Development of a Transdermal Formulation of Chrysanthemum Indicum Extract for Antimicrobial and Anti?Inflammatory Applications

Abstract

Nowadays there is an increasing demand of the herbal medicines in worldwide. Present study describes that the formulation of the transdermal drug delivery that enhances the patient convenience and efficacy at the same time, as compared to the conventional drug delivery system like oral. This particular work aims at the transdermal drug delivery, the site of action being the inflammation at a particular part of the skin. For this we developed transdermal formulation (herbal gel) of an antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agent extracts of flower of Chrysanthemum indicum. Chrysanthemum indicum is Ayurveda medicinal plant which has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant activity and anticancer activity. The extraction of the Chrysanthemum indicum was done by the solvent extraction and Soxhlet extraction method and it is evaluated by various phytochemical and pharmacognostic studies. The extract was identified by the FTIR spectroscopic method which is known as the most preferred and superior technique for most analysis. The Chrysanthemum indicum extract was stabilized by using Carbopol, methyl paraben and propyl paraben. Stability studies were also performed on herbal gel that confirms that this formulation remains stable for 3 months. In-vivo and in vitro tests were also conducted for this herbal formulation. This herbal gel has been gone through the all necessary preformulation and evaluation studies that justifies that the efficacy of this transdermal drug delivery formulation (herbal gel) has shown its all activities that discussed above.

Introduction

This study focuses on the development of a transdermal herbal gel using Chrysanthemum indicum extract, which is known for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. The aim is to provide an effective topical drug delivery system to treat inflammation and skin disorders, overcoming the limitations of oral drug delivery such as poor bioavailability and metabolic degradation.

Key Highlights

Background

• Herbal gels are widely used in pharmaceuticals and cosmeceuticals due to their minimal side effects.

• Conventional treatments for inflammation (oral drugs) often suffer from low efficacy at the target site.

• Transdermal delivery via herbal gels offers localized treatment, bypassing first-pass metabolism and enhancing drug bioavailability.

Plant of Focus: Chrysanthemum indicum

• Belongs to the Asteraceae family and is used in Ayurvedic medicine.

• Rich in flavonoids (e.g., luteolin, apigenin, quercetin), phenolic acids, terpenoids, essential oils, glycosides, saponins, and fatty acids.

• These compounds contribute to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and skin-protective effects.

Materials and Methods

Plant Collection and Authentication

• Chrysanthemum indicum was handpicked near Sinhgad Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Lonavala.

• Authenticated by the Botanical Survey of India, Pune.

Chemicals Used

• Included acetic acid, ethanol, acetonitrile, Carbapol 940, preservatives (methyl and propyl paraben), and propylene glycol.

Equipment and Instruments

• Tools included UV-Vis spectrophotometer, FTIR, digital balance, viscometer, pH meter, and more for precise extraction and analysis.

Experimental Procedures

Extraction

• Dried and powdered plant material was extracted using 60% aqueous ethanol at 80°C for 4 hours.

• Extract was filtered, cooled, centrifuged, and used for further analysis.

Physicochemical Analysis

• Moisture content determined by loss on drying.

• Ash values (total, acid-insoluble, and water-soluble) were measured to assess purity.

• Solubility studies conducted in multiple solvents to determine ideal formulation compatibility.

Calibration and Quantification

• UV spectrophotometry used to create a calibration curve for flavonoids at 510 nm, using quercetin as a standard.

Phytochemical Screening

Tests were conducted for the presence of:

• Flavonoids (confirmed via ammonia, NaOH, and lead acetate tests)

• Phenols, alkaloids, saponins, tannins

• Steroids/sterols, glycosides, proteins, carbohydrates, and fixed oils

These tests confirmed the phytochemical richness of the Chrysanthemum indicum extract.

Flavonoid Content Estimation

• Quantified using spectrophotometric method.

• Results expressed as mg quercetin equivalents per 100g of dry mass, indicating high flavonoid presence responsible for biological activity.

