Formulation and Evaluation of an Herbal Anti-Inflammatory Gel Containing Eupatorium Leaves Extract

Abstract

This study evaluated a noble herbal gel formulation containing extract from the leaves of Eupatorium adenophorum for its topical anti-inflammatory activity against carrageenan induced ooedema. Gelling agent used in this study was 1% w/w concentration of carbopol- 934. The studies were conducted on Albino Wistar rats of either sex (150-200 g). Change in oedema volume of the rat hind paw was measured. The anti-inflammatory effect produced after topical administration of herbal gel formulation on Carrageenan-induced hind paw oedema exhibited a high degree of reproducibility. The initial physicochemical parameters of formulations i.e. pH, viscosity, spreadability, extrudability and stability were also examined. The pH of all the formulations was near about 6.8, which lies in the normal pH range of the skin. The preparation was stable under normal storage conditions and did not produce any skin irritation, i.e., erythema and oedema for about a month, when applied over the skin.