FORMULATION & EVALUATION OF HERBAL ANTI-ACNE GEL

SUBMITTED BY
HANS RAJ
Reg. No. - 2117927

Synopsis submitted to the

PUNJAB TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY KAPURTHALA

In the fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the degree of
BACHELOR OF PHARMACY
UNDER THE GUIDANCE OF

MRS. SATVIR KAUR

(ASSISTANT PROFESSOR)

AT

V.M.S. COLLEGE OF PHARMACY , BATALA

PUNJAB
 CERTIFICATE BY THE SUPERVISIOR

This is to certify that the Project entitled “Formulation and Evaluation of Herbal
Anti-acne Gel” is a bonafide record of work carried out by HANS RAJ as student
of Bachelor of Pharmacy under our guidance and supervision. This project is
submitted in the partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of the Degree
of Bachelor of Pharmacy in VMS College of Pharmacy from the I.K. Gujral
Punjab Technical University, Punjab (India).

…………………………
Mrs. Satvir Kaur
(Associate professor)
VMS COLLEGE OF PHARMACY, BATALA

Date……………..
Place…………….
 CERTIFICATE BY THE PRINCIPAL OF THE INSTITUTE

This is to certify that the Project entitled “Formulation and Evaluation of Herbal
Anti-acne Gel” is a bonafide record of work carried out by HANS RAJ as student
of Bachelor of Pharmacy under our guidance and [Link] project is
submitted in the partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of the Degree
of Bachelor of Pharmacy in VMS College of Pharmacy from the I.K. Gujral
Punjab Technical University, Punjab (India).

……………………………
Dr. (Prof.)Meenakshi Ratra
[Link]
(Principal)
V.M.S. College of Pharmacy, Batala

Date…………
Place…………
 DECLARATION BY THE CANDIDATE

This is to certify that the Project entitled “Formulation and Evaluation of Herbal
Anti-acne Gel” is a bonafide record of work carried out by HANS RAJ as student
of Bachelor of Pharmacy under our guidance and [Link] project is
submitted in the partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of the Degree
of Bachelor of Pharmacy in VMS College of Pharmacy from the I.K. Gujral
Punjab Technical University, Punjab (India).

…………………………..
HANS RAJ
Reg. No. - 2117927

Date………………
Place……………..
 TABLE OF CONTENT

CONTENT PAGE NO.

INTRODUCTION 1–9

AIM AND OBJECTIVES 10

REVIEW OF LITERATURE 11 – 12

PLAN OF WORK 13 – 15

REFERENCES 16
 Formulation and evaluation of Herbal Anti Acne Gel

INTRODUCTION

SKIN

The skin is a vital organ that covers the entire outside of the body, forming a protective
barrier against pathogens and injuries from the environment. The skin is the body's largest organ;
covering the entire outside of the body, it is about 2 mm thick and weighs approximately six
pounds. It shields the body against heat, light, injury, and infection. The skin also helps regulate
body temperature, gathers sensory information from the environment, stores water, fat, and
vitamin D, and plays a role in the immune system protecting us from disease.[1]

FIGURE NO.1 LAYERS OF SKIN

Epidermis

➢ The epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin, and protects the body from the environment.
The thickness of the epidermis varies in different types of skin; it is only .05 mm thick on the

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 Formulation and evaluation of Herbal Anti Acne Gel

eyelids, and is 1.5 mm thick on the palms and the soles of the feet. The epidermis contains the
melanocytes (the cells in which melanoma develops), the Langerhans' cells (involved in
the immune system in the skin), Merkel cells and sensory nerves.[2]

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The Dermis

➢ The dermis is located beneath the epidermis and is the thickest of the three layers of the skin
(1.5 to 4 mm thick), making up approximately 90 percent of the thickness of the skin. The main
functions of the dermis are to regulate temperature and to supply the epidermis
with nutrient-saturated blood. Much of the body's water supply is stored within the dermis.

