Formulation and evaluation of herbal gel

Abstract

The present study has been undertaken with the aim to formulate and evaluate the polyherbal gel containing Cassia alata Linn., Cassia tora Linn. and Cynodon dactylon Pers. extract. The gel formulation was designed by using methanolic extract of leaves of C alata and C tora and aerial part of C. dactylon in varied concentrations (1, 2 and 4%). Topical anti-inflammatory activity of gel was also evaluated. The gel was prepared by using Carbopol 940 (1% w/v), C. alata, C. tora and C. dactylon extract, ethanol, propylene glycol 400, methyl paraban, propyl paraben, EDTA, tri-ethanolamine and required amount of distilled water. The prepared gels were evaluated for physical appearance, pH, spread ability, skin irritation to observe toxicity or side effects and also for anti inflammatory activity. It was inferred from the results that gel formulations were good in appearance and homogeneity. The values of spread ability indicated that these polyherbal gels were easily spread able by small amount of shear. Viscosity of polyherbal gels were determined by using Brookfield viscometer and were ranging between 4500 to 4900 centipoise. The gels showed significant inhibition in carrageenan induced paw oedema and formalin induced paw oedema in Wistar rat models.