Green Formulation Strategy for Herbal Topical Anti Inflammatory Gel Using Caesalpinia bonducella

Abstract

The goal of this study was to create and assess a topical herbal gel containing Caesalpinia bonducella (Roxb.) Flem. seed extract and aloe vera as a natural base. The gel was prepared using Carbopol 940 as the gelling agent, and its physicochemical and analytical characteristics were assessed. Two formulations were developed and evaluated, of which Gel 1 was identified as the optimum formulation owing to its superior stability, homogeneity, spreadability, and uniformity. Preformulation studies, including solubility and organoleptic characterization, were conducted prior to formulation. The pH, homogeneity, spreadability, microbial growth, and stability of the improved gel were further assessed. Analytical characterization was performed utilizing ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometry and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The UV spectrum exhibited maximum absorption at approximately 227 nm, confirming the presence of active organic phytoconstituents. FTIR analysis confirmed functional groups including hydroxyl, carbonyl, and alkyl groups, demonstrating compatibility among excipients without significant interactions. The optimized formulation (Gel 1) demonstrated a skin-compatible pH of 5.6, satisfactory spreadability, and remained physically and chemically stable under ambient conditions over three months. The results indicate that the developed herbal topical gel is stable and suitable for topical administration, with potential anti-inflammatory applications that warrant further investigation.