Development and evaluation of herbal cream containing Curcumin from Curcuma longa

Abstract

Background: Curcuma longa commonly called as turmeric belongs to the family of Zingiberaceae and it is derived from the rhizomes. It is well known that curcumin has a good anti-inflammatory properties and a protective effect on the skin. Traditionally, curcumin is incorporated in many natural herbal remedies to treat skin infections and inflammation. Purpose of the research: The purpose of this study to isolate curcumin from Curcuma longa and formulate curcumin containing moisturizing conditioning cream. Methods: All solvents and chemical were of analytical and HPLC grade. Conventional extraction using Reflux Condensing Unit was used to isolate curcumin and then analysis was performed by by UV, TLC, and HPLC methods. By using primary emulsion method, the herbal cream was formulated. The curcumin cream was evaluated for different physiochemical tests like appearance, homogeneity, grittiness, spreadability, viscosity, drug content, determination of pH, and test for microbial growth. Results: Curcumin (95%) was isolated from Curcuma longa collected from Barka Al Jabar farm, Oman. Primary emulsion method was used for the preparation of the herbal cream to ensure stability and prevent incompatibility. The results of the evaluation of different physiochemical properties were found good and matching with the standard values. Conclusion: Curcumin was isolated from Curcuma longa. The herbal cream was formulated and evaluated by several standard methods. Evaluation results were found satisfactory and matching with the international standard values.