Formulation and Evolution of Poly Herbal Foot Crack Heel Gel

Cracked heels, also known as heel fissures, are a frequent foot ailment caused by dryness, a lack of moisture, pressure, or other skin disorders. They can cause discomfort, suffering, and infection if left untreated. Crack heel gels are carefully developed topical treatments that deliver intense hydration, repair damaged skin, and restore the skin's natural barrier. These formulations often include humectants, emollients, occlusives, and active substances that aid in healing and skin regeneration.[1] To provide optimal hydration and nourishment, an efficient crack heel gel must have a well-balanced combination of substances like as urea, glycerin, aloe vera, essential oils, and herbal extracts. Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory medicines may also be used to prevent infections and reduce inflammation. This composition promises to give an efficient, quick-absorbing, and non-greasy treatment for healing cracked heels while also providing long-lasting moisture and protection.[2]

Topical Drug Delivery System

A topical delivery system is the material that brings a medicine into contact with and through the skin. The skin barrier presents a hurdle for topical medication administration. Topical delivery encompasses two categories of products: External topicals are smeared or sprayed into cutaneous tissues to cover the afflicted area. Internal topicals are applied to the mucous membrane, vagina, or anorectal tissues for local activity. Topical treatments typically provide localized effects by penetrating the skin's underlying layers.[3]

Transdermal

The skin serves as the body's initial line of defense against external stimuli. The skin is where aging signs are most visible. Although aging skin does not constitute a risk to an individual, it may have a detrimental impact on their psychological well-being. Furthermore, feet are an important aspect of an individual's body since they are constantly in contact with the outside world and experience friction. The lack of oil pores on the foot sole increases the risk of dry skin. In general, foot neglect can cause a range of ailments owing to improper footwear, and one may become infected as a result of dirt, fungi, or bacteria entering the body through various cuts and sores.[4]

MATERIALS AND MATHOD

To guarantee optimal healing, hydration, and protection, an effective crack heel gel must be formulated using a carefully selected set of chemicals and standardized technique. The materials employed in this study comprise crucial active elements such humectants, emollients, occlusives, and bioactive compounds, which work together to mend cracked heels. The methodology consists of a step-by-step formulation procedure that includes ingredient selection, gel base preparation, active component integration, and homogenization to produce a stable and effective product. Furthermore, numerous evaluation procedures are used to assess the final formulation's quality and efficacy, including pH measurement, viscosity testing, spreadability analysis, and skin compatibility research.[5]

Madhuca Indica (Mahua)

Fig 1: Madhuca Indica Oil

Synonyms: Madhuca longifolia, Bassia latifolia, Illipe latifolia

Biological Source: Madhuca indica is obtained from the flowers, seeds, and bark of the tree Madhuca indica (also known as Madhuca longifolia).

Family: Sapotaceae

Geographical Source: Found predominantly in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Malaysia.

In India, it is commonly found in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh.

Chemical Constituents: Flowers: Sugars, proteins, vitamins, glycosides, and flavonoids.

Seeds: Madhuca oil (fatty acids like palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, and linoleic acid). Bark: Tannins, saponins, and triterpenoids. Leaves: Alkaloids, flavonoids, and glycosides.

General Description:

Madhuca indica is a fast-growing, medium-sized deciduous tree that can reach 15-20 meters in height.

Uses: 1. Medicinal Uses: The bark is used for treating diarrhea, rheumatism, and diabetes.

The flowers have antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties. Madhuca oil is used for treating skin diseases, arthritis, and inflammation.[6]

2. Industrial Uses: Mahua oil is used in cosmetics, biofuel production, and candle making. The leaves are used as fodder for cattle

Turmeric

Fig 2: Turmeric powder

Synonyms: Curcuma longa, saffron Indian, Haldi, Curcuma, Rhizoma curcumae.

Biological source: Turmeric is the dried rhizome of curcuma longa Linn.

Family: Zingiberaceae

Geographical source: It is grown on a larger scale in India, China, East Indies, and Pakistan.

Chemical constituents: Curcumin is the active ingredient of the dietary spice turmeric, Resins, 5% volatile oils, fixed oils and acids.

General Description: The large, simple, oblong leaves of the perennial herb turmeric are borne on a short stem. Its oblong, ovate, or pyriform tubers, or rhizomes, are frequently branched. The rhizomes are orange on the inside, and yellowish brown on the outside.

Uses:

1. Used for disorders of the skin.

2. Clears the skin.

3. Has an anti-inflammatory property.

4. Improves skin health.

5. Act as anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial and soothing

Tea Tree Oil

Fig 3: Tea Tree oil

Synonyms: Melaleuca oil, Australian tea tree oil, Melaleuca alternifolia oil

Biological Source: Tea tree oil is obtained by steam distillation from the leaves and terminal branches of Melaleuca alternifolia.

Family: Myrtaceae

Geographical Source: Native to Australia, particularly in New South Wales and Queensland.

