Development of Neem Oil and Virgin Coconut Oil Based Cream Formulations with Methanolic Extract of Leucas zeylanica and Ophiorrhiza mungos leaves

Abstract

Abstract: Ultraviolet radiations (UV) cause numerous skin diseases when exposed in excess. Ophiorrhiza mungos (OM) and Leucas zeylanica (LZ) have identified as plants with high Sun Protection Factor (SPF) values. Neem oil and Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) are natural oils that have been used in Ayurvedic medicine for several indications. The objective of the study was to evaluate the SPF activity and carry out stability studies in Neem oil and VCO based cream formulations consisted with methanolic extracts of OM and LZ. The Methanolic extracts were incorporated in to selected ratios of VCO and Neem oil bases. Samples were subjected to secondary homogenization. Most stable ratios of the emulsions were identified as 33% VCO: 35% water: 32% T80, and 29% Neem oil: 42% water: 29% T80. Cream formulations were prepared based on above identified ratios. All creams were thermodynamically and kinetically stable more than 120 days at room temperature (28± 2 0C). The SPF values of creams were above 30 and they showed higher SPF values compared to the pure leaf extracts of OM and LZ. Neem oil based creams had the highest SPF values which is greater than 38. The creams were o/w type and in the acceptable pH range for topical application. Due to the consistency of the creams, they could retain on the skin for longer period. All creams composed with other standard sunscreen characteristics which increase the market value of the product.