Abstract

FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF POLYHERBAL ANTI-ACNE GEL.

Nutan R. Chavhan*, Omkar B. Chitnis, Sneha N. Tajane, Nilesh O. Chachda

ABSTRACT

Acne vulgaris is a common inflammatory skin disorder associated with excessive sebum production, follicular hyperkeratinization, bacterial colonization, and inflammation. In this study, extracts from Bombax ceiba, Butea monosperma, Rubia cordifolia, Morus alba, and Glycyrrhiza glabra were used to create and assess a polyherbal anti-acne gel. The chosen medicinal plants have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and skin-protective qualities. Preliminary phytochemical screening was conducted after plant materials were extracted utilizing appropriate extraction methods such as reflux, maceration, and Soxhlet extraction. Bioactive components including flavonoids, phenols, tannins, glycosides, saponins, alkaloids, and terpenoids were found. Carbopol 940 was used as a gelling agent to create five gel formulations (F1–F5), which were then assessed for physicochemical characteristics such as appearance, pH, spreadability, homogeneity, washability, consistency, and skin irritation. All formulations exhibited acceptable characteristics and good skin compatibility. F2 outperformed the other created formulations in terms of pH, spreadability, homogeneity, washability, and lack of skin irritation. The results indicate that the polyherbal anti-acne gel has a promising future as a topical treatment for acne vulgaris that is both safe and effective. To prove its therapeutic effectiveness, more antibacterial, stability, and clinical research is necessary.

Keywords: Polyherbal Gel; Acne Vulgaris; Bombax ceiba; Butea monosperma; Rubia cordifolia; Morus alba; Glycyrrhiza glabra; Herbal Cosmetics; Phytochemical Screening; Anti-acne Activity; Topical Formulation; Carbopol 940.