A report on
Practice school project
                                              Entitled
                 “Formulation and evaluation of Herbal cream for joint pain”
                           Submitted for partial fulfilment of requirement
                                     For the Award of degree of
                                      Bachelor of Pharmacy
                                                 of
                              Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune
            Guided by                                                     Prepared by
          Ms. Swati Kale                                         B. Pharm Final year (Sem VIII)
        Assistant professor                                  Roll no                 Name
    Department of Pharmaceutics                                  52             Tanmay Kamble
                                            CAYMET’S
                 SIDDHANT COLLEGE OF PHARMACY, SUDUMBRE, PUNE
1
                                           (A.Y – 2024-25)
                              DECLARATION BY STUDENT
We the undersigned solemnly declare that the report of the project work entitled “Formulation and
Evaluation of Herbal cream for joint pain” , is based our own work carried out during the course
of our study under the supervision of Ms Swati Kale, submitted to Savitribai Phule Pune University
for the award of B. Pharmacy degree. We assert that the statements made and conclusions drawn are
an outcome of the project work. We further declare that to the best of our knowledge and belief that
the project report does not contain any part of any work which has been submitted for the award of
any other degree/diploma/certificate in this University or any other University.
                 Student Name                            Roll Number                Signature
                Tanmay Kamble                                  52
2
                                  CERTIFICATE BY GUIDE
This is to certify that the report of the project submitted is the outcome of the practice school project
entitled “Formulation and Evaluation of Herbal cream for joint pain” carried out by
Mr. Tanmay Kamble (Roll No-52), carried by under my guidance and supervision for the award of
B.Pharmacy degree. I further declare that to the best of my knowledge and belief that the project
report does not contain any part of any work which has been submitted for the award of any other
degree/diploma/certificate in this University or any other University.
Date:                                        Name: Ms. Swati Kale
Place: Sudumbre                              Designation: Assistant Professor
                                             Department: Pharmaceutics
                                             Siddhant college of pharmacy, Pune
          Seal of college
3
                               CERTIFICATE BY PRINCIPAL
This is to certify that the report of the project submitted is the outcome of the practice school project
entitled “Formulation and Evaluation of Herbal cream for joint pain” submitted in the
fulfilment of the requirement of degree of B. Pharmacy carried out by Mr. Tanmay Kamble (Roll
No-52) at the Siddhant college of Pharmacy under the guidance and supervision of Ms. Swati Kale.
Date:
Place: Sudumbre
                                                                     Principal
                                                              Dr. Swati Deshmukh
                                                       Siddhant college of pharmacy Pune
Seal of College
4
                                  ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
On this solemn occasion of successful completion of my work, I have learned a lot during my project
and contain has been fortunate in getting and opportunity of working in project. I would like to
thanks Ms. Swati Kale providing necessary training facilities and guidance during entire period of
my training . My sincere thanks to Dr. Swati Deshmukh ,for their motivation and support. I would
like to thanks Non teaching staff who helped me very much and all staff without whom support and
guidance it was impossible for me to complete the project successfully.
I would like to express my love and gratitude to my beloved. Their blessings always inspire me to
work hard and to overcome all difficulties through out my life.
          Student name                         Roll no                      Signature
         Tanmay Kamble                           52
5
                  TABLE OF CONTENTS
    Sr. No.          Contents         Page no.
      1        AIM AND OBJECTIVE         8
      2          INTRODUCTION            9
      3        LITERATURE SURVEY        17
      4          METHODOLOGY            19
      5       RESULTS AND OUTCOMES      23
      6           CONCLUSION            26
      7           REFERENCES            28
6
                      LIST OF TABLES
    TABLE NO                       TITLE
       1                     Taxonomy of Ginger
       2               Chemical compounds in Ginger
       3        Organoleptic characteristics of Ginger Rhizome
       4           Preformulation studies of Ginger Extract
       5          Phytochemical screening of Ginger Extract
       6             Spectroscopic analysis of Ginger oil
       7             Formulation of Herbal Cream (O/W)
       8         Physicochemical properties of Herbal Cream
                     LIST OF FIGURES
    FIGURE NO                        TITLE
        1                 Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
        2            Botanical characteristics of Ginger plant
        3               Chemical constituents in Ginger
        4                       Soxhlet Apparatus
        5             Developed TLC plate under UV light
7
                              AIM AND OBJECTIVE
Aim:
“Formulation and Evaluation of Herbal Topical cream for joint pain”
Objective:
     To perform soxhlet extraction of Ginger oil
     To perform formulation and evaluation of herbal cream
8
                                             INTRODUCTION
RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, systemic autoimmune disease that primarily affects the joints,
leading to inflammation of the synovial membrane, pain, swelling, stiffness, and eventually joint
deformity and disability. It can also affect other organs and systems in the body.
