Formulation and Evaluation of Anti-Inflammatory Herbal Oil for Treatment of Varicose Veins

Abstract

This research paper presents the formulation and characterization of herbal oil utilizing anti-inflammatory herbal extracts to alleviate symptoms associated with varicose veins. The formulation integrates ginger oil, garlic, turmeric, olive oil, mustard oil, peppermint oil, castor oil, eucalyptus oil and guggul powder to create synergistic blend targeting varicose veins . The selection of ingredients was based on their individual properties, including anti inflammatory, improving blood circulation, cooling effects. The oil was developed through a series of experiments to optimize ingredients concentrations and ensure stability and efficacy. Characterization studies include pH measurement, viscosity analysis, stability testing , acid value, saponification value, were conducted to evaluate the quality and performance of the formulation. Additionally, the safety profile of herbal oil was assessed through skin irritation tests. The results demonstrate that the formulated herbal oil exhibits desirable characteristics , including a balanced pH , suitable viscosity for application and good stability over a time. Furthermore ,it indicate promising anti-inflammatory effects of herbal oil, suggesting its potential as a natural therapeutic option for managing varicose veins. Overall, this research contributes to development of natural and effective herbal oil , highlighting the potential of herbal formulation for treating varicose veins.

Introduction

I. INTRODUCTION

A. Definition

In the subcutaneous tissues of the legs and ankles, varicose veins are twisted, swollen, palpable, and frequently readily noticeable. They are typically blue or dark purple in color. All of these veins have one-way valves to guarantee that blood goes to the heart. However, because these valves are typically ineffective, blood reflux occurs, which can lead to venous hypertension and its associated symptoms.[1]

Varicose veins afflict millions worldwide, causing discomfort and impacting quality of life. To address this pervasive issue, we present Varico-Ease Oil, a meticulously crafted blend of ginger oil, olive oil, turmeric, garlic, peppermint oil, castor oil, mustard oil, eucalyptus oil and guggul powder.[2]

This innovative formulation harnesses the therapeutic properties of each ingredient to provide comprehensive relief for varicose vein symptoms. Ginger and olive oil offer anti-inflammatory benefits, reducing swelling and discomfort, while turmeric's curcumin improves circulation and alleviates pain.[3]

Garlic strengthens vein walls, while peppermint oil provides a cooling sensation for relief. Castor oil promotes healing, while mustard oil enhances blood flow with its warming effect. Guggul powder supports vein health and reduces inflammation.[4] Through synergistic action, Varico-Ease Oil offers a holistic approach to managing varicose veins, addressing both symptoms and underlying issues.

This research project aims to explore the efficacy and mechanisms of Varico-Ease Oil, offering insights into its potential as a natural solution for varicose vein management.[5]

E. Saponification Value

2g of oil was accurately weighed and transferred into a 250ml of iodine flask. 25ml of 0.5M alcoholic potassium hydroxide was added and boiled under reflux on a water bath for 30mins. Phenolphthalein was added as indicator and titrated against 0.5M HCl (‘a’ ml). Similarly blank was performed (‘b’ ml) without the sample.

Saponification Value: 28.05(b-a)/w Where, w= weight in grams of the solution.[21]

F. Specific Gravity

Specific gravity of the prepared oil was determined using  or specific gravity bottle.

1. Start by weighing an empty specific gravity bottle.
2. Fill the bottle with a known volume of oil and weigh it again.
3. Calculate the weight of the oil by subtracting the weight of the empty bottle.
4. Now, fill the bottle with water and weigh it once more.
5. Again, calculate the weight of the water by subtracting the weight of the empty bottle.
6. Finally, divide the weight of the oil by the weight of the water to get the specific gravity of the oil.

Calculation

Specific gravity at 30°C/30°C =(A-B) / (C−B)

where,

A = weight, in g, of the specific gravity bottle with oil at 30°C,

B = weight, in g, of the specific gravity bottle, and

C = weight, in g, of the specific gravity bottle with water at 30°C.[22]

G. Skin Irritation

Skin irritation was determined manually. Oil was applied on hand and exposed to sunlight for 5mins to check for any irritation over skin.[23]

