Formulation and Characterisation of Papaya Leaf Gel

Nikhil Ashok Chaudhari* , Pavan Manrang Chaudhari ,   Madhuri Machindra Bhutekar, Vaibhav Sunil Borse.

DCS’s A R A College of Pharmacy, Nagoan, Dhule.

E-mail : nikhilchaudhari9424@gmail.com

DOI: https://doi.org/10.71431/IJRPAS.2025.4415   

INTRODUCTION

For both systemic and local dermatological conditions, topical administration is a desirable approach. Because it penetrates the skin more deeply, it enhances absorption. It is more efficient and less harmful, which lessens the systemic effect. In essence, gels serve as vehicles for topical medications to be delivered straight to the skin, eyes, or mucous membranes. Topical delivery is the process of applying a medication formulation directly to the skin to treat cutaneous conditions (like acne) with the goal of limiting the drug's pharmacological or other effects to the skin's surface or inside. Transparent gels have been used in both pharmacological and cosmetic preparations, which fall under the main category of semisolid preparations. Despite gel's many benefits, one of its main drawbacks is its inability to administer hydrophobic medications. Large volumes of aqueous or hydroalcoholic liquid are trapped in a network of colloidal solid particles, which can be either natural or artificially produced organic or inorganic polymers, to form gel. Compared to the ointment or cream basis, the higher aqueous component allows for easier drug migration and greater drug disintegration. Gels are therefore a poor delivery system for hydrophobic medications. By creating emulgel, this gel constraint can be addressed. Carica papaya is a tropical blooming plant with five cream-white or yellow-orange petals. A smooth yellow to orange red glow surrounds the fruits' many seeds. They are mostly trees or shrubs, with roughly 35 species spread across six genera. The alkaloid carpine is found in the young leaves of the Carica papaya. The leaves of the Carica papaya are said to contain a number of minerals, including calcium, magnesium, salt, and iron, as well as several vitamins, including riboflavin, thiamine, and ascorbic acid. Papain and chymopapain are abundant in the latex. The anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and wound-healing properties of the Carica papaya leaf extract were studied.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ingredients

Leaf extract from papayas  : Fresh papaya leaves can be macerated in ethanol to make it.
Carbopol                              : A polymer called carbopol expands when heated and combined with water.
Water                                   : Warm to 70 degrees Celsius
Glycol propylene                 : A solvent
EDTA                                  : Ethylene Diamine Tetra-cetic acid is a component.
Phenoxyethanol                   : A component
TEA                                    : The component triethanolamine
Propylene glycol                 : Propylene glycol dissolves methylparaben and propylparaben.
Glycerin                               : Glycerin is a component.

Table 01 : FORMULA

METHODOLOGY

To begin the formulation, heat purified water to approximately 70°C in a clean mixing vessel. This elevated temperature helps facilitate the proper dispersion and activation of ingredients in subsequent steps. Once the water reaches the desired temperature, slowly sprinkle in the carbopol powder while stirring gently to prevent the formation of clumps. Allow the carbopol to hydrate by letting the mixture stand undisturbed at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This resting period ensures complete swelling and dispersion of the polymer, which is critical for effective gel formation.

After the carbopol has fully hydrated, begin the addition of functional ingredients in a sequential manner while continuously stirring. First, add phenoxyethanol, a broad-spectrum preservative that helps prevent microbial contamination. Next, introduce triethanolamine, which acts as a pH adjuster and neutralizing agent for carbopol; thi step is essential to initiate gel formation by converting the acidic carbopol dispersion into a clear, viscous gel. Follow with EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid), a chelating agent that binds trace metal ions and enhances the efficacy of preservatives by preventing destabilization.

Once these foundational ingredients are integrated, add propylene glycol, which serves as a humectant and solvent, aiding in moisture retention and improving the texture of the gel. Then incorporate methyl paraben and propyl paraben, two additional preservatives that work synergistically to enhance the formulation’s shelf life and microbial resistance. Add glycerin next, a highly effective humectant that draws moisture to the skin and contributes to the smooth, hydrating feel of the final product.

