Topical application of Calendula (L.) : formulation and evaluation of hydrophilic cream with anti-inflammatory activity in animals

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine and evaluate anti-inflammatory properties of Calendula officinalis. Calendula officinalis leaf extract – loaded cream was prepared and assayed for antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity. The formulation was screened for its antimicrobial activity using agar well diffusion method. Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli , and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were selected for the test . These studies showed antimicrobial effects against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli , and Pseudomonas aeruginosa . C. officinalis leaf extract reduced experimentally induced inflammation in mice. Degrees of anti-inflammation were evaluated with the various concentrations of C. officinalis leaf extract. During the experiment, mice were divided into seven groups with five mice of each group. Group I (negative control) received no treatment. Group II, III, IV, V, and VI received cream containing the extract at 0.0%, 1.0%, 2.0%, 3.0%, and 4.0%, respectively. Group VII (positive control) received standard medication, 1.5% calamine. Among mice with UV wounds, a cream containing 2% of the leaf extracts significantly speeded healing, whereas in 1% carrageenan-induced inflammatory mice, a cream containing 3% of the leaf extract significantly speeded healing. Key words : Calendula officinalis, cream, anti-inflammation healing, antimicrobial.