Formulation and Efficacy of Neem, Turmeric, and Onion Extracts for Hyperpigmentation Treatment

Abstract

Herbal ingredients have been utilized for centuries in traditional medicine across various cultures due to their healing, therapeutic, and cosmetic benefits. Turmeric is a rhizomatous perennial herb having primary and secondary rhizomes that can be present in different forms, from spherical to slightly conical, hemispherical, and cylindrical. Azadirachta indica L., (Fam. Meliaceae) also known as ‘Neem’, is commonly found in Indian sub-continents and most of the African countries as they can easily be grown in tropical and sub-tropical forests. A. cepa is a biennial plant with adventitious and fibrous roots and 3–8, distichous, glaucous leaves. Hyperpigmentation is a condition where certain areas of the skin develop darker patches due to an overproduction of melanin. Nanogels are nanoscale-sized, gel-based carriers that are used to deliver active ingredients more effectively to targeted areas of the skin. The present study aimed to formulate a polyherbal nanogel formulation, combining the potent properties of onion (Allium cepa), neem (Azadirachta indica), and turmeric (Curcuma longa), can provide a highly effective solution for reducing hyperpigmentation. The transverse section of A. indica showed presence of cortex and vascular bundles. Powder characteristic study showed presence of stone cells, stomatal cells, trichomes and calcium oxalate crystals. Microscopic analysis of the powder (C. longa) revealed the presence of fibres, simple starch grains mostly oval and a few rounds were abundantly found. Spiral vessels were also observed. Cells with oleo resin were also found. The optimized nanogel was shown release of more than 90 % (93.498 %) of drug in 12 hr. From skin permeation study using goat ear pinna, it was found that the optimized formulation of nanogel can pass through the skin and had a 47.178mg±0.05 of drug release showing sustained manner in 24 hrs.