ETIOLOGY
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a complex autoimmune disease influenced by both genetic and
environmental factors. It tends to run in families, particularly in individuals carrying HLA-DR4 and
HLA-DR1 genes, with other genes like PTPN22 and STAT4 also contributing to susceptibility.
External triggers, such as certain infections and lifestyle factors, can initiate or worsen the condition.
Smoking plays a significant role in both the onset and progression of RA, while exposure to air
pollutants, silica, and poor dietary habits—especially diets high in processed foods and low in
antioxidants—can further aggravate the disease.
The root cause of RA lies in an immune system malfunction, where the body's defenses mistakenly
attack joint tissues. This is often accompanied by the production of autoantibodies like rheumatoid
factor (RF) and anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA), which drive disease progression.
Hormonal factors also influence RA, as it is more common in women, suggesting that oestrogen
imbalance may contribute to immune dysfunction.
9
EPIDEMIOLOGY
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a long-term autoimmune condition that affects about 0.5% to 1% of
adults in developed nations, with 5 to 50 new cases occurring annually per 100,000 people. In 2010,
it accounted for approximately 49,000 deaths worldwide. The disease rarely appears before the age
of 15, but its occurrence increases with age, peaking around 80 years. Women are three to five times
more likely to develop RA than men, with most cases in women starting between the ages of 40 and
50, and slightly later in men. RA generally presents with ongoing symptoms that vary in severity and
progressively damage the joints, resulting in deformities and disability. Although rare, spontaneous
remission can happen. Additionally, there is a known link between periodontitis and RA; it is
believed that bacteria from the mouth entering the bloodstream may contribute to chronic
inflammation and the formation of RA-related autoantibodies.
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disorder, and while its exact cause remains
unclear, it is widely believed to result from an abnormal immune response triggered by an external
antigen, possibly microbial, in individuals who are genetically predisposed. This immune disturbance
initiates a cascade of events that leads to joint inflammation and progressive damage.
Genetic predisposition plays a crucial role in RA. A strong link exists between RA and specific HLA
genes—particularly HLA-DR4 and HLA-DR1—which are found in about 80% of patients. These
genes encode MHC Class II molecules that help present antigens to CD4+ T helper cells, setting off
an immune response that mistakenly targets the body's own tissues.
CD4+ T cells are central to the development of RA. Upon activation, they stimulate various other
immune cells, including macrophages, B cells, and endothelial cells. This leads to the release of
several pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1, and IL-6. B cells begin to produce
rheumatoid factor (RF), an autoantibody that targets the body's own IgG, forming immune
complexes. Simultaneously, endothelial cells become activated, promoting the recruitment of more
immune cells into the joints, further intensifying inflammation.
10
These cytokines, particularly TNF-α and IL-1, not only maintain inflammation but also directly
contribute to tissue destruction. They enhance the production of matrix-degrading enzymes like
matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which degrade cartilage and bone over time.
Persistent inflammation causes the development of a pannus, which is an abnormal layer of
granulation tissue filled with fibroblasts, inflammatory cells, and blood vessels. This pannus
aggressively invades cartilage and bone, leading to structural damage, joint deformity, and eventual
fusion (ankylosis) of bones.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
        Fatigue
        Malaise (general discomfort)
        Low-grade fever
        Morning stiffness (lasting more than 1 hour)
        Weight loss
        Joint pain and stiffness
        Joint swelling, warmth, and tenderness
        Joint deformities
COMPLICATIONS
        Rheumatoid nodules (firm lumps under the skin)
        Dry eyes
        Scleritis
        Interstitial lung disease
        Increased risk of cardiovascular disease
        Vasculitis (inflammation of blood vessels)
        Anaemia due to chronic inflammation
11
                                               GINGER
                                 Figure 1: Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Ginger (Zingiber officinale), a member of the Zingiberaceae family, has been widely used in culinary
and medicinal applications for centuries.
