Formulation development for a herbal cream incorporating the extracts of Curcuma zedoaria rhizome

Abstract

Abstract: Curcuma zedoaria is a perennial herb which belongs to the family Zingiberaceae. In traditional medicine, the rhizome of Curcuma zedoaria is used to treat various diseases including inflammatory conditions. The objectives of the study were to formulate a stable anti-inflammatory cream by incorporating aqueous extract of Curcuma zedoaria rhizome (ARE) and to investigate its phytochemicals. ARE was screened for phytochemicals. Fourteen different trial base formulations were developed by drop-wise addition of aqueous phase to the oil phase with continuous stirring at 600C (fusion method). The formulations were subjected to characterization tests and stability tests (real time and accelerated) for 90 days. Among them, the best two base formulations, which were stable for the tested period of 90 days, were selected. Creams with 0.75%, 1% and 1.5% (w /w) of ARE were prepared using the selected two base formulations and characterization and stability studies were conducted. Creams with 0.75% and 1% (w/w) ARE were stable for 90 days at both real and accelerated conditions. According to the characterization, all creams were identified as oil in water emulsions with pH of 6. The parent base texture was not changed after incorporating the extract. Flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, saponins, terpenoids, carbohydrates and gums were present in ARE. It is concluded that using newly formulated bases, stable anti-inflammatory cream can be formulated by incorporating ARE of Curcuma zedoaria, a plant which is well known to have anti-inflammatory activity in traditional medicine. It is recommended to establish quality control standards for the novel formulation for future studies.