Conclusion

Seeing the results of phytochemical analysis it can be concluded that C. indicum produces many secondary metabolites of medicinal value. Present study confirms the presence of many important phytochemicals in the unexplored plant C. indicum (flower) extract. It can be concluded from the present investigation that proper selection of polymers and drug is a prerequisite for designing and developing a transdermal drug delivery. The physical compatibility studies (Viscosity) suggest that polymers selected. Carbopol 940 was found to be compatible with drug C. indicum. The varying concentration (1-1.5 gm) of the polymers was found to affect the gel parameters like viscosity and spreadability. Gel formulations prepared with Carbopol 940 showed good homogeneity, no skin irritation, good stability and anti-inflammatory activity. However, the Carbopol 940 based gel proved to the formula of choice, since it showed the highest percentage of extrudability, good spreadability and rheological properties, drug content, grittiness, appearance, pH, swelling index etc. Formulation F1 with 500mg extract soluble solid of Chrysanthemum indicum showed the best formulation with significant anti-inflammatory activity.

References

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Chetia, “UV Spectrophotometric Method Development and Validation: Calibration curves in phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) with strong linearity (R² > 0.998) in concentration ranges overlapping low microgram per mL levels,” J. Neonatal Surg., 2025. [34] “Development and Validation of UV-Visible Spectrophotometric Method: Calibration curve in the range 2–10 ?g/mL for Fisetin and reports R² ? 0.998,” J. Chem. Health Risks, 2025. [1] Crasta et al., “Review article: Transdermal drug delivery system,” ScienceDirect, 2025. [2] W. F. Wong et al., “Recent Advancement of Medical Patch for Transdermal Drug Delivery,” PMC, 2023. [3] N. V. Mohamad et al., “Biological activities of Chrysanthemum morifolium and C. indicum,” Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science, 2024. [4] K. Minamisaka et al., “Comparative Analysis of Anti-Inflammatory Flavones in Chrysanthemum indicum Capitula Using Primary Cultured Rat Hepatocytes,” PMC, 2025. [5] Y. Liang et al., “Exploring the Antimicrobial, Anti-Inflammatory, Antioxidant, and Anticancer Properties of Chrysanthemum morifolium and Chrysanthemum indicum,” Frontiers in Pharmacology, 2025. [6] X. Wang et al., “Research progress on extraction and purification, structural features, and biological activities of polysaccharides from Chrysanthemum indicum,” ScienceDirect, 2025. [7] B. Yang et al., “Water Extract of Chrysanthemum indicum L. Flower Inhibits Chronic Inflammatory Disease,” PMC, 2023. [8] G. Song et al., “Chrysanthemum indicum L. ameliorates muscle atrophy by improving glucose uptake,” Frontiers in Pharmacology, 2024. [9] N. Chen et al., “Comparative Analysis of the Chemical Constituents between C. morifolium and C. indicum and Their Biological Functions,” PMC, 2024. [10] N. V. Mohamad et al., “Biological activities of Chrysanthemum indicum and standardized extraction, physicochemical analysis completed as per pharmacopeial standards,” 2024. [11] N. Chen et al., “Comparative Analysis of Chemical Constituents and Physicochemical Parameters of Chrysanthemum indicum extracts,” 2024. [12] Flora Journal, “Pharmacognostical and phytochemical screening of Chrysanthemum indicum leaf: Methods and results for total ash, acid insoluble ash, and water-soluble ash,” 2019. [13] International Journal of Advanced Research in Science, Communication and Technology (IJARSCT), “Pharmacognostic, Phytochemical & Pharmacological Study on Chrysanthemum indicum—Ashing protocols and formulae for ash value calculations,” 2022. [14] S. Prabawa et al., “The physicochemical quality of yellow chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum indicum) flower brewed drink: This study reports on solubility, moisture content, physical, and chemical quality, confirming the preformulation studies procedures for C. indicum extracts,” 2023. [15] Flora Journal, “Pharmacognostical and phytochemical screening of Chrysanthemum indicum leaf: Evaluation of extractive values, solubility, and phytochemical analysis,” 2019. [16] Q. A. N. Baiti, “The Development of Plant-Based Jelly Candy for Chrysanthemum indicum L. flower extract: Includes extract preparation, solvent usage, extract yield quantification, physical characterization, and analytical techniques such as UV-visible spectrophotometry; directly aligning with calibration curve and solubility studies,” 2024. [17] S. Mehta et