It is primarily cultivated in India, Southeast Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Australia.
Traditionally used in Indian and Chinese medicine, ginger is valued for its antimicrobial, anti-
diabetic, hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Its essential oil contains bioactive compounds with antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal effects,
making it a significant component in natural medicine.
                    KINGDOM                                                 Plantae
                 SUB KINGDOM                                           Tracheobionta
                SUPERDIVISION                                          Spermatophyta
                    DIVISION                                           Magnoliophyta
                      CLASS                                                Liliopsida
                   SUBCLASS                                             Zingiberidae
                     ORDER                                                Zingiberales
                     FAMILY                                            Zingiberaceae
                      GENUS                                                Zingiber
                     SPECIES                                         Zingiber officinale
                                   Table no 1: Taxonomy of Ginger
12
BOTANICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF GINGER
                           Figure 2: Botanical characteristics of Ginger plant
        Ginger is herbaceous rhizomatous perennial, reaching up to 90 cm in height under
         cultivation.
        Rhizomes are aromatic, thick lobed, pale yellowish, bearing simple alternate distichous
         narrow oblong lanceolate leaves.
        The herb develops several lateral shoots in clumps, which begin to dry when the plant
         matures.
        Leaves are long and 2 - 3 cm broad with sheathing bases, the blade gradually tapering to a
         point. Inflorescence solitary, lateral radical pedunculated oblong cylindrical spikes.
        Flowers are rare, rather small, calyx superior, gamosepalous, three toothed, open splitting on
         one side, corolla of three sub equal oblong to lanceolate connate greenish segments.
13
CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS OF GINGER
                               Figure 3: Chemical constituents in Ginger
The constituents of ginger are numerous and vary depending on the place of origin and whether the
rhizomes are fresh or dry but to summarize the major components that have been implicated in the
pharmacological activities of the crude drug.
The primary pungent agents of ginger are gingerol, with other gingerol analogues such as the
shogoals, paradol, zingiberene and zingerone also found in high levels in rhizome extracts.
                 COMPOUND                                         IUPAC NAME
                                                          (5S)-5-hydroxy-1-(4-hydroxy-3-
                    Gingerol
                                                            methoxyphenyl)decan-3-one
                                                    (E)-1-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)dec-4-en-
                    Shagaol
                                                                       3-one
                                                    (1E,4S)-4-(6-Methylhept-5-en-2-yl)cyclohex-
                  Zingiberene
                                                                       1-ene
                   Zingerone                        4-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)butan-2-one
                             Table no 2: Chemical compounds in Ginger
14
PHARMACOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF GINGER
     1. Anti-inflammatory Activity
        Useful in inflammatory conditions like arthritis, asthma, and colitis.
     2. Antiemetic Effect
        Effective against nausea and vomiting
     3. Analgesic Activity
        Relief in muscle pain, menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea), osteoarthritis.
     4. Anti-cancer
        potential against colon, breast, pancreatic and ovarian cancers.
     5. Gastro protective
        Prevents ulcers, supports digestion, reduces bloating and indigestion.
     6. Cardiovascular Benefits
        Protects against atherosclerosis, hypertension, and thrombosis.
     7. Antimicrobial Activity
        Supports oral hygiene, prevents infections
     8. Antidiabetic
        Helps manage type 2 diabetes
15
ANTI INFLAMMATORY EFFECT OF GINGER
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) has shown significant anti-inflammatory effects that can be beneficial in
managing rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Its bioactive compounds, particularly gingerols and shogaols, work by inhibiting pro-inflammatory
pathways such as cyclooxygenase (COX), lipoxygenase (LOX), and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-
κB), which are responsible for producing inflammatory mediators like prostaglandins and
leukotrienes.
Additionally, ginger helps lower levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-
6, which play a key role in RA progression. Its antioxidant properties also help reduce oxidative
stress, which contributes to joint damage in RA.
