Abstract

This study was designed to find out the effects of newly formulated topical cream (w/o emulsion) of basil (Ocimum basilicum) against its base as control on skin erythma and skin melanin.  Concentrated basil extract was entrapped in the inner aqueous phase of w/o emulsion. Newly formulated and formerly evaluated base (containing no extract) and a formulation (containing 3% concentrated extract of basil) were applied. Both the base and formulation were applied to the cheeks of 11 healthy human volunteers for a period of 12 weeks. Skin erythma and melanin were determined every two weeks to measure any effect produced by these topical creams. The base showed insignificant (p≥0.05) whereas the formulation showed statistically significant decrease in skin erythma. Skin melanin content was significantly (p≤0.05) increased by the base but decreased by the formulation. The newly formulated cream of basil extract reduced skin melanin without causing any irritation and was found to be suitable for application on skin as determined by efficacy perception.

Key words: Ocimum basilicum, water-in-oil (w/o) emulsion, mexameter, skin whitening, anti erythmic.