Chemical Constituents: The main bioactive compounds in tea tree oil include:

Terpinen-4-ol (30-40%) – responsible for antimicrobial activity-Terpinene (15-30%), α-Terpinene (5-15%),1,8-Cineole (Eucalyptol) – present in small amountsα-Pinene, β-Pinene

General Description: Tea tree oil is a pale yellow or nearly colorless essential oil with a strong, fresh, medicinal odor.

Uses: 1. Medicinal Uses: Antibacterial & Antifungal: Used for treating acne, athlete’s foot, ringworm, and dandruff. Wound Healing: Helps in the treatment of cuts, burns, and insect bites. Oral Care: [6]

Honey

Synonyms: Madhu (Ayurveda), Mel (Latin), Natural honey, Apis mellifera honey

Biological Source: Honey is a natural sweet substance produced by honeybees (Apis spp.) from the nectar of flowers. It is collected, modified, and stored in the honeycomb of the hive.

Family: Apidae (Bee family)

Geographical Source: Honey is produced worldwide, with major producers including:

China, India, Turkey, Ukraine, Argentina, the United States, and Russia. Manuka Honey (New Zealand, Australia) Acacia Honey (Europe, North America) Honey (Yemen, Middle East), Eucalyptus Honey (Australia, Brazil)

Chemical Constituents: Carbohydrates (80-85%): Mainly fructose (38-42%) and glucose (30-35%) Water (15-20%) Proteins, amino acids, and enzymes: Inverts, diastase, glucose oxidation, Vitamins: B-complex (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6), Vitamin C

General Description: Color & Texture: Ranges from light golden to dark brown, depending on the floral source. Taste & Aroma: Varies based on the type of nectar used by the bees.

Uses of Honey:  1. Medicinal Uses: Antibacterial & Antiseptic: Used for treating wounds, burns, and ulcers. Cough & Cold Remedy: Acts as a natural cough suppressant. Digestive Health: Helps in relieving acid reflux, gastritis, and constipation.

Method of Preparation of gel

Phase one 0.5 g of carbopol 940 was dispersed 20 ml of distil water and also slowly heated than also add on a required quantity of poly ethylamine were dissolved and heated .one to two drop are add on triethnolamine further some time heat and also take some time phase two oil part use madhuca indica and tea tree oil slowly add and heated than then   honey mixed in required quantity further add on turmeric extract. mixed on phase one and phase two proper heat and stirring both solution formulation for adjustment required skin pH and to obtain the gel required consistency. [7,8]

Formulation Table 1:

ig No 7: Polymers

Fig No 8: Prepared Poly Herbal Gel

Evaluation parameter of gel formulation

Visual inspection The gel were examined for their physical properties by visual inspection of colour, clarity, homogenesity, odour etc.

Appearance All the formulation of anti oxcidant was pale yellow / yellow in colour.

Consistency The consistency was checked by applying on the skin.

Greasiness The greasiness was assises by the application on the skin and the slide.

Determination of pH

The pH of gel was determined using digital pH meter by dipping the glass electrode completely into the gel and by using pH paper [[9]

Determination of viscosity

Viscosities of the formulate gel was determined using viscometer used for gel corresponding dial reading on the meter was noted.

Spreadability

It was determined by taking 0.5 gm of gel the glass slide over the 1cm of diameter. Second

slide was placed. Weight of 500 gm was placed on it and waited for 5 minutes. The

increase in the diameter of gel was noted and average of 3 determinations were taken. It was

then calculated by using following formula. [10,11]

S = m. L/T

Where, S = Spread ability.

 m = Weight on the upper glass slide.

 L = Length moved on the glass slide.

 T = Time taken.

Viscosity.

The sample was a placed in the beaker and rotated at 20 and 30 rpm on spindle no. 64. At each speed, the reading was recorded. An average of three readings was a taken. [12,13]

Moisture Absorption

A 100 ml beaker of water without adsorbent was placed in the desiccators and allowed to become saturated. The watch glass contained 10mg of crack gel, which was inserted in the desiccators. The watch glass with the prepared fractured gel was placed in a desiccators for 24 hours. [14,15]

Test for a Thermal stability:

The formulated gel for transferred into the glass bottle with the help of spatula and taped to settle at down the bottom. two and third capacity of a bottle was filled with the gel and the plug was inserted and tight the cap was tightened. the glass bottle was placed in the inside at the incubator at 4c for 48 hours. the glass bottle was removed for incubator and was checked for the difference. [16,17]

Test for a microbial growth:

Patri plate were prepared by the pouring agar media in it. the formulated cracked gel was inoculated in it by streak plate method. the patri plate was placed in the incubator and incubated 37c for 24 hours after 24 hours petri plate were taken out of and checked microbial growth.

Fig 9: Microbial Growth

In the test of patches of a gel were apply on the skin and effect to the skin on apply of gel was compared with the marketed products. [18,19]

Physical Properties Table 2:

Fig No 9: Treating Crack Heel