CONVERSION OF A UNANI PHARMACOPOEIAL ANTI-ACNE DRUG “ZIMAD-E-MUHASA” INTO A GEL FORM TO IMPROVE ITS TOPICAL APPLICATION Authors: Mehnaz , SHAMSI Y*, AKHTAR MW, RAHMAN Y, AHMAD S AND MOHANTY S
ABSTRACT
Zimad-e-Muhasa is a Unani Pharmacopoeial formulation topically used for Acne treatment. In a
randomized controlled clinical study conducted at Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi during 2017-2018,
Zimad-e-Muhasa has shown a significantly higher efficacy than benzyl peroxide 5% gel. However, the
application of Zimad-e-Muhasa was cumbersome due to its coarse texture and preparation complexity
resulting in poor compliance. To improve its topical application and patients’ compliance, Zimad-e-
Muhasa was converted and formulated into a topical gel form by dissolving Carbopol 934, combining
it with hydroalcoholic extracts of all the ingredients of Zimad-e-Muhasa, and adjusting the pH with
Triethanolamine. The physicochemical properties and stability of the herbal gel were assessed, and
consistent pH, odour, spreadability, viscosity, microbial growth, and heavy metal content over six
months were observed.
Optimal consistency and stability were achieved with 2.5% Carbopol 934, maintaining form and
spreadability without liquefying or becoming too thick. The gel's near-neutral pH ensured skin
compatibility, and stability tests confirmed its robustness. A 2.5% concentration of Carbopol 934 produced a stable, uniform, and adequately spreadable gel with
a pH close to neutral, ensuring skin compatibility and minimal irritation.
Keywords: Zimad-e-Muhasa; Anti-acne Pharmacopoeial drug; Unani topical drug,
Azadirachta indica; Abrus precatorius; Albizia lebbeck Publication date: 01/10/2025 https://ijbpas.com/pdf/2025/October/MS_IJBPAS_2025_9518.pdfDownload PDFhttps://doi.org/10.31032/IJBPAS/2025/14.10.9518