Finally, stir in the papaya leaf extract, which may offer skin-benefiting properties such as anti-inflammatory effects, antioxidants, and potential support for soothing irritated skin. Ensure thorough and uniform mixing of the extract throughout the gel base. Continue stirring the mixture until it transforms into a smooth, homogenous gel with the desired consistency. The result is a stable, cosmetically elegant formulation suitable for topical application.

RESULT AND DISCUSSION

Characterization of papaya leaf gel

Determination of pH

The pH of the gels was measured using a pH paper . The results were the mean of triplicate readings. The pH of sample was found to be 5.9

Determination of spreadability

For determination of spreadability, 1 g of gel formulations was placed within the circle of 1 cm diameter pre-marked on a glass plate of 20 x 20 cm, on which a second glass plate was placed. A 500 g weight was allowed to rest on the upper glass plate for 5 min. The diameter due to gel spreading was noted .

The spreading of sample was found to be 3.6 cm.

Determination of  viscosity

The gel's viscosity was determined using a Brookfield viscometer (DV-III programmable rheometer) maintained at 25 °C. Measurements were taken across a speed range of 10 to 1000 RPM, with a 30-second pause between each speed adjustment to assess the gel's rheological properties.     

The viscosity of the formulation was found to between 32.3 and 36.4 cps.

Organoleptic properties

Table no 02 Organoleptic properties

Phytochemical evaluation of plant extract

Qualitative test for alkaloid

1 ml of 1% HCl was added to 3 ml of each extract in different test-tube. Each mixture was heated for 2 min in a water bath while stirring continuously. It was cooled and filtered. 1 ml of filtrate from above was added to 0.5 ml of Mayer’s reagent. 1 ml of each filtrate from above was added to 0.5 ml of Wagner’s reagent in different test tube

Result : .Yellowish white solution obtained (Alkaloid Present )

Qualitative test for tannin

Ferric chloride (Fecl3) Test: 5 g of ferric chloride was dissolved and made up to 100ml with distilled water. 0.5 ml of FeCl3 was then added to 2 ml of the extract. KOH Test: 1 ml of freshly prepared 10% KOH was added to 1 ml of each extract in difference test tube

Result : Black colour solution obtained (Tannin Present ).

Qualitative test for flavonoid

Two drops of NaOH solution was added to 1 ml of each extract in difference test tubes. Two drops of AlCl3 solution was added to above, followed by addition of concentrated H2SO4.

Result : colourless solution obtained (Flavonoid present )

Qualitative test for saponin

2 ml of each of the Fehling solution A and B was added to 3 ml of the extract. The mixture was boiled for 5 min.

Result : Greenish Colour solution obtained (Saponin Present )

Qualitative test for glycoside

5 ml of distilled water was added to 2 ml of the papaya leaf extract. 2 ml of the H2SO4 was also added the mixture and was boiled in water bath for 15 min and allowed to cool. The mixture was neutralized with 20% KOH solution. 1 ml of equal parts of Fehling solution A and B (each) was added to the mixture and boiled for 15 min in a water bath

Result : Purple Colour Solution Obtained (glycoside present )

CONCLUSION

The present study successfully formulated and characterized a herbal gel incorporating papaya (Carica papaya) leaf extract using Carbopol 934 as the gelling agent. The gel exhibited desirable physicochemical properties, including an appropriate pH for dermal application, good spreadability, and a high swelling index, indicating effective hydration potential. Phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of active constituents such as alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, saponins, and glycosides—compounds known for their anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound-healing properties.

The results suggest that papaya leaf extract can be effectively delivered through a gel formulation, offering a promising natural alternative for topical therapeutic use. However, further in vitro and in vivo studies are recommended to evaluate its efficacy, safety, and stability for long-term use.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

The authors guarantee that there is no conflict of interest regarding the publication of this article. The authors confirmed that the paper was free of plagiarism

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