The Subcutis

➢ The subcutis is the innermost layer of the skin, and consists of a network of fat and collagen
cells. The subcutis is also known as the hypodermis or subcutaneous layer, and functions as
both an insulator, conserving the body's heat, and as a shock-absorber, protecting the inner
organs. It also stores fat as an energy reserve for the body. The blood vessels, nerves, lymph
vessels, and hair follicles also cross through this layer. The thickness of the subcutis layer
varies throughout the body and from person to person.[3]

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ACNE
Acne is basically the involvement of sebaceous gland which comprised pustules and papules means
solid lesions occur on the skin or puss occurs on the skin. Ayurveda approaches acne from
symptomatic and causative levels to remove symptoms, herbal and herbal preparations can be used.
Simultaneously, the excess pitta and toxins inside the body should be reduced. Herbal formulation
shares growing demand in the world market. It is very good attempt to establish the herbal face
wash containing aqueous extracts of neem leaves, turmeric rhizomes, Aloevera, and green tea.
Most teenagers will have pimples at some point some only have a few small pimples that soon go
away. Others develop persistent and clearly visible acne. This can be very distressing, particularly
in puberty. However, there are a number of things that can be done about acne. Although patience
is needed, this is about acne in teenagers and younger known as "Common acne" or "Acne
vulgaris."[6]

DEFINITION

Acne is also called as "Acne vulgaris" in medical terminology." Acne is basically the involvement
of sebaceous gland which comprised pustules and papules means solid lesions occur on the skin or
puss occurs on the skin. Normally, this sebaceous gland protects and moistures the skin and is very
important for the skin. However, due to certain changes such as extreme dirt, dust, or germs
infections, it harms the skin.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF ACNE

Acne vulgaris

➢ It is the medical name for common acne. The presence of blackheads, whiteheads, and other
types of pimples on the skin. The most common spots for breakouts are the face, chest,
shoulders, and back. Although mild acne may improve with over-the-counter treatment, more
severe forms should be treated.

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Comedones

➢ A comedones, or basic acne lesions, is a hair follicle that has become clogged with oil and dead
skin cells, comedones can develop into bumps called "comedogenic." "Makeup labeled"
"non-comedogenic" is less likely to clog pores and contribute to acne. Papules
➢ These are comedones that become inflamed, forming, small red or pink bumps on the skin.

➢ This type of pimples may be sensitive to the touch. Picking or squeezing can make the
inflammation worse and may lead to scarring. A large number of papules may indicate moderate
to severe acne.

Whiteheads

➢ Comedones that stay closed at the surface of the skin are called whiteheads. This happens when
oil and skin cells prevent a clogged hair follicle from opening.
➢ Many of the same over-the-counter medicines that blackheads are also effective against
whiteheads.

Blackheads

➢ These are comedones that are open at the surface of the skin. They are filled with excess oil and
dead skin cells. It is not dirt that causes the comedones to turn black. The blackheads result from
the irregular reflection of light coming from clogged hair follicle. Blackheads can frequently be
treated with over-the-counter medication.[7]

CAUSES OF ACNE
Infectious contribution

➢ Microorganisms such as Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus aureus are one of the
causative agents for acne. They have ability to adapt the abnormal oil production, inflammation,
and inadequate sloughing of acne pores. A parasites mite, Demodex, has been shown to be
associated with the development of acne.
Dietary involvement

➢ Acne vulgaris is seen to be associated with foods with having high glycemic index such as milk,

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salt, and chocolates. Studies have also shown the relation of obesity with acne.

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Genetic contribution

➢ In some peoples, the cause of acne could be genetic rate of acne which is seen among first
degree relatives and in twins' studies as well. The genes, which attributed to acne, are
polymorphisms in IL-1alpha, TNF-alpha, and CYP1A1.

Hormonal changes

➢ Puberty menstrual cycles cause hormonal changes that contribute acne vulgaris. Androgen is
the sex hormones that increases during puberty and pregnancy causes the more sebum
production in follicular glands. Anabolic steroids can also lead to the development of acne
vulgaris in adult women.[8]

Treatment for acne

➢ In modern science, the treatment of acne includes topical, systemic, and hormonal therapy. For
decades, the drugs have been used for the treatment of acne and still a good choice for the
allopathic treatment of acne. However, due to the number of side effects, these medicines are
need to be replaced by herbal drugs.
➢ The negligible adverse effects of herbal drugs compared with modern medicines have become

➢ another important aspect in the treatment of condition. Acne can be cured by herbal ‹ consuming
internally and externally or with both. Topical treatment is preferable choice of consumers as
ease of application, safe, and efficacious for their efficacy in the treatment of acne but still many
herbs are remained untouched by the scientist. The review focuses the benefits of herbal
medicines for the treatment of acne.

