Abstract

FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF HERBAL OINTMENT OFAZADIRACHTA INDICA LEAVES EXTRACT

*Anil Parasnath Sao and Sirajul Mondal

ABSTRACT

The world is now shifting its interest in drugs derived from plants because of the belief that plants are safe and reproducable, and with lesser side effects. This lead to herbal medicines widespread acceptance and their utilization is increasing rapidly in recent years. Plant derived substances and herbal medicines and their formulations have recently attracted the interest towards their versatile application. Medicinal plants have the diverse and pure source of bioactive compounds used in traditional and modern medicines. The present work is to formulate and evaluate the ointment of ethanolic extract of Azadirachta indica Leaves. The prepared extract was evaluated to determine the membrane stabilizing effect. The ethanolic extracts was prepared by using maceration method. The ointment base was prepared by simple ointment method and formulation of ointment was done by incorporating the extract in the base by levigation method. After completion of formulation it was evaluated for its physicochemical parameters like colour, odour, pH, spreadability, viscosity, consistency, diffusion study, solubility, washability, stability at various temperature conditions. Thus it could be a media to use the medicinal properties of Azadirachta indica leaves effectively and easily as a simple dosage form. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimated that 80% of the populations rely on traditional medicines, mostly plant drugs, for their primary health care needs in developing countries. Conservation and sustainable use of medicinal plants are issues on which immediate focus is required in the context of conserving biodiversity.

Keywords: Azadirachta indica leaves, Extract, Maceration, Levigation, Ointment, Physicochemical properties, viscosity.