Developing and Assessing a Cream Designed to Remove Stretch Marks from “Prunus armeniaca” and “Centella asiatica”

Abstract

Stretch marks (Striae distensae) are visible lines on the outer skin located usually on abdomen, breats, thighs. Stretch marks which develop on pregnant women known as striae gravidarum. Almost 50-90% of pregnant women may develop striae distensae. It is caused due to sudden increase in weight during pregnancy, due to rapid weight gain the collagen fibres present between dermis and epidermis layer of skin gets break down and stretch marks appears. Because of various side effects of synthetic medications, the use of herbal medications has increased. To avoid side effect, oil obtained from the leaves of Centella asiatica linn i.e. Gotukola and the fruits of Prunus armeniaca i.e. Apricot was incorporated into the formulation stimulates collagen synthesis by energizing dermal fibroblast and regenerate the skin cells. The main active ingredient found in gotukola is triterpenoids (saponin) and Apricot is glycosides, it increases collagen production in body and regenerate the skin cells this may help to prevent new stretch marks from forming as well as help to heal any existing marks. The objective of the present study was to developing the cream for the removal of stretch marks. Creams was prepared by oil-in-water emulsion by changing the concentration of active ingredients. Total 3 formulation were prepared among these F3 batch. In this (1.5% and 2%) concentration of oil was added and some butters were added. The final formulation shows pH (8.9), No skin irritancy, better spreadability, consistency and antimicrobial testing.