Shallot essential oil emulgel formulation and stability test using HPMC variations as an analgesic

Abstract

More than 70 percent of workers have musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and joint pain, which are characterized by abnormalities in the blood circulation system, muscles, tendons, joints, ligaments, bones, and nerves. More than 30 percent of workers choose to use herbal therapy as a complementary therapy to reduce the symptoms of MSDs. Shallot oil is one of the herbs that may be used as an analgesic, antipyretic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulator. The application of topical formulation in the form of emulgel is an interesting strategy and makes it easy to use. In this experimental method, shallots are dried and steam-distilled, S-allyl cysteine (SAC) is qualitatively tested using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), an emulgel is formulated using different forms of Hydroxy Propyl Methyl Cellulose (HPMC) and physical tests and cycling stability tests are conducted. The results of qualitative tests using HPLC on the SAC standard obtained a chromatogram with a retention time of 3.330 min and shallot essential oil at 3.223 min, where the chromatogram was in the same peak. The HPLC formulation produced stable organoleptic test results at concentrations of 2, 2.5, and 3%. However, formulation 2 yielded the best emulgel formulation based on the stability test using the cycling test method, where the results of the pH, spreadability, and viscosity tests remained stable until the sixth cycle test.