e-ISSN: 2582-5208 International Research Journal of Modernization in Engineering Technology and Science Volume:02/Issue:10/October -2020
Impact Factor- 5.354
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PHYSIO-CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF TOPICAL MEDICATION FORMULATION MADE FROM SHEA BUTTER AND METHYL SALICYLATE Raphael Eze Nnam*1, Chidubem Theresa Chukwu2, Mabel Chidimma Nwachukwu3, Nkechi Jeniffer Emerenini4, Ifeanyi S E. Nwaorgu5 *1Department
of Food Technology, Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Unwana Ebonyi State Nigeria. of Food Technology, Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Unwana Ebonyi State Nigeria.
2,3,4,5Department
ABSTRACT In the present study, the use of locally sourced Shea butter as the oil base in the formulation of analgesic (Methyl salicylate) creams to be used as topical medication was investigated. Methyl salicylate (the active ingredient), Bees wax, water and Shea butter obtained from local sources and refined were used separately on two different types on emulsifying agents namely cetrimide and polysorbate 80, to formulate three different cream formulation. These formulations were labeled Y1, Y2 and Y3. Y1 contend Shea butter, Methyle salicylate, cetrimide, bee wax and water; Y2 contend Shea butter, Methyle salicylate, polysorbate 80, bee wax and water while Y3 as the standard control contains hydrous wool fat, Methyle salicylate, cetrimide, bee wax and water. The physiochemical properties of each formulation were evaluated to determine the PH, viscosity, spreadability, washability, rate of penetration through the rat skin, odour, homogeneity and colour. The results obtained showed different levels of acidity for each of the formulations. From the result obtained, the pH value for each of the formulation was 4.95, 6.01 and 5.33 for Y1, Y2 and Y3 respectively. This pH value falls within the range for human skin. It was also observed that the formulations with Shea butter as the oil base dissolved the methyl salicylate that served as the active ingredient more. They also had higher penetration rate compared to when the hydrous wool fat cream was used on the rat skin. Y1 and Y2 are better than the control in terms of homogeneity, spreadibility and viscosity while the control Y3 was the easiest to be washed-out among the three formulations. Keywords: Methyl salicylate, Shea butter, Anagelsic cream, Skin pH, Topical medication.
I.
INTRODUCTION
Topical applications from the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries like creams and lotions are so rampant that visiting any cosmetic or pharmaceutical shop, one is sure to come out with a handful of varieties. These varieties come along with their varied functions as they can be used as protectants, antiseptics, emollients, antipruritics, keratolytics, or as astringents (Buhse et. al., 2005). As protectants, they serve to protect the skin against moisture, air, sun rays and other external factors; As antiseptics, they help destroy and inhibit the growth of bacteria on the skin; As emollients they are used to treat dryness of the skin; As antipruritic, they help to prevent or relieve the skin of itching; As keratolytics, they are used to improve the skin’s texture as they help to remove scales and flakes; As astringents, they are used to shrink and harden the protein of the skin, protecting it and healing scars on it. It can be seen that the preparation of topical creams cuts across both the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries which are sub units within the chemical process industry. The conventional medications used on the skin surface are classified into three categories namely liquid, semisolid and solid topical medications. Liquid topical medication includes lotions, suspensions, and solutions that have low viscos emulsions. Examples of semi-solid topical dosage include collodions, foams, ointments, pastes, creams and gels while powders, patches, gauzes, tapes and sticks make up for the solid topical medication. These topical dosages vary widely according to their physical characteristics (Ueda et al. 2009; Murthy, and Shivakumar, 2010). Some centuries ago, apothecary owners in an attempt to solving stress-induced health issues, and also for cosmetic purposes, began to study the properties of various herbs, plants, and other organic matter. The knowledge from such research were used to help people soothe and treat common ailments like headaches, muscle pain, menstrual cramps, joint pain, skin diseases and a myriad of other complaints. Today, the use of natural, plant-based remedies for similar complaints has seen resurgence. People are gravitating towards products that are natural and revisiting the properties of those specific ingredients exclusive to nature.
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