Formulation and Evaluation of Novel Herbal Gel of Root Extract of Rubia Cordifolia

The present research has been undertaken with the aim to formulate and evaluate the low cost herbal gel containing Rubia cordifolia root extract. The gel formulation was designed by using ethanolic extract of Rubia cordifolia root in varied concentrations (750 mg, 1000 mg&1250 mg) and evaluated using physiological measurements. The gel was prepared by using various polymer bases (HPMC K4, HPMC K15, and Carbopol 934). Among them Carbopol 934 has given better gel formation. The gel was prepared by using Carbopol 934, Rubia cordifolia root extract, Propylene glycol 400, Methyl paraben, Propyl paraben and required amount of distilled water. Then skin pH (6.8-7) was maintained by drop wise addition of triethanolamine. The physiochemical parameters of formulations (pH, viscosity, spreadability etc.) were determined. Stability studies have carried out as per ICH guidelines for 3 months at different temperatures and humidity. The results showed that formulation containing 750 mg Rubia cordifolia root extract have better stability than other formulation. Further all formulations have studied for skin irritation on animal model (Rabbit) and result showed that there was no skin irritation to animals.