Raigad College of Pharmacy, Mohopre, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Technical University, Lonere ,402103
The study focuses on developing aherbal anti-acne gel using the ethanolic extract of Salmaliamalabarica thorns for topical application against Propionibacterium acnes. The thorns of Salmaliamalabarica are known to contain various bioactive compounds such as alkaloids, glycosides, carbohydrates, reducing sugars, flavonoids, phytosterols, and tannins, which contribute to their therapeutic potential. The formulated herbal gel is designed to undergo physicochemical evaluation, including tests for pH, spreadability, and stability, as well as a skin irritation study to assess its safety for topical use. The main objective of preparing this herbal gel is to reduce excessive sebum secretion, cleanse the skin, and help in the management and prevention of acne infections. The use of herbal ingredients aims to minimize adverse effects commonly associated with synthetic formulations, such as itching, irritation, and dermatitis. Thus, this formulation emphasizes maintaining healthy and clean skin through a natural, safe, and effective approach.
Acne vulgaris is a long-term inflammatory condition of the skin that mainly targets the sebaceous (oil) glands and hair follicles. It results in the formation of comedones (blackheads and whiteheads), papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts. This is one of the most widespread dermatological issues, affecting nearly 85% of teenagers and young adults, and often continuing into later years. Although acne is not a serious medical illness, it can leave lasting scars, dark spots (hyperpigmentation), and lead to emotional challenges such as low self-confidence and distress.
Pathophysiology of Acne
The onset and progression of acne are linked to four major interconnected mechanisms:
1. Increased Sebum Production– Androgen hormones stimulate the sebaceous glands to secrete excess oil, which blocks the pores.
2. Follicular Hyper keratinization – Accumulation of dead skin cells within the follicles leads to obstruction of the pores.
3.Bacterial Proliferation (Cutibacterium acnes) – The trapped oil provides a favorable environment for the bacteria C. acnes to multiply, triggering inflammation.
4. Inflammatory Reaction– The body’s immune system responds to bacterial growth, resulting in redness, swelling, and pus-filled lesions.
Fig. Structure of skin
Fig Types of Acne
Ideal Properties of a Topical Gel
Method of Preparation of Gel
Evaluation of Gel
The formulated gels were evaluated for their physical properties through visual and instrumental methods:
Anaccurately weighed 1 g sample of the gel was dispersed in 50 ml of distilledwater, and the pH of the resulting mixture was measured using a digital pH meter to ensure skin compatibility.
The viscosity of the prepared gels was evaluated using a Brook field digital viscometer equipped with spindle no. 64 at a speed of 100 rpm, to determine the gel’s flow characteristics and consistency.
Determination of pH
gel formulations were visually examined for their appearance and the presence of any aggregates. For pH determination, 1 g of gel was accurately weighed and dispersed in 50 ml of distilled water. The pH of the resulting dispersion was measured using a digital pH meter to ensure compatibility with skin pH.
Viscosity Measurement
The viscosity of the formulated gels was assessed using a Brookfield digital viscometer, equipped with spindle number 64, operated at a speed of 100 rpm to determine the flow behavior and consistency of the gel.
Determination of Spreadability
The Spreadability of the gel was evaluated by placing a small amount of the formulation between two glass slides. The slides were adjusted so that the gel initially occupied a distance of 7.5 cm between them, forming a thin, uniform layer when pressed lightly. A 100 g weight was then tied to the upper slide, causing the two slides to move apart under the applied load. The time requiredfor the slides to separate completely over a 7.5 cm distance was recorded. The experiment was repeated three times, and the mean time was calculated.
The spreadability (S) was determined using the following formula:
S=tm×l
Where:
S = Spreadability
m = Weight tied to the upper slide (g)
l = Length moved by the glass slide (cm)
t = Time taken to separate the slides (s)
Skin Irritation Study
The prepared gel formulation was applied to the properly shaved skin of rats to assess any possible irritation. The treated area was observed for 24 hours to monitor any undesirable skin reactions such as discoloration or changes in skin morphology.
Stability Studies
Stability testing of the gel was performed according to ICH guidelines. The samples were stored under two different conditions — 30°C ± 2°C / 60% ± 5% RH and 40°C ± 2°C / 75% ± 5% RH. During the study period, the formulations were examined for any variations in physical appearance, pH, spreadability, and viscosity to ensure their stability.
In Vitro Diffusion Studies
These drug release from the topical gel was evaluated using a Franz diffusion cell. A 0.5 g sample of the gel was placed on the membrane, and the study was conducted at 37 ± 1°C using 250 ml of phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) as the dissolution medium. Samples of 5 ml were withdrawn at regular intervals of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 hours, each time replacing the withdrawn volume with an equal amount of fresh buffer. The collected samples were analyzed using a spectrophotometer, with phosphate buffer serving as the blank solution.
CONCLUSION
The review highlights the significance of herbal gels, which offer therapeutic benefits with minimal or no side effects. These formulations are prepared using natural herbal ingredients, representing a move toward safer and healthier cosmetic alternatives that can be widely adopted for personal care.
REFERENCES
Ruchita Phalaskar*, Tanvi Salunke, Rutika More, Rahul Mane, Huzaifa Jetham, A Systematic: Review on Herbal Anti- Acne Gel, Int. J. Med. Pharm. Sci., 2026, 2 (4), 32-36. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19472677
10.5281/zenodo.19472677
