FORMULATION, DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION OF ANTI-OXIDANT ACTIVITY OF HERBAL OINTMENT WITH COMMIPHORA MUKUL BARK EXTRACT

Herbal medicine has played a crucial role in healthcare systems across various cultures for centuries, offering natural alternatives to synthetic drugs. With the increasing awareness of the side effects associated with synthetic formulations, there is a growing interest in herbal-based treatments. Commiphora mukul (Guggul), a medicinal plant used extensively in Ayurveda, has been recognized for its potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and wound-healing properties. The present study focuses on the formulation and evaluation of a herbal ointment incorporating Commiphora mukul bark extract, aimed at assessing its potential for wound healing and skin protection.The extract was obtained through Soxhlet and maceration methods using ethanol, methanol, and chloroform as solvents. Phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, tannins, glycosides, and alkaloids, which contribute to its therapeutic properties. The antioxidant potential of the extract was evaluated using the DPPH free radical scavenging assay, which demonstrated significant radical inhibition, confirming its efficacy as a natural antioxidant. A herbal ointment was formulated using Jathyadi Thailam and petroleum jelly as the base, incorporating Commiphora mukul extract in 5% and 10% concentrations. The physicochemical properties of the ointment, including pH, spreadability, viscosity, and stability, were evaluated according to standard protocols. Results indicated that the formulated ointment exhibited excellent homogeneity, spreadability, and stability over months. The pH was within an acceptable range (5.6-6.2), ensuring compatibility with human skin. The findings suggest that the Commiphora mukul-based ointment possesses significant antioxidant potential and favorable physicochemical properties, making it a promising candidate for skin care and wound healing applications. This study highlights the importance of integrating traditional medicinal plants into modern pharmaceutical formulations, promoting the use of natural alternatives for skin-related ailments. Further in vivo studies and clinical trials are recommended to validate the therapeutic efficacy of the formulated herbal ointment Keywords: Commiphora mukul, Herbal Ointment, Antioxidant Activity, Phytochemical Screening, DPPH Assay, Wound Healing, Ayurveda, Natural Medicine.