Phytochemical Screening, Characterization and Formulation and Evaluation of Herbal Gel of Matricaria chamomilla

The total ash value was found to be 6.42 % w/w indicating the considerable presence of inorganic radicals. The acid insoluble ash was found to be 1.16 %w/w. The water soluble ash value was found to be 1.6 %w/w. and the moisture content was found 2.01%. Percentage yield of all extract of leaves of Matricaria chamomilla were determined. The alcohol soluble and water soluble extractive values were found to be 7.21% w/w and 12.6% w/w respectively. It shows that water soluble extract having higher constituents as comparison to alcohol soluble extract. The moisture content of the drug was determined by the Loss on drying (LOD) method. It was found to be 2.01% w/w. Gel was prepared by cold mechanical method described by Lalit K et al, 2010. Required quantity of polymer (HPMC) was weighed and it was sprinkled slowly on surface of purified water for 2 hrs. After which it was continuously stirred by mechanical stirrer, till the polymer soaked in the water. Triethanolamine was added with continuous stirring to neutralize the gel and it maintains the pH of the gel. Then the appropriate quantity of DMSO (Dimethyl sulfoxide) was added to the gel, which behaves as the penetration enhancer, followed by the required quantity of methyl paraben as a preservative. Finally the Matricaria chamomilla extracts, Menthol, Linseed oil were added to the gel with continuous stirring till all the ingredients get dispersed in gel completely. Key words: Herbal Gel, Matricaria chamomilla, extrudabilty, spreadibility.