Development And Characterization of a Polyherbal Anti-Acne Cream: A Synergistic Approach with Manjistha, Mulethi and Beetroot

The skincare industry has witnessed a surge in the development of innovative formulations aimed at addressing common skin concerns such as acne, pigmentations, scars and dullness etc. Among all those semi-synthetic face creams have gained significant attention due to its ability to combine the benefits of natural ingredients with scientifically enhanced compounds. Acne is nothing but the common skin condition which occurs when hair follicles become clogged with sebum, bacteria or dead skin cells. It majorly affects the chest, face, back and even shoulders. It’s most common amongst the teenagers because of hormonal changes. It can even affect people of all ages. Nowadays adults are also facing the issues regarding the acne.[2]

There are various causes of Acne-

1. Clogged hair follicles
2. Excess production of sebum
3. Hormonal changes 4)Bacterial infection

5. Genetics
6. Diet and Lifestyle

Acne has different origins and thus there are various types of acne

A1) Non-inflammatory acne -

A) Blackheads-open comedones and are oxidized hence black in colour.

B) Whiteheads closed comedones-.

2) Inflammatory acne -

A) Cysts –pus filled and causes scarring

B) Pustules-pus filled

3. Nodules-large and deep painful lumps under skin.

D)Popules-small inflammed bumps

Various treatments are available in market to target those acnes

0. 1. Topical treatment-one of the primary treatments.
      1. Retinoids-Eg-Tretinoin,etc.They prevent clogged pores and they promote cell turnover.
      2. Salicylic acid-It is useful for exfoliation.
      3. Benzoyl Peroxides-kills the acne causing bacteria.
      4. Azelaic acid-reduces the swelling.
   2. Oral medications-
      1. Oral contraceptives-those helps to normalize the hormonal levels in body especially useful for females.
      2. Antibiotics-they almost kill the bacteria and also reduces the inflammation. C)Isotretionin-one of the strongest retinoid for severe acne cases.
   3. Natural and semi-synthetic treatments-
      1. Vitamin C-brightens the skin.
      2. Tea tree oil-shows antibacterial properties.
      3. Niacinamide-helps in reduction of oil production.
   4. Lifestyle changes-
1. Proper diet with low sugar and dietary intake.
2. Must wash the face twice a day.
3. Drink plenty of water.
4. Must manage the stress factor.

Semisynthetic formulations –

Those formulation refers to the combination of natural sources and partially synthesized chemicals.Those formulations are used in lubricants, pharmaceuticals, other chemical industries.They are very useful to enhance the properties such as stability, solubility, efficacy or bioavailability. There are various examples of semisynthetic formulations-

1. Opiods
2. Lubricants
3. Cosmetics and personal care
4. Antibiotics
5. Agrochemicals

Basically the cosmetics and personal care consists of various formulations containing ingredients that are derived from natural sources but are chemically modified. This modification is done to improve their performance,  stability,texture or absorption.

Our project focuses on the treatment of the acne and its scarring along with providing glow and reducing inflammation. There are various herbal and synthetic ingredients used to prepare the formulation. The demand of herbal based cosmetics has increased due to their natural efficacy,fewer side effects,and biocompatibility.

Manjistha(Rubia cordifolia) possesses anti-inflammatory,anti-microbial ,and detoxifying properties making it beneficial for acne prone skin.Mulethi (Glycyrrihza glabra) is known for its anti-bacterial anti-inflammatory,and skin brightening effects.Beetroot(Beta vulgaris) is rich in antioxidants helps reduce acne by scavenging free radicals and controlling sebum secretion. This study aims to develop a stable polyherbal anti-acne cream and evaluate its physiochemical properties and antimicrobial efficacy against acne-causing bacteria.[16]

Plant profile:[1],[19]

Instruments :

MATERIALS AND METHODS-

Active ingredients-Manjishta,Mulethi,Beetroot extract Cream base:Stearic acid,glycerin,beeswax,Rosewater Preservatives-methyl paraben [1] , [8]

MATERIAL AND METHOD:

Collection of plant material: The Bulb of Beetroot (Beta vulgaris) of family Amarthace and Root of Mulethi (Glycyyrhiza glabra ) of family Fabaceae and Stem of Mnjistha (Rubia cadiafolia)of family Rubiaace is collected and authenticated from the botanical laboratory's sources. Make it into the powdered form.

Preparation of Extract:

1. Extraction of Mulethi:

First, the Mulethi roots are dried and ground into a coarse powder. About 20 grams of this powder is placed in a paper thimble, which is then put inside the Soxhlet extractor. A solvent like ethanol or a mixture of ethanol and water (70:30) is poured into the round-bottom flask connected to the extractor. The setup is heated gently, and the solvent starts to evaporate, moves up the apparatus, and drips onto the Mulethi powder. It soaks the powder, dissolves the useful compounds, and then drains back into the flask. This cycle repeats many times (usually for 4 to 6 hours), making sure that most of the active compounds are extracted. After the process is done, the solvent in the flask now contains the Mulethi extract. The solvent is then removed by evaporation to get the final concentrated extract, which can be used for further research or formulation.[5] , [16]

