A systematic study on herbal cream for various clinical and therapeutic application: current status and future prospects

Abstract

Introduction

Recent trends and current market analysis suggest demand for herbal formulations, including herbal creams, is increasing over synthetic creams due to their lower toxicity and fewer side effects, followed by more skin nourishment capability, according to several published studies. Moreover, published literature lacks any updated, compiled explanatory review on herbal creams. Therefore, we designed the present communication to accomplish the current requirement.

Objective

The major objective of the present communication is to provide the clinical data-based evidence and state of the art adopted for the formulation and development of herbal cream, including its composition and manufacturing processes, to establish therapeutic effectiveness.

Method

Both online and offline literature searches were performed and screened. The publications accounted for in vitro and clinical studies, followed by various preparation methods, classification and manufacturing process were included. There were a total of 150 papers finally selected and reviewed in the present communications addressing concerns related to herbal cream from 1995 to July 2023.

Result

It was established that herbal creams can be produced using a variety of techniques and methods. Majorly anti-inflammatory, dermatitis, anti-trauma, anti-aging, anti-acne, and vulvovaginal herbal creams were enlisted in terms of different clinical and therapeutic application.

Conclusion

The evidence from the present systematic review suggests that more human clinical trials with larger sample sizes are needed in order to achieve higher accuracy in terms of the safety and efficacy of herbal creams.