VARIOUS SYSTEMS AN ROLE OF PLANTS IN THE TREATMENT OF ACNE

Ayurvedic perspective : According to Ayurveda, acne is generally excess of pitta.

Therefore, Ayurveda approaches acne from symptomatic and causative levels to remove
symptoms, herbal and herbal preparations can be used. Simultaneously, the excess pitta and toxins
inside the body should be reduced .
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Some herbs used in the treatment of acne :-

Neem:-

Family: Meliaceace

Species: Azadirachta
Scientific name: Azadirachta indica
Common name. Neem, Nimtree, Margosa

FIGURE [Link]

The leaves are alternate, petiolated, clustered at the end of branches, unequally pinnate, glabrous
and dark glossy green at maturity, 20-40 cm in length and bearing 10-20 leaflets. The leaflets are
510 cm long 1.2-4 cm broad, sickle shaped, and slightly denticulate.
Neem is a fast-growing tree of the mahogany family (Meliaceae) valued as a medicinal plant.
Neem is likely native to the Indian subcontinent and to dry areas throughout South Asia." It has
been introduced to parts of Africa. The plant has long been used in Ayurvedic and folk medicine
and id used in cosmetics and in organic farming applications.[9]

Uses

➢ Nearly all parts of the neem tree are useful, and many of its medicinal and cosmetic uses are
based on its antibacterial and antifungal properties.
➢ Neem is commonly used in shampoos for treating dandruff and in soaps or creams for skin
conditions such as acne.
➢ This can lead breakouts and oily skin.

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➢ The antibacterial properties of neem have a plosive impact on any pimples or

black/whiteheads.

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➢ The harmful effects of bacteria that cause these breakouts are nullified by the anti-
inflammatory properties of neem.
➢ It is also a component in some tooth pastes and mouth washes, especially in the Indian
subcontinent, and young twigs are used directly as crude tooth brushes in rural areas. Neem
leaves have long been used as a traditional treatment for diabetes and there is some clinical
evidence, suggesting that it may help control blood sugar levels.

Turmeric:-
Family: Zingiberaceae
Species: C. longa

Scientific name: Curcuma longa

Common name: Turmeric, Saffron Indian

FIGURE NO.3. TURMERRIC

The primary rhizomes are ovate or pear-shaped, oblong or pyriform or cylindrical and often short
branched. The rhizomes are known as bulb or round. The secondary, more cylindrical, lateral
branched, tapering on both ends, rhizomes are 4-7 cm long and 1-5.5 cm wide and called as fingers.
The bulbous and finger shaped parts are separated and the long fingers are broken in to convenient
bits. They are freed from adhering dirt and fibrous roots and subjected to curing and polishing
process. The curing consists of cooking the rhizomes along with few leaves in water until they
become soft. The cooked rhizomes are cooled, dried in open air with intermittent turning over, and
rubbed on a rough surface. Color is deep yellow to orange, with root scar and encircling ridge like
ring or annulations, the latter from the scar of leaf base. Fracture is horny
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and the cut surface is waxy and resinous in appearance. Outer surface is deep yellow to brown
and longitudinally wrinkled. Taste is aromatic, pungent and bitter, odor is distinct.[10]

Uses:-

➢ In addition to being a known an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, turmeric also has

documented antimicrobial, antibacterial, and anti-neoplastic (anticancer) properties.
➢ Specifically turmeric activity ingredients the curcuminoids are able to effectively fight off the
underlaying causes of skin inflammation which may range from oil build up to bacteria on the
skins surface.
➢ Chronic acne causes skin scarring and also leaves the skin more vulnerable to damage from the
elements, the sun and also viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic invasion. Using turmeric can
help your still healing skin bolster its own defenses to resist future acne breakouts.

