Formulation and Evaluation of Multipurpose Herbal Cream by Hibiscus Rosa Sinensis Flower

Hibiscus is a genus of flowering plants in the family Malvaceae, comprising over 300 species that are native to warm temperate, subtropical, and tropical regions around the globe. These plants are widely recognized for their large, colourful, and showy flowers, which have made them popular in both natural landscapes and cultivated gardens. Commonly referred to as "hibiscus," some species are also known by the name rose mallow. Modern pharmacological research has further validated the health benefits of hibiscus, highlighting its antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, and antimicrobial properties. The genus includes a wide variety of growth forms, ranging from annual and perennial herbaceous plants to woody shrubs and small trees. This botanical diversity allows hibiscus species to thrive in a broad spectrum of environmental conditions. Among the most widely cultivated ornamental species are Hibiscus syriacus and Hibiscus rosa- sinensis, both celebrated for their striking blooms and ease of cultivation. Beyond their ornamental value, many hibiscus species possess significant ethnobotanica and medicinal relevance. In traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda, Unani, and Traditional Chinese medicine hibiscus has been used to treat ailments ranging from digestive disorders and respiratory conditions to skin diseases and menstrual irregularities. The flowers, leaves, and calyces are rich in bioactive compounds including flavonoids, anthocyanins, tannins, and organic acids, which contribute to their therapeutic potential.

Fig. no 1. Plant of Hibiscus rosa

1.2 Disease: -

• Anti-fungal
• Anti-inflammatory
• Wound healing

1.2.1. Anti-Fungal:

Antifungal activity refers to the capacity of a substance—whether a drug, natural extract, or nanoparticle to inhibit the growth or destroy fungal pathogens. This activity is essential for treating both superficial infections (like athlete's foot) and life-threatening systemic diseases such as candidiasis.

Fig. no 2. Fungal infection

1.2.2 Anti-inflammatory:

Anti-inflammatory substances work by reducing the body's inflammatory response specifically swelling, redness, and pain often by blocking chemical mediators like prostaglandins.

Fig. no.03. Inflammation

1.3 plant Profile:

1.3.1. Hibiscus rosa:

• Common Name     : Shoe Black Plant, Rose Mallow, China Rose.
• Kingdom   : Plantae
• Division     : Magnoliophyta
• Class         : Magnliopsida
• Order        : Malvales
• Family       : Malvaceae
• Genus        : Hibiscus
• Species      : Rosa-Sinensis

Fig. no.04 Flower of Hibiscus rosa

Hibiscus Rosa Sinensis is a traditional medicinal plant popularly known as Chinese hibiscus, China rose & shoeblack plant. The hibiscus is an evergreen shrub or small tree to a height of 1.2-3 meters (4-10 feet) & width of 1.5-2.4 m (5-8 feet) Hibiscus Rosa Sinensis is the national flower of Malaysia. Leaves are ovate, simple & 8 to 10.5 cm long. They are spirally arranged around a long stalk. The flowers are bisexual, large & showy, grow up to 25 cm wide stalked & arising singly from the upper leaf axiles. The five free petals joined at the base may be white, yellow or red. Fruit (very rarely formed) is a capsule about 3cm long. Hibiscus Rosa Sinensis is a traditional medicinal plant whose parts have possess various pharmacologically beneficial effects. Different parts of plants in various traditional systems like siddha, Unani, ayurveda, are claimed to possess anti-diabetic, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, oral contraceptive, laxative, antioxidant, and  other activities.

Fig. no.05 Magnified Image

1.4 Pharmacological Activity:

• Antioxidant:

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis is rich in antioxidants, which help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body, potentially protecting against cell damage and various diseases.

• Anti-inflammatory:

The plant has shown anti-inflammatory effects, which can be beneficial in managing inflammatory conditions and related diseases.

• Antimicrobial:

Hibiscus extracts, particularly from the leaves and flowers, exhibit antimicrobial activity against both bacteria and fungi, suggesting potential applications in fighting infections.

• Hair Growth Promotion:

The plant is traditionally used to promote hair growth and prevent hair loss, with some studies supporting its effectiveness when combined with other herbs like amla and Brahmi.

• Other Activities:

The plant also shows potential in areas like antifertility, antifungal, and gastroprotective activities.

Fig. no. 06 Hibiscus rosa

MATERIALS AND METHODS

3.1. MATERIALS:

• Glycerine

Glycerine acts as a humectant, which helps to retain moisture in the skin. It keeps the skin soft, smooth, and hydrated, and also improves the consistency of the cream.

Aloe vera

Aloe vera works as a natural soothing and healing agent. It provides cooling effect, reduces irritation, and promotes skin hydration and repair.

Rose Water

Rose water acts as a natural solvent and mild preservative. It helps in dissolving active constituents, gives a pleasant fragrance, and maintains the pH of the cream.

Beeswax

BeesWax acts as a natural thickening agent in the cream. It helps in improving consistency and texture, making the cream smooth and stable. It also functions as an emulsifying agent, helping oil and water phases to mix properly.

3.2 Method of Preparation:

3.2.1. Process Of Extraction

Extraction refers to the process of separating desired components (active ingredients) from plant or animal tissues using a suitable solvent. This involves isolating medicinally active portions from inert or inactive material.

• Key methods include:
• maceration,
• percolation,
• Soxhlet extraction
• Decoction
• Infusion
• Supercritical Fluid Extraction

Each utilizing different principles and techniques to achieve efficient extraction.

3.2.2. Maceration:

Involves soaking the powdered drug in a solvent for a specific time, allowing the soluble constituents to dissolve.

3.2.3 Percolation:

A continuous process where a solvent (menstruum) slowly passes through the powdered drug, extracting the active components layer by layer.

3.2.4. Soxhlet Extraction:

A continuous, hot extraction method using a Soxhlet apparatus, where the solvent is repeatedly vaporized, condensed, and dripped over the powdered drug to extract soluble components, according to Canaan.

3.2.5. Decoction:

Boiling the drug material in water for a specific time, suitable for extracting water-soluble, heat-stable components

Fig. no.07 Process of extraction

• Maceration:

Types of maceration:

• double maceration,
• triple maceration,
• cold maceration,
• hot maceration,
• Maceration with specific solvents like acetone or ethanol.
• Process:

Preparation:

Plant material (leaves, stems, roots, etc.) is typically crushed or coarsely powdered to increase the surface area for solvent contact.

Soaking:

The prepared plant material is placed in a container and covered with the chosen solvent.

Time:

The mixture is left to soak at room temperature for a period, usually 24-48 hours or even longer, with occasional stirring or agitation.

Filtration:

After the soaking period, the mixture is filtered to separate the plant material (the marc) from the liquid extract.

3.3. Procedure :

Collection of Flowers

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Identification & Authentication

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Washing with Water

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Shade Drying (5–7 days)

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Size Reduction (Powdering)

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Selection of Solvent (Water / Ethanol)

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Ash Value Determination

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Extraction (Maceration)

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Filtration

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Concentration of Extract

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Phytochemical Screening

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Extract Ready for Cream Formulation

RESULT AND DISCUSSION:

Authentication Letter: The sample was authentified by Dr. Marahthe, HOD (botany dept.) of NES Science College, Nanded.

 4.1 Preformulation study:

4.2 Chemical Test:

Symbols:

(+) Present

(-) Absent

Fig.no. 11&12 Chemical Test