Abstract

FORMULATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF CUCUMIS SATIVUS EXTRACT IN THE TREATMENT OF ACNE

Himani Budhiraja, Rajinder K. Gupta, Pratibha Nand

ABSTRACT

Acne vulgaris is the most widespread skin disease and a persistent inflammatory disorder affecting 90-95% of adolescents. Inflammation is due to the over proliferation of Propionibacterium acnes, Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Many synthetic cosmetics have been developed for the treatment of acne. But they are known to have many side effects and are found to become resistant after some time. Thus, the present work was undertaken to investigate a natural medicinal plant, Cucumis sativus extracts, for their anti-oxidant, antimicrobial potential and its cosmetic value in treatment of acne. Results showed the presence of total phenolic content (19.25 µg and 6.23 µg GAE) and flavonoid content (1.82 µg and 6.24 µg catechin in fresh and dried extracts respectively. Fresh extract of Cucumis sativus indicated promising antibacterial potential and was mixed with tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) oil and linseed (Linum usitatissimum) oil to prepare polyherbal cream (O/W) formulations (F1 -F5). Formulations were further evaluated for pH, viscosity and various physical parameters. F5 cream formulation showed pH in range of 5-6 with good spreadability, good consistency with ease of removal, and no evidence of phase separation.

Keywords: Cucumis sativus, tea tree oil, linseed oil and poly herbal cream.