: Ethanol (95%) was used as the extraction solvent due to its polarity and effectiveness in extracting bioactive compounds. [7-8]
Method: Cold maceration or Soxhlet extraction (choose one based on your actual method).
For Soxhlet: 50 g of dried leaf powder was extracted with 250 mL of ethanol for 6–8 hours. The extract was filtered and concentrated using a rotary evaporator under reduced pressure to obtain a semi-solid mass.
Storage: The extract was stored at 4°C in a refrigerator until formulation.
3. Formulation of Herbal Cream
3.1 Ingredients Used
|
Ingredients |
Function |
|
T. procumbens extract |
Active antibacterial agent |
|
M. calabura extract |
Anti-inflammatory agent |
|
Stearic acid |
Emulsifying agent |
|
Cetyl alcohol |
Thickening agent |
|
Glycerin |
Humectant |
|
Propylene glycol |
Solvent/hydrating agent |
|
Triethanolamine |
pH balancer/emulsifier |
|
Preservative (e.g., parabens) |
Antimicrobial |
|
Distilled water |
Vehicle |
3.2 Procedure
1. Oil Phase: Stearic acid and cetyl alcohol were melted at 70–75°C.
2. Aqueous Phase: Glycerin, propylene glycol, and distilled water were heated to the same temperature separately.
3. Mixing: The aqueous phase was added to the oil phase with continuous stirring to form a uniform emulsion.
4. Incorporation of Extracts: The ethanolic extracts of Tridax procumbens and Muntingia calabura were added slowly to the cooled base cream (below 40°C) with continuous mixing. [9]
6. Final Cream: The resulting cream was filled into containers and stored for evaluation.
Evaluation Parameters of Herbal Cream Containing Tridax procumbens and Muntingia calabura Extracts
2.3 Spreadability Test
The spreadability of the formulated cream was determined by the parallel plate method.
Procedure:
A fixed quantity (1?g) of the cream was placed between two clean glass slides of size 20?cm × 20?cm. A weight of 125?g was placed on the top slide to spread the cream uniformly into a thin layer.
7.6 Irritancy Test
To determine skin irritation, the cream was applied to the skin surface of a selected area on a human/animal subject (if applicable and ethical clearance was obtained).
7.7 Phase Separation
The physical stability of the cream was evaluated by checking for any phase separation over time.
Procedure:
Three different batches of cream (as per Table 6.1) were stored in tightly closed containers at temperatures ranging from 25?°C to 100?°C, protected from light.
7.8 Viscosity
The viscosity of the cream was measured using a Brookfield Viscometer.
Instrument Settings:
Spindle: LV-3
Speed: 50 RPM
Temperature: Room temperature (~25?°C)
Procedure:
The cream was directly introduced into the sample holder, and the spindle was immersed and rotated to record viscosity.
7.9 Antimicrobial Activity
The antimicrobial efficacy of the formulated cream was evaluated using the agar well diffusion method.
Microorganisms Tested:
Staphylococcus aureus (NCIM 2654) – Gram-positive
Escherichia coli (NCIM 2832) – Gram-negative
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Method:
1. Microbial cultures were prepared in sterile saline and spread on nutrient agar plates.
2. Wells of 0.7?cm diameter were punched into the agar using a sterilized cork borer.
3. The cream was aseptically placed into each well.
4. Plates were kept at 4?°C for 10 minutes for diffusion, then incubated at 37?°C for 24 hours.
5. The Zone of inhibition was measured in millimeters.
CONCLUSION:
In this research, a topical antiseptic cream incorporating the methanolic extract of Muntingia calabura and Tridax procumbens was successfully formulated and optimized. The cream exhibited favorable physicochemical properties, including appropriate pH, viscosity, spreadability, and no signs of phase separation throughout the study period. Irritancy testing indicated that the cream is safe for topical use. The antimicrobial evaluation demonstrated significant activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli, with no visible microbial growth observed. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of M. calabura extract were retained upon incorporation into the cream, suggesting its potential effectiveness in treating skin infections and reducing inflammation. Overall, the formulated cream is safe, effective, and shows fewer side effects compared to synthetic alternatives, thereby improving patient compliance. However, further studies are recommended to comprehensively evaluate its long-term safety and therapeutic efficacy.
REFERENCE
Vinod Bairagi, Rutika Khairnar*, Rashmi Dashputre, Pratiksha Baviskar, Bhavesh Dashpute, Durga Pawar, Formulation and Evaluation of Herbal Cream from Leaf Extract of Muntingia Calcbura and Tridax Procumbens, Int. J. Sci. R. Tech., 2026, 3 (3), 348-354. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19275289
10.5281/zenodo.19275289
