FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF POLYHERBAL ......Orange peel Citrus limon (L.) Osbeck., Rutaceae Citrus: Mosquitoes hate the smell of lemon and orange peels. Rubbing. Citrus is found

www.wjpps.com Vol 6, Issue 12, 2017.

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Mendhekar et al. World Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF POLYHERBAL MOSQUITO

REPELLENT CREAMS (OINTMENT TYPE) WITH EXTRA SKIN

NOURISHING IMPACT

Seema Yuvraj Mendhekar*, Nikita Nivrutti Bodke, Pratik Bharat Thorat, Jadhav S. L.,

Gaikwad D. D.

Assistant Professor*, Pharmacognosy Department, VJSM’s Vishal Institute of

Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Ale, Pune- 412411, Maharashtra, INDIA.

ABSTRACT

Many medicinal herbs and essential oil has been reported to have many

pharmacological activities, one of which is their property to repel the

mosquitoes and insects. Natural remedies are more acceptable in the

belief that they are safer with fewer side effects than the synthetic

ones. Herbal formulations have growing demand in the world market.

The present work deals with the development and evaluation of the

herbal mosquito repellent cream containing polyherbal extract (Neem,

Garlic, Lemon grass, Marigold, Vicks plant, Orange peel) and essential

oil (Clove oil, Peppermint oil, Eucalyptus oil, Castor oil, Cinnamon

oil, Rose oil and Cedar wood oil). Although various topical herbal

formulations are available in the market, we propose to make use of

polyherbal plant and oil. The plants and oil has been reported in the

literature having good mosquito repellent activity. Present cream

formulations were prepared using agents like Wool Fat, Hard Paraffin, Cetosterol Alcohol,

White Soft Paraffin and Almond oil. Prepared formulations were evaluated for various

parameters like color, appearance, consistency, pH, spreadability and stability. It is a very

good attempt to establish the herbal formulations containing polyherbal extract and oil. The

prepared formulations showed no signs of instabilities and irritation to the skin which were

usually seen in the usage of synthetic drugs.

KEYWORDS: Mosquito repellent polyherbal cream (Ointment Type), Polyherbal extract,

essential oil, Evaluation parameter.

WORLD JOURNAL OF PHARMACY AND PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES

SJIF Impact Factor 6.647

Volume 6, Issue 12, 1731-1742 Research Article ISSN 2278 – 4357

*Corresponding Author

Seema Yuvraj Mendhekar

Assistant Professor,

Pharmacognosy

Department, VJSM's Vishal

Institute of Pharmaceutical

Education and Research,

Ale, Pune- 412411,

Maharashtra, INDIA.

Article Received on

21 October 2017,

Revised on 11 Nov. 2017,

Accepted on 01 Dec. 2017

DOI: 10.20959/wjpps201712-10665


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INTRODUCTION

Plants have the ability to synthesize a wide variety of chemical compounds that are used to

perform important biological functions, and to defend against attack from predators such as

insects, fungi and herbivorous mammals. Many of these phytochemicals have beneficial

effects on long-term health when consumed by humans, and can be used to effectively treat

human diseases. In India the oldest book of Hindu civilization is the Rig-Veda which was

written about 5000 years ago which provides the exact information on this subject. In

Atharvana Veda advanced use of plant drug appeared. Atharvana Veda has an Upaveda

called Ayurveda. The two well-known treaties in ayurveda are Charaka Samhita and

Sushruta. The Charaka Samhita described 395 medicinal plants, 57 drugs of animal origin, 64

minerals as therapeutic agents.[1]

A great variety of plants are used for medicinal treatments.

Either the dried plant, or a specific part of it (root, leaves, fruit, flowers, seeds), is formulated

into suitable preparations compressed as tablets or made into pills, used to make infusions

(teas), extracts, tinctures, etc., or mixed with excipients to make lotions, ointments, creams.[2]

With over many species of mosquitoes believed to be responsible for spreading diseases such

as yellow fever, dengue hemorrhagic fever, epidemic polyarthritis, encephalitis and

malaria.[3]

There are many treatments for Malaria and other mosquito transmitted diseases but

it is always better to prevent the disease. Hence, the term mosquito and other repellent came

in existence. Topical or other application of mosquito repellent repels the mosquitoes to bit.

