Polyherbal Antioxidant Topical Preparation Comprising Ethanol Extract of Tetracarpidium conophorum and Ocimum gratissimum: Formulation and Evaluation

Abstract

The use of antioxidants is an effective approach to prevent symptoms related to photo-induced aging
of the skin. The aim of this research work was to formulate and evaluate a polyherbal antioxidant face cream using
the ethanol extracts of Tetracarpidium conophorum and Ocimum gratissimum. The ethanol extract of the herbs was
incorporated at varying concentrations into six different emulsion bases. Antioxidant activity of the formulations was
assessed using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl method. The formulations were evaluated for pH, viscosity,
spreadability and microbial content. Accelerated stability tests were performed on all the formulations to assess
stability at varying storage conditions. All the formulations showed good spreadability, good consistency,
homogeneity, appearance, pH and no phase separation occurred. Non-Newtonian pseudo-plastic flow influenced by
increased shear was experienced by all the formulations. Concentration dependent antioxidant activity was observed
with FC2 and FC4 showing the highest antioxidant activity with IC50 value of 80.1 and 83.2 μg/ml, respectively. The
polyherbal antioxidant preparation containing extracts of T. conophorum and O. gratissimum shown to exhibit
excellent antioxidant properties. It can serve to protect the skin from reactive oxygen species created by UV radiation
and environmental toxin, thus protecting the skin from photo aging.