Development and evaluation of Palasha (Butea monosperma lam.) twak ointment: A herbal remedy

Palasha, botanically identified as Butea monosperma Lam., belongs to the Fabaceae family and is commonly known as the "Flame of the Forest." It exhibits a range of therapeutic properties such as wound healing, diuretic, anthelmentic, anti-hemorrhoidal, and anti-inflammatory. Despite its varied uses globally, the procurement and preparation of Palasha twak avachurnana (dusting powder) remains a challenge. This study aimed to develop an effective Palasha (Butea monosperma Lam.) twak extract ointment. Palasha twak was authenticated and its physicochemical analysis was carried out at Central Research Facility, AYUSH Department approved, Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani Drug Testing Laboratory, Shri B M Kankanawadi Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya, Shahapur, Belagavi. Hydro-alcoholic extraction was carried out using a Soxhlet apparatus with 70:30 ethanol-water ratio, yielding 40 grams of extract from 150 kg of Palasha Twak powder., 0.5 gm and 1 gm of extract were mixed with 10 gm of ointment base to prepare 5% w/w and 10% w/w formulations. 10% w/w ointment was selected based on its physical characteristics. Results showed that the ointment had a dark brown color, a slightly astringent odour and a pH value of 6.40. The ash value was 8.316%, with no microbial load detected. The study concludes that developing ointments from herbal extracts like Palasha twak offers significant therapeutic and cosmetic benefits while being a cost-effective and environmentally friendly option for skincare.