2. Extraction of Beetroot :

First, fresh beetroot is washed thoroughly to remove dirt, then sliced into small pieces and dried in shade to remove moisture. Once dried, the beetroot pieces are ground into a coarse powder. Around 50 grams of this powder is placed in a clean glass container. Then, about 500 ml of a suitable solvent like ethanol, water, or a hydroalcoholic mixture (ethanol:water in 70:30 ratio) is added to the powder. The container is sealed and kept at room temperature for Beetroot 2 days. During this time, the mixture is stirred or shaken occasionally to help the solvent extract the pigments like betalains and other nutrients from the beetroot. After the soaking period, the mixture is filtered to remove the solid parts. The liquid extract is then concentrated by slowly evaporating the solvent. The final extract is stored in an airtight container for further use in food, cosmetics, or herbal products.[4] , [15]

3. Extraction of Manjistha :

First, the roots of Manjistha are cleaned, dried, and ground into a coarse powder. About 50 grams of this powder is taken and placed in a clean glass container. Then, around 500 ml of a suitable solvent like ethanol, water, or a hydroalcoholic mixture (ethanol:water in 70:30 ratio) is added to the powder. The container is covered and left at room temperature for 2 days. During this time, the mixture is stirred or shaken once or twice a day so that the solvent can soak into the plant material and extract the active compounds. After the soaking period, the mixture is filtered to separate the liquid extract from the leftover plant material. The liquid extract is then concentrated by slowly evaporating the solvent. The final extract is stored in a clean, airtight container for further use in medicines or studied.[4], [9], [10] , [11]

Identification Test:

•There are different methods of identification of plant.

•Primarily preliminary phytochemical screening test for given active phytoconstituents present in given plant part is been performed as below.[4] ,[5]

, [6]

• Test for Beetroot :

Chemical Class: Betalain

Herb: Beta vulgaris

Plant Part : Bulb

1. Characterization of Dry Beetroot Extract:

2. Phytochemical Analysis of Dry Beetroot Extract :

• Test for Mulethi:

Chemical Class: Triterpenoid saponin

Herb: Glycyrrhiza glabra

Plant Part: Root

1. Characterization of Dry Mulethi Extract :

2. Phytochemical Analysis of Dry Mulethi Extract :

Test for Manjistha:

Chemical Class: Anthraquinone

Herb: Rubia cardifolia

Plant Part: Stem

1. Characterization of Dry Manjistha Extract:

2. phytochemical analysis of Dry Manjistha Extract :

Formula :

F2 is most stable formula.[1,8,19] Method of Preparation:

Procedure:

1. Preparation of Aqueous Phase:
   • Dissolve NaOH in rose water
   • Add Salicylic acid and Glycerine to the rose water mixture and stir well.
2. Preparation of Oil Phase:
   • Melt Beeswax and Stearic acid in a water bath at 70°C until completely dissolved.
   • Methyl Paraben to the melted mixture.

Mixing Both Phases:

Gradually add the aqueous phase into the oil phase while continuously stirring at 70°C using a mechanical stirrer or hand blender.

3. Addition of Herbal Powders:
   • Dissolve Manjistha, Mulethi, and Beetroot powders in a small amount of rose water separately.
   • Add this herbal extract to the emulsion with continuous    stirring until uniform.
4. Cooling:

Continue stirring until the cream reaches room temperature and thickens.

5. Packaging:

Transfer the cream into sterilized container and Store in a cool, dry place.[18]

Evaluation of cream:

1. Colour : The colour of the cream was observed by visual examination.
2. Odour : The odour of cream was found to be characteristics.
3. State : The state was cream was examined visually. The cream was semisolid in state .
4. Consistency : The formulation was examined by rubbing cream on hand manually. The cream having smooth consistency .

5. PH of Cream : The pH of the cream should be in range of 5.4-5.8, to avoid irritancy to the skin .pH of prepared herbal cream was measured by using digital ph meter. The solution of cream was prepared by using 100 ml of Distilled water and set aside 2h. Ph was determined in three times for solution and the average value was calculated. [12]
6. Spreadability : spread ability of formulated cream was measured by placing sample in between two slides then compressed to uniform thickness by placing a definite weight for defined time. The specified time required to separate the two slides was measured as Spredability . Lesser the time taken for sepration of two slides results showed better Spredability. Spreadability was calculated by the following formula. [13]

Spreadability formula:

Weight tide to upper slide (W) × Length of glass slide (L)

/ Time taken to separate slide (T)

7. Washability : formulation was applied on the skin and then ease extends of washing with water was checked . [17]
   1. Viscosity- Viscosity of cream was done by using Brooke field viscometer at the temp of 25 Degree c . using spindle , 63.at rpm. Hu

Phase separation - The prepared cream was transferred in a suitable wide mouth container. Set aside for storage the oil phase and aqueous phase were visualizing after 24h. [17]

After feel : Emoliency slipperiness and amount of residue left after the application of the fixed amount of cream was found to be good.[14]

Anti-microbial activity-this activity of formulated cream was tested against Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus aureus using agar well diffusion method.The zone of inhibition was measured to determine effectiveness.[7]

Result of Evaluation Test :

Clindamycin gel is preferred as standard drug. Result of Antimicrobial activity [7]