16
                                   LITERATURE SURVEY
(NIAMS, 2014) Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disorder that primarily affects
synovial joints, leading to inflammation, pain, swelling, and eventually joint deformity. The disease
typically begins in smaller joints such as those of the hands and wrists and usually presents
symmetrically on both sides of the body. Common symptoms include morning stiffness lasting more
than 30 minutes, fatigue, low-grade fever, and impaired joint function, all of which severely hinder
routine activities like dressing, walking, and working.
(Kumar, Cotran, & Robbins, 2000) The etiology of RA is multifactorial, involving genetic
predisposition, environmental influences, and immune dysregulation. A strong genetic association
has been observed with HLA-DR4 and HLA-DR1 alleles, which encode MHC class II molecules
that present antigens to CD4+ T cells. This triggers an aberrant immune response where CD4+ T
cells activate macrophages, B cells, and endothelial cells, initiating a cytokine cascade dominated by
TNF-α, IL-1, and IL-6. These cytokines perpetuate chronic inflammation and contribute to the
destruction of joint structures. Over time, a pannus—a proliferative inflammatory granulation tissue
—forms and aggressively invades cartilage and bone, leading to deformities and joint ankylosis. The
presence of rheumatoid factor (RF), primarily IgM antibodies against self-IgG, further exacerbates
the disease through immune complex-mediated mechanisms.
(Tripathi, 1999; Sharma, 1999) Ginger has been revered in traditional Indian medicine for its
therapeutic efficacy in inflammatory disorders, including arthritis. Ancient Ayurvedic compendiums
such as Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, and Ashtanga Hridaya document the use of ginger in
polyherbal formulations like Trikatu and Rasna Saptak Quath.
(Kawai, 1994) Botanically, ginger is a rhizomatous herb known for its pungent and aromatic
qualities, primarily due to volatile constituents such as zingiberene, gingerol, and shogaol. These
bioactive compounds are responsible for its diverse pharmacological effects.
17
(Akram et al., 2011; Nievergelt et al., 2011) There is evidence supporting ginger’s significant anti-
inflammatory potential, especially through the inhibition of COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes,
suppression of leukotriene biosynthesis, and down regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-
1β. These actions closely align with the pathogenic mechanisms of RA. Furthermore,
phenylpropanoids such as gingerenone can decrease prostanoid production and modulate
phospholipase A2 activity, thus disrupting the arachidonic acid cascade central to inflammation.
(Nagabhushan, Amonkar, & Bhide, 1987) Although gingerol and shogaol have shown
mutagenicity in certain assays, they also exhibit strong anti-inflammatory actions.
(Chen et al., 2011) Optimized solvent extraction (using methanol, ethanol, or water at 70–80°C for
1–1.5 hours in a 50g:200ml ratio) yields potent ginger oils with promising therapeutic applications,
particularly for managing inflammatory conditions like RA.
18
                                         METHODOLOGY
PREFORMULATION STUDIES OF GINGER RHIZOME
The ginger rhizome was tested to study its organoleptic characteristics like Appearance, Colour,
Odour, Taste, Texture etc. The results are shown in table 3
SOXHLET EXTRACTION
                                      Figure 4: Soxhlet Apparatus
        Take fresh ginger. Wash with water to remove dirt and impurities. Dry it under sunlight for 2
         to 3 days
        After drying, triturate in mortar and pestle, then grind it in grinder to make medium coarse
         powder
        Set up the soxhlet apparatus and start extraction of Ginger oil
            o Temperature: 70-80°C
            o Duration: 3 hours
            o Sample solvent ratio: 50 gm/200 ml
            o Solvent: Acetone (gives highest yield)
19
        Setup the simple distillation and distilled the extract to recover the solvent (acetone) and
         Filter the extract through Whatmann filter paper no 1 to get pure and concentrated ginger
         extract.
PHYSICOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS OF GINGER EXTRACT
Ginger extract was tested for organoleptic and physicochemical parameters like appearance, odour,
taste, solubility, density, boiling point, viscosity, pH, saponification value and acid value. The results
are shown in table 4
PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING OF GINGER EXTRACT
The ginger extract was subjected for phytochemical screening by various chemical identification
tests and the results are shown in table 5
            Alkaloids (Mayer’s Test):
             Add a few drops of Mayer’s reagent to the plant extract. Formation of a cream-colored
             precipitate indicates the presence of alkaloids.
