Formulation and Evaluation of Unani Anti-acne Cream

Abstract

In unani system of medicine (USM) many herbal drugs have been mentioned to be useful in the treatment of various skin diseases, which are considered safe and free from major side effects. Most of the formulations for topical application are in powder form and patients feel inconvenience in using traditional dosage forms in comparison to modern dosage forms. Therefore in the present study a formula (in powder form) for acne was selected to convert it into cream form. Cream was prepared using the extracts of Darchini, Husune Yusuf and Tukhm Khashkhash and then evaluated for their physicochemical parameters like organoleptic characters, pH, water content, total fatty substance, determination of residue, thermal stability, spreadability and specific gravity. Stability study of three months was also carried out at three different temperatures (4, 25 and 40°C). The data evolved from this study reveals that cream made from the classical nuskha of acne was found to be stable for the storage period of 3 months except the sample at 40°C. Further clinical study is required to establish its safety and efficacy.