Mosquito repellent can be prepares synthetically or naturally. However, most synthetic

chemical repellents, especially DEET, can be readily absorbed through the skin, causing

many accidental poisonings, especially of children. They also can poison wildlife. DDT in

particular has been shown to be very harmful to the environment, and DEET is suspected to

be a carcinogen, teratogen and/or mutagen. Therefore, another, preferably non-toxic, means

of repelling insects is desired. Many natural Substances are known to repel insects and

mosquitoes.[4]

Natural repellents

Many repellents are nowadays available which can easily fend off the mosquitoes but are not

good for the health as it contain a harmful chemical called DEET. It is fine to use a natural

repellent which can make you unattractive in the eyes of mosquitoes. Mosquito-repellent

candles containing citronella oil are sold widely in the U.S.


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Advantages

non-sticky; non-toxic and environmentally friendly; safer on sensitive skins and some can

be used on children as young as 3 months; reduced irritation; harmless to most plastics

and fabrics.

Disadvantages

More expensive; may need more frequent re-application to maintain full protection.

Essential oil repellents can be short-lived in their effectiveness, since essential oils can

evaporate completely may need more frequent re-application to maintain full protection.

Cannot apply directly on the skin, if applied can cause rashes on skin.

Insect repellents from natural sources.

There are many preparations from naturally occurring sources that are repellent to certain

insects. Some of these act as insecticides while others are only repellent. Basil Ocimum

basilicum, Castor oil (Ricinus communis),Catnip oil (Nepeta species) (nepetalactone against

mosquitos), Cedar oil (mosquitos, moths), Celery extract (Apium graveolens), Cinnamon oil

(leaf oil kills mosquito larvae), Citronella oil (repels mosquitos), Clove oil (mosquitos) (NB:

a dose similar to the one as a food ingredient should be used for the time being.), Eucalyptus

oil (70%+ eucalyptol), (cineol is a synonym), (mosquitos,), Fennel oil (Foeniculum vulgare)

(mosquitos), Garlic (Allium sativum) (rice weevil, wheat flour beetle) (NB: a dose similar to

the one as a food ingredient should be used for the time being), Geranium oil (also known as

Pelargonium graveolens Lavender (repels insects), Lemon eucalyptus (Corymbia citriodora)

essential oil and its active ingredient p-menthane-3,8-diol (PMD), Lemongrass oil

(Cymbopogon species) (mosquitos), Neem oil (Azadirachta indica) (Repels or kills

mosquitos, their larvae and a plethora of other insects including those in agriculture),

Peppermint oil (Mentha x piperita) (mosquitos), Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

(mosquitos), Solanum villosum berry juice (against Stegomyia aegypti (mosquitoes),

Nepetalactone, also known as "catnip oil" Preparations of repellent compounds Besides being

used in their natural state or 'straight', repellents have been very commonly embodied in

lotions, creams, pastes or other preparations, either to facilitate their application or to ensure a

more lasting effect. The following are the chief forms such preparations take.

Lotions

Mixtures containing the repellent dissolved in or diluted with alcohol or other thin fluid, or

thickened with castor oil or arachis oil.


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Creams (ointment type)

Admixtures of the repellent with some solid greasy base such as hard and soft paraffin,

petroleum jelly, cetyl alcohol, lanolin, magnesium stearate with or without modifying

materials. Early repellent creams were mostly of this type.

Creams (vanishing cream type)

Essentially oil in water emulsions which'disappear' on application seeming to be absorbed by

the skin, largely due to evaporation of the watery phase during manipulation. The chief

requirements are an oily or greasy base, an emulsifier such as triethanolamine, triton X, etc.

and water.

Creams (waxy base type)

Mixtures of the repellent with wax and such solvent (which may be the repellent itself) as is

necessary to give a correct consistence. Gum tragacanth preparations Various creams or

pastes of gum tragacanth have been employed as vehicles more especially for pyrethrum.

They dry leaving a thin adherent film which is not dislodged by sweating. Such preparations

would be unsuitable for repellents of these preparations creams of the ointment type have

frequently been noted as greasy and unpleasant in a hot climate though some, e.g. the stearate

cream given as an example under this head, are cosmetically excellent. The use of paraffin as

a base as has been common in citronella preparations appears to have a reducing effect on

repellency. Vanishing creams have not generally been found satisfactory. Owing to their

'disappearing' property, unless used in large amount, they are apt to give patchy distribution

of the repellent. A waxy cream would seem to be the most effective in prolonging repellent

effect and if of suitable consistence such creams spread extremely well and are pleasant to

use. Lotions have not been much used.[5]

Objective: The objective of this research work was to formulate the polyherbal mosquito

repellent cream which does not cause any side effects or adverse reactions. The cream

(Ointment type) also acts as a emollient on skin in day to day life by preventing removal of

skin moisture. It also possesses nutritional value which provided required nutrients to the

skin.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All crude drugs were collected from Ayurvedic medicine shop, Alephata, Junner, Pune.