            Flavonoids (Lead Acetate Test):
             To the extract, add a few drops of 10% lead acetate solution. A yellow precipitate
             confirms the presence of flavonoids.
            Glycosides (Keller Killani Test):
             Mix the extract with glacial acetic acid containing a trace of ferric chloride, then carefully
             add concentrated sulphuric acid. A brown ring at the interface indicates the presence of
             cardiac glycosides.
            Tannins (Ferric Chloride Test):
             Add a few drops of 5% ferric chloride solution to the extract. A blue-black or greenish-
             black coloration indicates tannins.
            Reducing Sugars (Fehling’s Test):
             Mix Fehling’s A and B solutions, add to the extract, and heat in a water bath. Formation
             of a brick-red precipitate indicates reducing sugars.
            Proteins (Ninhydrin Test):
             Add ninhydrin solution to the extract and heat. A blue or purple colour confirms the
             presence of proteins or amino acids.
            Terpenoids (Salkowski Test):
             Mix the extract with chloroform and carefully add concentrated sulphuric acid. A reddish-
             brown coloration at the interface indicates terpenoids.
20
             Saponins (Foam Test):
              Shake the extract vigorously with water and let it stand. Persistent froth or foam
              formation suggests the presence of saponins.
SPECTROSCOPIC ANALYSIS OF GINGER OIL
Thin Layer Chromatography
        The extract is tested using TLC plates coated with silica gel-G of 0.2 mm thickness.
        The solvent system used a mixture of Butanol- acetic acid-water (4:1:1 v/v). This mixture
         migrates on the silica coated plates by the capillary action.
        Fully developed coated plate was air dried followed by heating for 20-25 minutes.
        The plate was sprayed with freshly prepared ninhydrin solution to detect the bands.
        These spots were expressed by its retention factor (Rf)
                  RF = Distance travelled by solute / Distance travelled by solvent
The results are shown in table 6 along with image of Developed TLC plate under UV light.
FORMULATION OF HERBAL TOPICAL CREAM
The extracted ginger oil is subjected to formulate a herbal topical cream (O/W)
FORMULATION TABLE
             INGREDIENTS                         FUNCTION                             QUANTITY
                                              Active ingredient
               Ginger oil                                                               2.0 ml
                                             (Anti inflammatory)
              Stearic acid                        Emulsifier                            10.0 gm
              Cetyl Alcohol                        Emollient                            3.0 gm
               Glycerine                          Humectant                             5.0 ml
     Sodium hydroxide (10%)                      pH stabilizer                          0.1 ml
             Propyl Paraben                      Preservative                           0.2 ml
             Distilled Water                        Vehicle                           qs to 100 ml
21
                           Table no 7: Formulation table of Herbal cream (O/W)
PROCEDURE
        Oil Phase Preparation:
         Weigh and melt stearic acid and cetyl alcohol in a beaker. Add Ginger oil to this phase. Heat
         to 70°C.
        Aqueous Phase Preparation:
         In a separate beaker, mix glycerine, Sodium hydroxide, Propyl paraben, and purified water.
         Heat this aqueous phase to the same temperature 70°C.
        Emulsification:
         Slowly add the oil phase to the aqueous phase with continuous stirring to form an emulsion.
        Cooling :
         Continue stirring while the cream cools.
        Packaging:
         Pack it in dark amber coloured glass bottle and store it under dark area to protect from direct
         sunlight.
        Sensitivity test (Patch test)
         Apply a small amount of cream behind the earlobe or inner underarm. Wait for 24 hours.
         Observe whether any allergic reaction like itching, redness or swelling is observed or not.
