Acne vulgaris is one of the most common chronic inflammatory skin disorders affecting adolescents and adults worldwide. The condition is characterized by increased sebum production, follicular hyperkeratinization, microbial colonization, and inflammatory reactions within the pilosebaceous unit. The present study aimed to formulate and evaluate a polyherbal anti-acne cream containing extracts of Glycyrrhiza glabra (Yashtimadhu), Azadirachta indica (Neem), Curcuma longa (Turmeric), and Chamomile. The selected medicinal plants possess antimicrobial, antiinflammatory, antioxidant, wound-healing, and skin-protective activities that are beneficial in acne management. The plant materials were collected, authenticated, dried, powdered, and extracted using a hydroalcoholic solvent system. The extracts were incorporated into an oil-in-water cream base containing suitable excipients. The prepared formulation was evaluated for physicochemical parameters including appearance, homogeneity, pH, spreadability, viscosity, washability, irritation potential, and stability. The results demonstrated that the prepared cream possessed acceptable cosmetic properties with good consistency, satisfactory spreadability, suitable pH, and excellent stability. The synergistic action of flavonoids, curcuminoids, glycyrrhizin, terpenoids, and other phytoconstituents may contribute significantly to the anti-acne activity of the formulation. The developed polyherbal anti-acne cream can therefore be considered a safe and effective herbal cosmetic preparation for acne management and skin care applications.
Sonawane et al. (Sun,) studied this question.