Author(s): Ujwala N Mahajan, Debarshi Kar Mahapatra, Nilesh M Mahajan, Fahimuddin S Kazi and Nupoor Baghel

Abstract: The research endeavors at investigating the role of Mahua oil (MO), obtained from Madhuca longifolia as an emulsifier for formulating the w/o cream. Utilizing; erythromycin stearate, stearic acid, potassium hydroxide, glycerine, MO, and methylparaben, four different cream formulations were prepared. The formulations were characterized in terms of pH, viscosity, spreadability, extrudability, skin irritability test, drug content, accelerated stability studies and in vitro drug diffusion. The evaluation parameters highlighted that batch F4 exhibited the best formulation characteristic (highest drug release of 94.33% in 300 minutes) as compared to other formulations. The range of drug content (85.69–95.72%), pH (5.98-6.42), viscosity (880-1040 cps), and spreadability (2.69-3.5 g/sec) were observed. The accelerated stability study expressed no substantial alteration and skin irritation test showed no significant signs and symptoms. MO was found to be chemically inert, non-toxic, economic, biodegradable, good emulsifying ability, widely available and may be utilized as excipients in cream formulations.