H. Skin Penetration Test

1. Cleanse the Area: Start by cleansing the area of the skin where you will be conducting the test. Make sure it's free from any dirt, oils, or other substances.
2. Apply a Small Amount of Oil: Take a small amount of the herbal oil and apply it to the test area. It's best to choose a small, discreet area of skin for the test.
3. Massage the Oil: Gently massage the oil into the skin using circular motions. This helps the oil penetrate the skin and allows for better absorption.
4. Wait and Observe: Allow the oil to fully absorb into the skin. This can take a few minutes to an hour, depending on the oil and the individual's skin type. During this time, observe any changes or reactions on the skin.
5. Assess the Results: After the absorption period, examine the test area for any signs of irritation, redness, or other adverse reactions. If there are no negative reactions, it suggests that the oil has penetrated the skin without causing any harm.[24]

V. RESULT AND DISCUSSION

A. Organoleptic Properties

An organoleptic test was performed by examining the colour, smell and texture of the product. It is clear from the organoleptic test findings that the preparation of the herbal oil is translucent yellow . All herbal oil products have an aromatic scent to them. Every herbal oil recipe is easy to absorb, non-sticky, and smooth.

Table-: Organoleptic test results

B. pH Measurement

The herbal oil's pH was regularly found to be between 5.01 and 6.05, which is the safe range for topical application. The ideal pH range for preserving the integrity of the skin barrier without irritating the skin is between slightly acidic and neutral.

pH of the product is determined by using digital pH meter ; pH of this product is 5.34.

C. Viscosity

The oil had a moderate viscosity, which guarantees adequate spreadability while staying substantial enough to stay on the skin without dripping, according to a Ostwald's viscometer reading. Because of this, it can be applied to the legs, which are prone to varicose veins. Viscosity of the oil determined by Ostwald's Viscometer and result is 0.93 cP.

D. Acid Value

In the acid value test of anti-inflammatory oil, the result would indicate the amount of acidic substances present in the oil. This measurement helps determine the oil's quality and freshness.

The acid value of product is 1.34 mg KOH/g.

E. Saponification Test

The saponification test result for a product  can provide valuable information about the amount of alkali needed to saponify the oils. This test helps determine the quality and purity of the oils for various applications.

The saponification value of product is 187 mg KOH/g.

F. Specific Gravity

The specific gravity of the herbal oil is a measure of its density compared to water.

After calibration and careful measurement using a specific gravity bottle, the specific gravity of the substance was determined to be 0.957 at temperature of 25°C.

G. Skin Irritation

After applying a small amount of the oil on hand and letting it sit for a while, it was found that the skin was not irritated.

H. Skin Penetration Test

The result of the skin penetration test of oil would provide insights into how effectively the oil is absorbed by the skin and its potential impact on skin health based on the depth of penetration observed during the test.

VI. DISCUSSION

The formulation of the anti-inflammatory herbal oil for varicose veins has yielded positive results, based on the evaluation tests. Anti inflammatory herbal oil aims to address specific concerns, such as reducing inflammation associated with varicose veins. The conclusion drawn from the evaluation test indicates that formulation F4 performed better than the other formulations (F1, F2 and F3), showcasing desirable properties such as stability and efficacy. The organoleptic qualities of the designed oil showed no signs of immiscibility or uneven color distribution, which is promising for its application. Additionally, formulation F4 exhibited values within the standard range, particularly in pH and skin irritation tests, suggesting its suitability for use. The absence of discoloration after exposure to direct sunlight indicates good physical stability, further enhancing its appeal.

Moreover, the stability test results revealed that formulation F4 was more stable when subjected to varying temperatures compared to the other formulations. This stability is crucial for ensuring consistent performance and efficacy over time.In summary, formulation F4 of the anti-inflammatory herbal oil for varicose veins appears to be the most promising option among the tested formulations, demonstrating favorable characteristics and delivering the desired results.

Conclusion

In summary, the herbal oil that was created to treat varicose veins shows promise in terms of its physical and chemical stability. The mixture of substances worked well to improve the look of varicose veins and relieve associated symptoms. Because of the oil\'s user-friendly, safe, and effective formulation, it presents a good alternative to more intrusive varicose vein treatments. To properly evaluate the oil\'s long-term effects and any adverse effects, more research with bigger sample numbers and longer duration is needed. Furthermore, research that draw comparisons with currently available treatments can shed additional light on the herbal oil\'s effectiveness and affordability. Sustained quality and efficacy in practical applications will be ensured by routine formulation monitoring and improvement.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2024 Sayali Sunil Shinde, Prof Shweta R. Agrawal, Mayur P. Narode, Dr. Rajendra M. Kawade. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.