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Table 1: Herbal Drug information.

Sr. No. Herbal Extract Medicinal Importance Figure

1 Neem leaves

Azadirachta indica

A.Juss., Meliaceae

Neem leaves are dried and burnt

in the tropical regions to keep

away mos-quitoes, anti-

helmenthic, antifungal,

antidiabetic, antibacterial,

antiviral, contraceptive and

sedative.

2 Garlic

Allium sativum L.

Amaryllidaceae

Garlic makes a powerful natural

insect repellent.

3 Lemon grass

Cymbopogon citratus

L.

Lemon grass has long been used

in natural insect repellents which

contain citronella oil. To help

deter mosquitoes with its strong

fragrance.

4 Marigold

Calendula officinalis L.

Calenduleae

Marigolds contain Pyrethrum, a

compound used in many insect

repellents. Besides repelling

mosquitoes, marigolds repel

insects.

5

Vicks plant

Plectranthus hadiensis

var. tomentosa

Lamiaceae

Vick’s plant is an excellent

mosquito repellent.

6 Rose oil

Rosa canina L.

Rosaceae

Rose Geranium has been used as

an extremely potent repellent.

Rose petal is rich with the anti

bacterial properties along with

the positive effects of Vitamin K,

C and B. It also have good

amount of antioxidants.


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7 Orange peel

Citrus limon (L.)

Osbeck., Rutaceae

Citrus: Mosquitoes hate the smell

of lemon and orange peels.

Rubbing. Citrus is found in many

bug repellant sprays and

products.

8 Clove oil

Eugenia caryophyllum

L. Myrtaceae

Clove oil is the most effective

against mosquitoes,

Antimicrobial, antifungal and

antiseptic.

9

Cinnamon oil

Cinnamomum

zeylanicum L.

Lauraceae

Cinnamon oil shows promise as a

great-smelling, environmentally

friendly pesticide, with the

ability to kill mosquito larvae

more effectively than DEET

(chemical name, N,N-diethyl-

meta-toluamide), according to a

new study.

10 Eucalyptus oil

Eucalyptus globulus L.

Myrtaceae

Eucalyptus is an effective insect

repellent and insecticide. In

1948, the United States officially

registered eucalyptus oil as an

insecticide and miticide, for

killing mites and ticks. Oil of

lemon eucalyptus is

recommended by some as an

insect repellant; it is effective at

keeping mosquitoes away.

11

Cedarwood oil

Juniperus ashei and J.

deppeana

Cupressaceae

Cedar wood essential oil is a

natural insect repellent as insects

such as mosquitos and fleas hate

the aroma.

12 Castor oil

Ricinus communis L.

Euphorbiaceae

Castor Oil As an Insect

Repellent. Castor oil has been

used as a natural insect repellent.


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13 Peppermint oil Mentha

piperita L. Lamiaceae

Peppermint essential oil is a

natural deterrent against

mosquitoes and flying insects.

Peppermint is a natural

insecticide that kills as well as

repels mosquitoes.

Preparation of Extracts by successive solvent extraction

All herbs powder were taken in a paper pouch and packed in to soxhelet apparatus and then

the extraction is done by using about 500 ml of ethanol as solvent for 6 continuous hours at

50 – 700C. Then the crude extract was evaporated until it gets solidified. The extract was

evaporated under vacuum dryer, weighed.[6]

Table 2: Formulation of Mosquito Repellent Cream (10% W/W).

Sr. No. Ingedient Quantity

1 Crude Extract 0.1 gm

2 Wool Fat 0.5 gm

3 Hard Paraffin 0.5 gm

4 Cetosterol Alcohol 0.5 gm

5 White Soft Paraffin 8.5 gm

6 Almond oil 1 ml

Fig.1: Polyherbal Ointment Formulation.

Preparation Procedure

Ingredients (except crude extract) are taken into a china dish and melted on a water bath.

Immediately transferred into mortar, with the help of piston, contents were triturated until a

homogeneous semi solid mass was formed. Then the crude extract was mixed with it after


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melting. Then the contents were melted thoroughly and stirred vigorously. Then it was

cooled. After the cooling, the ointment was formed.[7]

Evaluation of Polyherbal Cream

Preliminary evaluation of formulation at different concentrations was carried out as follows.

pH: The pH meter was calibrated and measured the pH by placing in the beaker containing

20mg of the cream.[8]

Spreadability Test

500mg of the cream was sandwiched between 2 slides. A weight of 100gm was placed on

upper slide. The weight was removed and extra formulation was scrapped off. The lower

slide was fixed on board of apparatus and upper slide was fixed with non-flexible string on

which 20g load was applied. Time taken by upper slide to slip off was noted down.[9]

Homogeneity

The test was done by physical touch with hands.[10]

Appearance

The appearance of the cream was found by observing its color, opacity, etc.