Aloevera:-
Family: Asphodelaceae
Species: Aloe vera
Scientific name: Aloe vera, Aloe barbadensis
Common name: True aloe, Indian Aloe

FIGURE [Link]

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Alovera is a natural product that is nowadays frequently used in the field of cosmetology.A. vera
plant has been known and used for centuries for its health, beauty, medicinal, and skin care
properties.
The name A. vera derives from the Arabic word "alloeh" meaning "shining bitter substance,"
while"vera" in Latin means "true" 2000 years ago, the Greek scientist regarded immortality. Today,
A. vera plant has been used for various purpose in dermatology. 1º)
The botanical name of A. vera is A. barbadensis miller. It belongs to Asphodelaceae (Liliaceae)
family and is a shrubby or arborescent, perennial, xerophytic, succulent, pea-green color plant. It
grows mainly in the dry regions of Africa, Asia, Europe, and America. In India, it is found in
Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu. The plant has triangular,
fleshy leaves with serrated edges, yellow tubular flowers and fruits that contain numerous seeds.
Each leaf is composed of three layers:
➢ . An inner clear gel that contains 99% water and rest is made of glucomannan, amino
acids lipids, sterols, and vitamins.
➢ The middle layers of latex which is the bitter yellow sap contains anthraquinones and
glycosides.
➢ The outer thick layer of 15-20 cells called as rind which has protective function andsynthesize
carbohydrates and proteins. Inside the rind are vascular bundles responsible for transportation of
substances such as water (xylem) and starch (phloem).

Uses:-

There's a good reason that A. vera is used for so many skin problems - it has anti-inflammatory
properties.
➢ That means that A. vera can help reduce swelling.

➢ Putting Aloe vera on a red, swollen pimple can help reduce tenderness and pain. Aloe also has
wound healing effects, so it may help open acne blemishes.
➢ If acne treatment is leaving your skin dry and irritated aloe gel, or a moisturizer containing aloe,
can be especially helpful. Your skin will be more comfortable, so you will be less likely to ditch
your acne medications.
➢ AloVera may help fade post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation's, those dark aulle marks left
after pimples have healed. This is due to a constituent in A. vera called Aloin.[11]

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 Formulation and evaluation of Herbal Anti Acne Gel

Aim: - Formulation and evaluation of Herbal Anti Acne Gel

Aim: - Formulation and evaluation of herbal antiacne gel.

Objectives: -
➢ To promote acne free and glowing skin.
➢ To reduce the side effects caused by synthetic gel
➢ To produce an effective herbal gel with broad spectrum of action against
various microorganisms.

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REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Pravin G. Kukudkar.,et al.2024

“Acne” is a Greek word of acne which means “Prime of life.” Acne is also called as acne vulgaris.
It is caused due to aerobic bacterium “Propionibacterium acne.’’ Tea Tree is known as aromatic
medicinal herb since ancient time. Tea tree oil has several benefits and is consider one of the most
effective in acne treatment and Lavender is also used to reduce acne and kill bacteria. Lavender
preparation can be used as adjunct for treatment of acne and inflammation in the skin. The
terpinene-4-ol contained in tea tree oil has broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. Lavender oil
contains linalool which also has antibacterial properties. So, they can be used for acne treatment.
Herbal Antiacne gel are semisolid preparation was prepared by stirring method by using carbopol
940 as a gel base. The effectiveness of these product depends on the active ingredients. Herbal
actiacne gel formulation showed satisfactory physical properties with smooth texture, good
consistency, and can easily spread on infected part. It is concluded that Tea tree and Lavender has
potential to developed a Gel for Acne. The zone of inhibition is seen on Streak plate method and
the reading is compared with the standard. also anti-inflammatory activity are shows. The
evaluation is done on the formulation. These studies suggest that composition of extract and base
of Anti acne gel of F2 and F3 are more stable and safer and it may produce synergistic action.[12]

Daila Ardiswina Pondini., et al. 2023

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is one of the spices that have been used traditionally in medicine and
beauty in various cultures for centuries. The utilization of turmeric rhizome as a cosmetic
component lotion or cream is believed to be able to enhance the efficacy of these cosmetics. This
study aimed to describe the potential of turmeric rhizome extract in cosmetic preparations and
lotion. The literature search process was carried out on various databases (PubMed, Web of
Sciences, EMBASE, Cochrane Libraries,and Google Scholar) regarding the potential of turmeric
in cosmetics. Thesearch was performed using the terms: "turmeric" or"Curcuma longa" or
"Curcuma domestica" or" turmeric in cosmetic". A powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory,
which can help fight signs of aging on the skin. The active compounds of curcumin in turmeric are
anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial,and powerful antioxidants. The combination of these properties
makes it an attractive choice for use in cosmetics a cream specifically designed for wound healing
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 Formulation and evaluation of Herbal Anti Acne Gel

on the skin. Studies have shown that curcumin in turmeric can reduce sebum production by the
sebaceous glands, reducing the likelihood of acne formation. In conclusion, turmeric rhizome
extract has the potential to antiaging, wound healing, and anti-acne in cosmetics in the form of
cream or lotion.[13]

