A Review: Pediatric Gel from Apple Wood

Abstract

Researchers are looking at plant-derived actives for skin care, particularly for kids with sensitive skin, as a result of the growing need for safe, herbal-based paediatric formulations. The creation and assessment of a paediatric gel using apple wood extract (Malus domestic), which has antibacterial, calming, and antioxidant qualities, is the main goal of this work. Apple wood, which is sometimes disregarded in traditional medicine, is perfect for treating minor skin irritations, rashes, or inflammation in children because it contains healthy phytochemicals including polyphenols, flavonoids, and tannins that encourage skin healing and have a moderate antibacterial effect. The extract was made by hydro alcoholic maceration and added to a gel basis that contained triethanolamine, sodium benzoate, glycerin, and Carbopol 940. Organoleptic characteristics, pH, viscosity, spreadability, microbiological limit testing, and skin irritation potential were among the assessment tests performed on the manufactured gel. The formulation\'s appropriateness for paediatric use was confirmed by its good spreadability, acceptable pH (5.6), great physical stability, and lack of skin irritation. This study demonstrates apple wood\'s unrealized potential in herbal dermatological treatments and proposes its successful application in the creation of gentle, all-natural skin gels for kids. In order to boost therapeutic activity, future improvements may include clinical studies, the inclusion of other herbs that work in concert, and research into cutting-edge medication delivery methods

Introduction

Pediatric medicine requires specially designed formulations due to children's unique physiological and sensory characteristics. Gels are increasingly favored for pediatric topical applications because they are easy to use, non-invasive, and promote better drug absorption. Natural, plant-based ingredients are preferred for safety and biocompatibility, and apple wood extract (from Malus domestica) has promising medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial effects. Its traditional use, combined with bioactive compounds in the bark and wood, makes it suitable for gentle pediatric skin treatments such as minor abrasions, insect bites, and mild dermatitis.

The formulation of a pediatric gel using apple wood extract involves careful extraction of active compounds using mild solvents, incorporation into a safe, non-irritating gel base (using agents like Carbopol, glycerin, and triethanolamine), and exclusion of harmful additives like artificial colors or strong preservatives. The gel must have skin-compatible pH (~5.5), good stability, appropriate viscosity for ease of application, hypoallergenic properties, and sustained release of actives.

Evaluation includes physicochemical tests (pH, viscosity, spreadability), microbial safety, and patch tests to ensure no irritation. Apple wood gel is seen as a safe, effective, and environmentally sustainable alternative to synthetic pediatric topical products, aligning with green pharmacy principles.

Future research may focus on combining apple wood extract with other botanicals, clinical trials in children, advanced delivery systems, and eco-friendly packaging. This novel pediatric gel formulation could improve pediatric skin care by offering a natural, mild, and efficacious treatment option.

Conclusion

The goal of providing a safe, herbal option for treating minor skin disorders in children, the current study successfully developed and assessed a paediatric gel containing apple wood extract. With no negative side effects, the usage of apple wood, which is high in phytochemicals like flavonoids and polyphenols, had anti-inflammatory and antioxidant advantages. For paediatric users, the gel base made with Carbopol 940 demonstrated the right consistency, pH, and spreadability, guaranteeing comfort and simplicity of use. The gel\'s promise as a dependable herbal formulation was strengthened by evaluation findings that validated its microbiological safety, non-irritating nature, and physical stability. According to the results, apple wood shows promise as a natural option for topical paediatric therapies. This gel can be used as a natural solution for common skin issues in kids, encouraging healing without the use of artificial ingredients, provided it receives additional clinical validation and formulation optimization. This study promotes more research into underutilized herbal resources for skincare products for kids, such as apple wood.

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Ms. Bhagyashri Mallinath Tambake, Ms. Nidhi Jawalkar, Mr. Nitin Gawai, Ms. Rutuja Gaikwad, Mr. Vivek Patil. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.