Polyherbal balm formulation for the management of cheilitis: An evidence-based approach integrating traditional knowledge and modern evaluation

Title : Polyherbal balm formulation for the management of cheilitis: An evidence-based approach integrating traditional knowledge and modern evaluation

Abstract:

Cheilitis, characterized by inflammation and cracking of lips, is a common condition with multifactorial etiology. Traditional systems of medicine offer numerous herbal remedies for lip care and healing, but scientific validation and formulation development remain limited.
Objective: This study aimed to formulate and evaluate a polyherbal balm incorporating traditionally used medicinal plants with proven anti-inflammatory, wound healing, and antimicrobial properties for the effective management of cheilitis.
Methods: Based on ethnobotanical review and Ayurvedic literature, selected herbs including Glycyrrhiza glabra, Azadirachta indica, Calendula officinalis, and Curcuma longa were extracted and formulated into a lip balm using standard methods. The formulation was subjected to physicochemical evaluation (pH, spreadability, stability), organoleptic assessment, and in vitro antimicrobial studies against common oral pathogens. Additionally, antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH assay to correlate with healing potential.
Results: The polyherbal balm showed desirable physicochemical properties with good spreadability and stability. It exhibited significant antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans and demonstrated strong antioxidant activity, indicating its potential in reducing oxidative stress-induced lip damage. The formulation was found to be safe in preliminary skin irritation tests.
Conclusion: Integration of traditional knowledge with modern evaluation techniques led to the development of an effective polyherbal balm for cheilitis management. This study supports the promotion of herbal lip care formulations as safe and natural alternatives in therapeutic and cosmetic applications. Further clinical validation is warranted to establish its efficacy in larger populations.

Biography:

Dr. Sweta Srivastava Koka M. Pharm, Ph.D. has more than 17 years of research and teaching experience. She is an academician with a vision to enrich students with the latest research. She did her M. Pharm from Smriti College of Pharmaceutical Education and Research Indore in 2008 and PhD from School of Pharmacy DAVV, Indore in 2017. She attended several national and international conferences organized in the pharmaceutical field. He received the "Inspirational Associate Professor Award" from the national society. She has guided more than 25 PG. She has more than 30 publications in national/international journals, 2 book chapters and 8 patents in her credit. She is a lifetime member of professional bodies like I APTI and IPA. She is currently working as a Associate Professor in Acropolis Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research Indore.