Formulation And Preliminary Evaluation of Self-Emulsifying Neem Bath Drops

Abstract

Neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.) contains chemically diverse constituents relevant to topical and dermocosmetic research, but reproducible formulation and evidence-based safety evaluation are necessary before therapeutic claims. This preliminary study developed two nominal 10 mL self-emulsifying neem bath-drop formulations containing neem leaf extract, coconut oil, polysorbate 80, propylene glycol, glycerin, vitamin E, menthol, rose oil and rose water. Neem powder was separately macerated with water, hydroalcoholic solvent and ethanol, and the extracts were screened qualitatively for alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids and terpenoids. Formulations F1 and F2 differed mainly in polysorbate 80 (1 and 2 mL), coconut oil (1.5 and 0.5 mL) and glycerin (1 and 0.5 mL), respectively. The optimized preparation was reported to emulsify in distilled water within 32 seconds and to form a uniform milky dispersion without precipitation or phase separation after 1:100 dilution. The reported pH range was 6–7; the product was readily washable and appeared yellowish green. Hydroalcoholic extract gave positive reactions for all four tested phytochemical classes, whereas the aqueous extract lacked flavonoid and terpenoid reactions. An antimicrobial signal against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli was reported, but zone diameters, controls and replicate data were unavailable. A no-irritation statement was also recorded without sufficient ethical or methodological detail and was therefore not interpreted as proof of safety. F2 was selected provisionally because its higher surfactant and lower oil/humectant content were associated with easier dispersion and lower apparent viscosity. Confirmatory work should quantify extract markers, droplet size, viscosity, preservative efficacy, antimicrobial zones, stability and skin irritation using validated, ethics-compliant methods.