After Feel

After applying the herbal cream on skin the properties like emollient nature, slipperiness and

the amount of cream left after applying to the skin was checked.

Smear Type

The test was conducted after the application of ointment on the skin the smear formed was

oily or aqueous in nature.

Removal

The removal of the ointment applied on skin was done by washing under tap water with

minimal force to remove the cream.

Patch Test

About 1-3gm of material to be tested was placed on a piece of fabric or funnel and applied to

the sensitive part of the skin e.g. skin behind ears. The cosmetic to be tested was applied to an

area of 1sq.m.of the skin. Control patches (of similar cosmetic of known brand) were also


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applied. The site of patch is inspected after 24 hrs. As there was no reaction the test was

repeated three times. As no reaction was observed on third application, the person may be

taken as not hypersensitive.[10]

Irritancy Test

The cream was applied on left hand dorsal side surface of 1sq.cm and observed in equal

intervals upto 24hrs for irritancy, redness and edema.[11]

Accelerated Stability Studies

Accelerated stability studies were performed on all the formulations by maintaining at room

temperature for 20 days with constant time interval. During the stability studies the

parameters like homogeneity, viscosity, physical changes, pH and type of smear were

studied.[12]

Extrudability

A simple method was adopted for this study. The formulations were filled in the collapsible

tubes after the ointments were set in the container. The extrudability of the different ointment

formulations was determined in terms of weight in grams required to extrude a 0.5 cm of

ribbon of ointment in 10 second.[13]

Diffusion study

The diffusion study was carried out by preparing agar nutrient medium of any Concentration.

It was poured into petri dish. A hole bored at the center and ointment was placed in it. The

time taken for the ointment to get diffused was noted.[14]

Mosquito Repellent Activity

Mosquito repellent activity of cream was perform manual by applying on 5 human volunteers

and observation was noted and cream found potent activity against mosquito.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

The polyherbal cream (ointment type) was prepared by using w/o emulsion method using

mixture of alcoholic extract of crude drugs including extract (Neem, Garlic, Lemon grass,

Marigold, Vicks plant, Orange peel) and essential oil (Clove oil, Peppermint oil, Eucalyptus

oil, Castor oil, Cinnamon oil, Rose oil and Cedar wood oil). The extract were used and

formulated and pass all evaluation test and all result were mention in table 3.


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Table 3: Evaluation Parameter.

Sr. No. Parameters Observation

1 Color Yellowish green

2 Odor slightly aromatic

3 pH 6.9

4 Spreadability Uniform with a value

of 30 g.cm/sec

5 Washability Washable

6 Consistency Good

7 Grittiness Slightly gritty

8 Mosquito Repellent Activity Observed

9

Homogeneity

A) By visual

B) By Touch

Homogeneous

Smooth

Consistent

10 Patch Test Not hypersensitive

11 Irritancy test No redness and edema

12 Accelerated stability studies Stable

13 Type of Smear Slightly greasy

14 Extrudability Easily extrudable

15 Diffusion study Passed

Fig.2: Patch Test [D.S.- Dark Skin, F.S.- Fair Skin, M.S.-Medium Skin].


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CONCLUSION

The Mosquito Repellent cream of polyextract and oil with the best properties and having

nutritional value were to be prepared by simple methods and less equipment are required. The

prepared polyherbal mosquito repellent creams (ointment type) has possess mosquito

repellent activity with extra skin nourishing impact on skin. Water in oil emulsion-based

cream was formulated using natural ingredients and was evaluated. By combining all these

ingredients it act as polyherbal mosquito repellent creams as well as with extra skin

nourishing impact. The ingredients mixed can produce synergistic effect of the other and

gave best result on skin with no any side effect.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We thank our Principal Dr. S.L. Jadhav, Dr. D.D. Gaikwad, Mr. D. Gunjal, Mr. Pingle Sir,

Dhawde Sir and VJSM’s Vishal Institute of Pharmaceutical Education And Research, Ale,

Pune for providing all the facilities to conduct this work.

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extracts obtained from the marine organisms –Prawn and Sea cucumber. Indian Journal of

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4. BravermanY, Chizov-Ginzburg A, Mullens, BA. Mosquito repellent attracts Culicoides

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Documents

FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF POLYHERBAL ......Orange peel Citrus limon (L.) Osbeck., Rutaceae Citrus: Mosquitoes hate the smell of lemon and orange peels. Rubbing. Citrus is found