2) Chandrasekar.R., et al.2020
Acne a common skin disease in adolescence is a bacterial skin disorder found in many teenagers.
Herbal remedies are used in ancient system of medicine they have natural healing properties, they
are used in various acute and chronic skin diseases, which include eczema, contact dermatitis,
psoriasis, leprosy, and other major skin [Link] present

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 Formulation and evaluation of Herbal Anti Acne Gel

research was undertaken to formulate a herbal gel containing Aloevera and turmeric
[Link] and turmeric both these plants possess potential anti-inflammatory
immunomodulatory and anti acne properties. Aloevera and turmeric contain antioxidants,
scavenging of free radicals. Aloevera leaf was washed with water the gel was separated and
collected from the leaf and stored in refrigerator for further studies. Turmeric (curcuma longa) was
washed and dried in room temperature and size reduced to fine powder and stored in plastic
container in desiccator for further studies. Gels were prepared with gelling agents and with
incorporation of excipients and ingredients containing plant extracts.[14]

K.A hammer.,et al.2015

Over-the-counter acne treatments containing tea tree oil from the plant Melaleuca alternifolia are
widely available, and evidence indicates that they are a common choice amongst those self-
treating their acne. The aims of this review were to collate and evaluate the clinical evidence on
the use of tea tree oil products for treating acne, to review safety and tolerability and to discuss
the underlying modes of therapeutic action.[15]

[Link]., et al. 2013

Herbal formulations have growing demand in the world market. The present work deals with the
development and evaluation of the herbal Anti-Acne gel containing hydroalcoholic extract of
Neem leaves (Azadirachta indica) and the fruits of Nutmeg (Myristica fragrance). The plants
have been reported in the literature having good antimicrobial, anti-oxidant and anti-
inflammatory activity. Various formulation batches i.e., F1 to F15 were prepared and evaluated
for various parameters like colour, appearance, consistency, washability, pH, spreadability and
antimicrobial activity.. Optimized formulation was compared with the marketed preparation.
Amongst all the formulation studied batch F4 was found optimum for all the parameters. It is a
very good attempt to establish the herbal gel containing hydro-alcoholic extract of neem leaves
(Azadirachta indica) and fruits of nutmeg (Myristica fragrance).[16]

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Plan of Work

STEP-1
Extraction process
Neem extracts:-
➢ The dried powdered plant leaves of A. indica extracted with ethanol using Soxhlet method.
➢ After extraction, the collected ethanolic extract was subjected to distillation to obtain the pure
drug of extract.
➢ Finally, place the neem powder in an airtight.[17]

Turmeric extract:-
➢ The dried powdered roots of C. longa were extracted with ethanol using Soxhlet extraction
method.
➢ After exhaustive extraction, the collected ethanolic extract was subjected to distillation to obtain
the pure drug of extract.

Aloe vera extract:-

➢ Use a sharp knife to cut the base off the leafs at a slight angle.
Drain the aloe from the leafs.
➢ Remove serrated edges.
➢ Remove the top outer layer.
➢ Harvest aloe gel & store.[18]

METHOD OF PREPARATION OF GEL

➢ One gram of Carbopol 940 was dispersed in 50 ml of distilled water kept the beaker a side to
swell the Carbopol 940 to form gel.
➢ Take 5 ml of distilled water and required quantity of methylparaben and propylparaben were
dissolved by heating on water bath solution was cooled and propylene glycol 400 and sodium
lauryl sulfate added.
➢ Further required quantity of extract was mixed to the above
➢ Add this solution into the Carbopol 940 gel with continuous stirring.
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Add triethanolamine was added dropwise to the formulation for adjustment of required skin pH and
to obtain the gel at required consistency.
[19]

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FORMULATION
➢ Gel was prepared by addition of 1 g and 2 g of extract to prepared 1% and 2% formulation,
respectively.

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Evaluation parameters
[Link]
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REFERENCE

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