Formulation and Evaluation of Herbal Cream from Leaf Extract of Muntingia Calcbura and Tridax Procumbens

Creams are semi-solid or viscous liquid emulsions, which can be either oil-in-water or water-in-oil in type. Their consistency depends on the proportion of oil and water present. Creams are commonly used for various purposes, including cosmetic applications like cleansing, beautifying, enhancing appearance, providing protection, as well as for therapeutic treatments. [1]

Classification of Cream:

A. All skin creams can be classified on different basis:

1. According to function: Example- Purification, foundation, massage etc.
2. According to characteristic properties: Example- Cold cream, vanishing cream.
3. According to nature or type of emulsion.

B. Types of creams according to function, characterization property, types of emulsion Make up creams: Foundation cream

1. Vanishing cream
2. Cleansing lotion,
3. cleansing cream (w/o emulsion)
4. Winter cream (w/o emulsion): Cold cream, Moisturizing cream
5. All-purpose cream or general creams
6. Night cream or Massage cream
7. Skin protective cream
8. Hand and Body cream [5]

 Advantages of Cream:

• Negations of First-pass metabolism
• Accessible and easy to apply.
• It does not show any side effects on other body organs.
• Avoid changes of medicine situation on inter and intra patent variations

 Disadvantages of Cream:

• Skin irritation and some medicines show low penetration through skin.
• Possibilities of allergic reaction. Small plasma immersion.
• Larger particle size medicine is showing the poor effect [6]

The skin, the body’s largest organ, accounts for approximately 15% of an adult’s total body weight. It plays a crucial role in protecting the body from physical, chemical, and microbial assaults, preventing excessive water loss, and aiding in thermoregulation. Structurally, the skin is made up of three primary layers: the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue The epidermis primarily consists of keratinocytes, which produce keratin, a fibrous protein responsible for the skin’s protective function. Beneath it lies the dermis, which is rich in collagen fibers, providing strength and elasticity. The deepest layer, the subcutaneous tissue or panniculus, is composed mainly of fat cells (lipocytes) arranged in small lobules, serving as insulation and energy storage. Skin thickness varies across the body. Thick, non-hairy skin—found on the palms and soles—lacks hair follicles and sebaceous glands and measures around 0.07–0.15 mm in epidermal thickness. In contrast, thin skin, covering most of the body, especially the eyelids, has fewer cellular layers and a more delicate structure. Skin thickness varies across the body. Thick, non-hairy skin—found on the palms and soles—lacks hair follicles and sebaceous glands and measures around 0.07–0.15 mm in epidermal thickness. In contrast, thin skin, covering most of the body, especially the eyelids, has fewer cellular layers and a more delicate structure. [2]

Functions of Skin:

The skin performs several crucial physiological roles, including:

1. Thermoregulation – Maintains body temperature by sweating and regulating blood flow to the skin.
2. Protection – Acts as a barrier against mechanical injury, harmful chemicals, UV radiation, and microbial invasion.
3. Cutaneous Sensation – Contains nerve endings that detect touch, pain, temperature, and pressure.
4. Excretion and Absorption – Excretes waste products like urea and salts through sweat and can absorb certain lipid-soluble substances.
5. Synthesis of Vitamin D – Produces Vitamin D when exposed to sunlight, which is essential for calcium absorption and bone health.

Pathophysiology of Wound Healing

Wound healing is a complex, dynamic process that involves the coordination of numerous cellular and molecular events to repair tissue damage. Any disturbance, such as diabetes or aging, can lead to delayed or chronic wounds, which pose a significant health and economic burden. The skin uses a wound healing response to rapidly close injuries, typically progressing through four main phases:

1. Haemostasis:

Occurs immediately after injury. Damaged blood vessels constrict to prevent               blood loss. Platelets adhere to the subendothelial matrix and clump to form a fibrin clot within seconds. Key proteins involved: collagen, fibronectin, and von Willebrand factors.

2. Inflammation

Serves as the first line of defense against pathogens. Triggered by DAMPs (from damaged cells) and PAMPs (from microbes). Begins immediately and typically lasts 24–48 hours, sometimes

3. Proliferation

It lasts from 2 to 21 days after the initial injury. Key events: Angiogenesis – formation of new blood vessels. Collagen deposition – strengthens the wound site. Granulation tissue formation – provides a temporary matrix for new tissue growth. nding to 2 weeks. Characterized by redness, swelling, heat, and pain.

4. Dermal Remodeling (Maturation Phase)

Final phase of healing; can last weeks to months. Collagen fibers reorganize to increase tensile    strength

5. Remodeling (Maturation Phase)

The remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM) spans the entire wound healing process, beginning with the formation of the initial fibrin clot and ending months later with the development of a mature, type I collagen–rich scar. Fibroblasts play the key role in ECM remodeling. They replace the initial fibrin clot with:

• Hyaluronan
• Fibronectin
• Proteoglycans.

Over time, mature collagen fibrils are deposited, resulting in scar tissue formation with improved tensile strength.  Side Effects of Synthetic Drugs on Skin Prolonged or inappropriate use of synthetic cream. [3]