The herbal cream was tested to study its physicochemical parameters like appearance, odour, pH,
spreadability, washability, homogeneity, and its sensitivity to skin. The results are shown in table 8
22
                              RESULTS AND OUTCOMES
TABLE NO 3: Organoleptic Characteristics of Ginger rhizome
              PROPERTY                                    DESCRIPTION
                                            Irregular, branched rhizome with striated
              Appearance
                                                              surface
                                                   Outer surface: Light brown
                Colour
                                                    Inner surface: Pale yellow
                 Odour                           Aromatic, pleasant, spicy odour
                 Taste                              Pungent, warm and spicy
                Texture                   Fibrous, slightly rough and brittle when dried
                                           Short, mealy in the cortex and fibrous in the
                Fracture
                                                               stele
TABLE NO 4: Preformulation studies of Ginger extract
             PROPERTIES                                        RESULT
              Appearance                       Pale yellow to amber coloured liquid
                 Odour                                     Strong and spicy
                  Taste                                         Pungent
                                                           Insoluble in water
                Solubility
                                                       soluble in alcohol and oils
                 Density                                 0.882 g/cm³ (at 30°C)
              Boiling Point                                      260°C
                Viscosity                                        35 cP
                pH Value                                           6
          Saponification Value                              184 mg KOH/g
               Acid Value                                   3.8 mg KOH/g
23
TABLE NO 5: Phytochemical screening of Ginger extract
            TEST                REAGENTS / METHOD                       RESULTS
                                                               Negative – No creamy white
 Alkaloids (Mayer’s Test)            Mayer’s reagent
                                                                       precipitate
 Flavonoids (Lead Acetate                                      Positive – Yellow precipitate
                                10% Lead Acetate solution
          Test)                                                            forms
 Glycosides (Keller-Killani    Glacial acetic acid + FeCl₃ +   Negative – No reddish-brown
           Test)                          H₂SO₄                            ring
 Tannins (Ferric Chloride                                        Negative – No blue-black
                                5% Ferric chloride solution
           Test)                                                          colour
Reducing Sugars (Fehling’s                                       Negative – No brick-red
                                 Fehling A & B solutions
          Test)                                                        precipitate
                                                               Negative – No violet or blue
 Proteins (Ninhydrin Test)          Ninhydrin solution
                                                                         colour
                                                               Positive – Reddish-brown ring
Terpenoids (Salkowski Test)     Chloroform + Conc. H₂SO₄
                                                                           formed
                                                                 Positive – Persistent froth
     Saponins (Foam Test)       Water + vigorous shaking
                                                                         formation
TABLE NO 6: Spectroscopic analysis of Ginger oil
       CONTENTS               RETENTION FACTOR
  Standard Ginger oil              0.45 – 0.70
     Sample Ginger oil                 0.64
24
TABLE NO 8: Physicochemical studies of Herbal cream
                  TEST                                     RESULT
               Appearance                             Smooth, white cream
                 Odour                                     Aromatic
                   pH                                          6
              Spreadability                              10.8 g cm/sec
               Washability                              Easily washable
              Homogeneity                                Homogeneous
            Sensitivity to skin                       No allergic reaction
25
                                           CONCLUSION
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the joints. It
occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the synovial lining of joints, causing
inflammation, pain, swelling, and eventually joint damage. RA commonly affects joints in the hands,
wrists, and knees, and may lead to stiffness, especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity.
Over time, it can result in joint deformity and loss of function. The exact cause is unknown, but
genetic, environmental, and hormonal factors may contribute. Treatment includes anti-inflammatory
drugs, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), and physical therapy to manage
symptoms and slow disease progression.
The present project aimed at formulating and evaluating a herbal topical cream using ginger oil for
the relief of joint pain, particularly in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. The study successfully
involved the extraction of ginger oil from Zingiber officinale rhizomes using the Soxhlet extraction
method with acetone as the solvent, yielding a concentrated extract rich in bioactive compounds such
as gingerol, shogaol, and zingerone. These compounds are well-documented for their anti-
inflammatory, analgesic, and antioxidant properties, which are beneficial in the management of joint
inflammation and pain.
Preformulation studies and physicochemical analyses of the ginger oil were conducted to assess key
properties like viscosity, pH, saponification value, acid value, and organoleptic characteristics. These
parameters confirmed the oil’s suitability for topical application. The extract also tested positive for
several important phytochemical constituents such as flavonoids, saponins, and terpenoids, which
further supported its therapeutic potential.
The herbal cream was formulated as an oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion, incorporating ginger oil into a
stable cream base using emulsifying agents and preservatives. The formulation process ensured
proper emulsification, consistency, and smooth texture, suitable for easy application on the skin. The
TLC analysis confirmed the presence of active compounds with an Rf value of 0.67, which is within
the standard range (0.45–0.70), validating the identity and quality of the ginger extract used.
