FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF CINNAMON OIL STICKS, ROLL-ONS FOR ANALGESIC, ANTI- INFLAMMATORY AND ANTI- ARTHRITIS EFFECT

Abstract

In the recent past there was a growing interest in Traditional medicine / Complementary and Alternative Medicine (TCAM) and their relevance to public health both in developed and developing countries because of diversity, flexibility, easy accessibility. Relative low cost, low levels of technological input, relative low side effects and growing economic importance are some of the positive features of traditional medicine (WHO 2002). Pain is a feeling triggered in the nervous system and is a problem faced by people throughout the world on a daily basis. Pain can be acute (as caused through injury) or can be chronic (i.e. lasting for months or years, as is the case with patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, gout, or some forms of cancer). Over the counter (OTC) drugs like aspirin or paracetamol can cause gastric ulceration or hepatic damage from prolonged use or over-dosage. In this context, the present work aimed at preparing cinnamon oil sticks, roll-ons for analgesic, anti- inflammatory & anti- arthritis effect. The purpose of developing a dosage forms were, for a very quick onset of action and to minimize the side effects along with the convenience of administration i.e. without the problem of swallowing and using water. The sticks were prepared by using bees wax & paraffin wax as base and roll-ons were prepared by using bentonite as suspending agent. The prepared sticks were evaluated for melting point, breaking point, force of application, surface anomalies and roll-ons were evaluated for pH, Viscosity, drying time, spreadability & skin irritation test.