al., “Standard phytochemical screening methods and tests for plant extracts including flavonoids, phenols, saponins, alkaloids, and glycosides,” 2017. [18] Flora Journal, “Pharmacognostical and phytochemical screening of Chrysanthemum indicum leaf: Details qualitative tests and phytochemical profiling matching the tests described (flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, steroids, saponins, carbohydrates, TLC analysis),” 2019. [19] S. P. et al., “Formulation of Anti-Bacterial Nanoemulsion Film Using Chrysanthemum indicum Linn Flower Extract: Discusses formulation optimization, incorporation of chrysanthemum extract into delivery systems, and characterization including stability and bioactivity,” 2025. [20] K. T. Choi et al., “Dermatologic evaluation of cosmetic formulations containing Chrysanthemum indicum: Demonstrates FT-IR analysis for drug-excipient interaction and evaluation of skin care effects supporting topical formulation development,” 2016. [21] R. Aiyalu et al., “Formulation and evaluation of topical herbal gel including color/appearance, pH determination by digital pH meter, viscosity using Brookfield viscometer, spreadability test using glass slides and weight, and stability studies,” 2016. [22] A. Aslani et al., “Design, formulation, and evaluation of herbal gels: includes detailed pH measurement, viscosity determination with Brookfield viscometer, spreadability calculation, drug content analysis using UV spectrophotometry, and homogeneity checks by visual inspection,” 2017. [23] D. Jyothi and M. Koland, “Evaluation of homogeneity and physical appearance for topical gels, conducted by visual observation,” 2016. [24] Y. Zhao, J. Zhang, Q. Liu et al., “Preparation and evaluation of different herbal gels synthesized from Chinese medicinal plants as antimicrobial agents,” Pharmacol. Res. Mod. Chin. Med., vol. 8, p. 100099, 2023, doi: 10.1016/j.prmcm.2023.100099. [25] K. Khatri, R. Jain, and N. Sharma, “Evaluation and formulation of anti-microbial gel using lavender oil and rosemary oil,” J. Res. Appl. Sci. Biotechnol., vol. 3, no. 2, pp. 449–457, 2024, doi: 10.55544/jrasb.3.2.11. [26] N. Gupta, A. Verma, V. Singh et al., “Nanoformulated herbal compounds: enhanced antibacterial efficacy of camphor and thymol-loaded nanogels,” BMC Complement. Med. Ther., vol. 24, p. 435, 2024, doi: 10.1186/s12906-024-04435-z. [27] R. Nair, A. Sabu, R. George et al., “Evaluation of in vitro anti-inflammatory activity of Trichosanthes palmata against the denaturation of protein,” Pharmacogn. Res., vol. 17, no. 2, pp. 120–125, 2025, doi: 10.4103/pr.pr_208_24. [28] M. Patel, P. Sharma, R. Kulkarni et al., “Development and efficacy assessment of a natural anti-inflammatory cream: an in vivo study on carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats,” Uttar Pradesh J. Zool., vol. 46, no. 2, pp. 125–134, 2025. [29] M. Hamed, H. Ali, R. Hassan et al., “Topical anti-inflammatory formulations from medicinal plant extracts: stability, efficacy, and cytokine modulation in a carrageenan-induced paw edema model,” J. Angiother., vol. 6, no. 1, pp. 1–12, 2024, doi: 10.25163/angiother.5736. [30] Y. Chen, X. Li, Z. Wang et al., “Anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects of Arnica extract hydrogel patch in carrageenan-induced inflammation and hot plate pain models,” Pharmaceutics, vol. 17, no. 2, p. 171, 2025, doi: 10.3390/pharmaceutics17020171. [31] “Quality by Design-Driven Formulation and Evaluation of an Itraconazole Film-Forming Gel for Enhanced Antifungal Activity: Includes stability studies over three months with measurements of pH, drug content, diffusion, etc.,” J. Young Pharm., vol. 17, no. 3, pp. 636–645, 2025. [32] “Formulation and Physical Stability Testing of Exfoliating Gel and Moisturizing Gel from Sugarcane Bagasse Extract: Physical stability testing (organoleptic, pH, viscosity, spreadability) over cycles of temperature changes,” Int. J. Health Pharm., vol. 5, no. 1, pp. 46–55, 2025. [33] D. Tayeng, S. Das, S. Das, and D. Chetia, “UV Spectrophotometric Method Development and Validation: Calibration curves in phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) with strong linearity (R² > 0.998) in concentration ranges overlapping low microgram per mL levels,” J. Neonatal Surg., 2025. [34] “Development and Validation of UV-Visible Spectrophotometric Method: Calibration curve in the range 2–10 ?g/mL for Fisetin and reports R² ? 0.998,” J. Chem. Health Risks, 2025.

Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Sarthak Kamble, Sakshi Girme, Aniruddha Kulkarni, Apurva Shelar, Satish Mendake. 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.