26
A patch test was conducted to ensure the formulation’s safety and skin compatibility, which showed
no signs of irritation or allergic reaction, indicating that the cream is safe for topical use.
Overall, the study highlights that ginger oil-based herbal cream is a promising alternative to
conventional NSAIDs and corticosteroids used in joint pain management. It offers benefits such as
minimal side effects, cost-effectiveness, and the use of natural, readily available ingredients. The
results encourage further research on enhancing the bioavailability and clinical efficacy of such
herbal formulations
27
                                         REFERENCES
     1. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. (2014). Handout on
        Health: Rheumatoid Arthritis. https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/rheumatoid-arthritis
     2. Kumar, V., Cotran, R. S., & Robbins, S. L. (2000). Robbins Pathologic Basis of Disease (6th
        ed., pp. 1248–1255). Saunders.
     3. Tripathi, B. (1999). Hridayam of Srimadvagbhata (Sutrasthan 6/163–164). Pratishtan.
     4. Sharma, P. V. (1999). Sushruta Samhita (Sutrasthan 37/3, 38/22–23). Chaukambha
        Visvabharti.
     5. Kawai, T. (1994). Anti-emetic principles of Magnolia obovata bark and Zingiber officinale
        rhizome. Planta Medica, 60(1), 17–20.
     6. Akram, M., Shah, M. I., Khan, U., Mohiuddin, E., Sami, A., & Asif, M. (2011). Zingiber
        officinale Roscoe (A medicinal plant). Pakistan Journal of Nutrition, 10(4), 399–400.
     7. Nievergelt, A., Marazzi, J., Schoop, R., Altmann, K. H., & Gertsch, J. (2011). Ginger
        phenylpropanoids inhibit IL-1β and prostanoid secretion and disrupt arachidonate-
        phospholipid remodelling by targeting phospholipase A2. Journal of Immunology, 187, 4140–
        4150.
     8. Nagabhushan, M., Amonkar, A. J., & Bhide, S. V. (1987). Mutagenicity of gingerol and
        shogoal and antimutagenicity in zingerone in Salmonella/microsome assay. Cancer Letters,
        36(2), 221–233.
     9. Chen, H. H., Chung, C. C., Wang, H. Y., & Huang, T. C. (2011). Application of Taguchi
        Method to Optimize Extracted Ginger Oil in Different Drying Conditions. International
        Conference on Food Engineering and Biotechnology, 9, 310–315.
28
     10. RESHAM KANADEA, D. S. BHATKHANDEB “EXTRACTION OF GINGER OIL USING
         DIFFERENT METHODS AND EFFECT OF SOLVENTS, TIME, TEMPERATURE TO
         MAXIMIZE YIELD” International Journal of Advances in Science Engineering and
         Technology Vol-4, Iss-3, Spl. Issue-2 Sep.-2016 Page no 240-243 ISSN: 2321-9009
     11. Mutthuraj D, Gopenath TS, Parthiban R, Saravanan M & Kanthesh M Basalingappa
         “ZINGIBER OFFICINALE - A NATURAL CURE FOR ARTHRITIS” GREENS
         Publications 2021
     12. Smrati Sharma and Ramesh Kumar ANTIOXIDANTACTIVITY, TLC AND
         PHYTOCHEMICALANALYSIS OF GINGER (ZINGIBER OFFICINALE L.) RHIZOME
         Plant Archives Vol. 18, Special Issue (ICAAAS-2018), 2018 pp. 210-214 ISSN 0972-5210
     13. Syed Shariq Mian, Sukirti Upadhayay, Tajuddin, Sayyed Noman Naqvi Physicochemical
         Analysis of Ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) Rhizome along with its TLC, HPLC and
         HPTLC Profile Pharm Methods, 2019; 10(1): 31-36
     14. Virgil Danciua, Anamaria Hosua ,Claudia Cimpoiua, Thin-layer chromatography in spices
         analysis JOURNAL OF LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY & RELATED TECHNOLOGIES
         2018, VOL. 41, NO. 6, 282–300 https://doi.org/10.1080/10826076.2018.1447895
     15. Jyotsna Dhanik, Neelam Arya and Viveka Nand A Review on Zingiber officinale Journal of
         Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry 2017; 6(3): 174-184
     16.
29
     17.
30
     18.
31
     19.
32
33