Formulation and Evaluation of Herbal Cream Using Aegle Marmelos Essential Oil

This study aimed to formulate and evaluate an herbal cream utilizing the essential oil extracted from Aegle marmelos (bael) leaves. Aegle marmelos is a medicinally significant plant with a rich history in traditional medicine, known for its diverse pharmacological activities, including antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties attributed to its phytochemical constituents like citral. The essential oil was extracted from fresh Aegle marmelos leaves via steam distillation using a Clevenger apparatus. An oil-in-water (o/w) emulsion-based herbal cream was formulated incorporating the extracted essential oil as the active ingredient, along with other natural excipients such as beeswax, coconut oil, aloe vera gel, and glycerine. The formulated cream was evaluated for various physicochemical parameters, including physical appearance (colour, odour, texture), wash ability, pH, spread ability, homogeneity, greasiness, and phase separation. An initial irritancy test was also performed to assess skin compatibility. The results of the evaluation indicated that the formulated herbal cream exhibited desirable physical properties, was easily washable, had a skin-friendly pH, and demonstrated good spread ability and homogeneity. The cream showed no signs of phase separation upon preliminary observation. The irritancy test revealed no immediate adverse reactions on the skin. This study provides a preliminary basis for the potential topical application of Aegle marmelos essential oil in a cream formulation, warranting further investigation into its efficacy and stability for specific dermatological applications