Formulation and in vivo evaluation for anti-aging effects of an emulsion containing basil extract using non- invasive biophysical techniques

ABSTRACT

Skin aging is a complex process induced by constant exposure to ultraviolet [UV] irradiation and damages human skin. UV generates reactive oxygen species leading to collagen deficiency and eventually skin wrinkling. Basil contains a number of phenolics and favonoids which possess antioxidant properties. The aim of this study was to formulate and investigate the antiaging potential of a cream containing Basil extract. A single blinded study was conducted using non-invasive methods. Formulation containing 3% of the concentrated extract of Basil was developed by entrapping in the inner aqueous phase of w/o emulsion and base contained no extract. Both creams were stored at different storage conditions of 8°C, 25°C, 40°C and 40°C+ 75% relative humidity to predict their stabilities. The formulation and base were evaluated for their effects on various skin parameters i.e., moisture and trans epidermal water loss [TEWL], volume, energy and surface evaluation of the living skin [SELS]. Significant effects [p skin moisture. Volume, SELS SEr [skin roughness], SEsc [skin scaliness], SEsm [skin smoothness], SEw [skin wrinkles] parameter showed significant decline while texture parameter of 'Energy' showed significant increase. The results statistically indicated that the active formulation containg extract of Basil exert antiaging effects when applied topically