Formulation and Evaluation of Herbal Emulsion-Based Gel Containing Combined Essential Oils from Melaleuca alternifolia and Citrus hystrix

Aims: This study aimed to investigate the synergistic anti-inflammatory effects of combined essential oils from Melaleuca alternifolia and Citrus hystrix peel. Methodology: An emulsion-based gel containing combined essential oils from Melaleuca alternifolia and Citrus hystrix peel was topically applied to the injected area of the carrageenan-induced hind paw edema mouse model. Diclofenac sodium was used as a positive control. The inhibition percentage of protein denaturation in all mice was assessed and calculated based on paw volume (Pv). Results: The highest inhibition percentage, recorded at the third hour in the carrageenan-induced hind paw edema mouse model, was 44.76%, achieved by the mice treated with combined essential oils. This was followed by diclofenac-treated (37.14%), tea tree essential oil-treated (27.62%), and kaffir lime peel essential oil-treated mice (20.10%). A similar trend was observed after 24 hours of treatment, with the anti-inflammatory activity of combined essential oils-treated mice recorded at 46.74%, followed by diclofenac-treated (35.87%), tea tree essential oil-treated (24.97%) and kaffir lime peel essential oil-treated mice (11.97%). Conclusion: These findings confirm the synergistic anti-inflammatory effects of the combined essential oils-incorporated emulsion-based gel on the carrageenan-induced hind paw edema mouse model.