INTRODUCTION:

The medicinal herb Clerodendrum phlomidis Linn., often known as "Arni" (family: Verbenacae), is widely used in traditional Indian medicine. Based on reports, it has a range of active principles with biological activity against many diseases¹.

Numerous studies have documented Clerodendrum phlomidis' biological functions. Some studies have documented its impacts on diabetes, inflammation, neurological conditions, digestive issues, rheumatism, asthma, urinary issues, etc. According to reports, aqueous extracts exhibit antiplasmodial, antidiarrheal, analgesic, hypoglycemic, anti-nematicidal, antifungal, asthmatic, and anti-arthritic qualities. When swelling occurs, the pulp made from crushed leaves is administered externally. The plant's antimicrobial leaves are used to treat rheumatism. The leaf extracts are beneficial for stomach issues, inflammation, arthritis, and weakness². Uncontrolled and persistent inflammation, which is believed to be the body's main defense against infection, burns, toxic chemicals, allergies, or other unpleasant stimuli, may be the origin of many of these chronic disorders³.

Clerodendrum phlomidis is a medium-sized, leafy tree with a maximum height of six meters that is a member of the Verbaneceae family. All across India, it can be found in open areas, often through fences. Burma, Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, and Baluchistan are all home to it. Siddha medicine claims that it can treat inflammation, fever, nasal congestion, tumors, and joint issues. The root, leaves, and bark of this plant have long been used as a bitter tonic, painkiller, cure for diarrhea and worms, and demulcent in cases of gonorrhea. In Ayurveda, it is used to treat inflammation, piles, and tumors⁴.

Gel:

Gels are semi-rigid systems in which the dispersion medium's strength is limited by the solubility of macromolecules in the dispersed phase or three-dimensional particle interaction. The term "gel" was first used to characterize semisolids in the late 1800s, when scientists attempted to differentiate them based on phenomenological properties rather than chemical composition⁵.

Classification of gel:⁶

1) Based on No. of Phases:

A) Colloid phase: They are divided into two types are as follows:

a. Organics (single-phase systems): These consist of large organic molecules dissolved in a continuous helix-shaped phase. Van der Walls typically hold these molecules together or compete with one another.

b. Inorganic (two-phase) system: Excessive dispersion of the dispersed phase results in a three-dimensional gel structure like tiny flocks. This body is not always stable when compared to larger molecules or gel forms.

2) Based on Nature of Gelling Agent:

a. Hydrogel (Water-based): Hydrogels are networks of hydrophilic polymer chains that are dispersed with water. These polymer networks, whether natural or manufactured, are exceedingly absorbent. They are also fairly pliable due to their high-water content.

b. Organogel (with non-aqueous solvent): Organogel is a thermoreversible solid that is not crystalline or translucent. It is composed of a liquid organic phase encased in a three-dimensional cross-linked network. Fluids can include mineral oil, chemical solvents, and vegetable oils.

c. Xerogel: This dried gel will always shrink. It usually has a large surface area (m2/g) and high porosity (15-50%). For example, gum tragacanth strips, gelatin sheets, acacia tears.

3) Based on rheological properties: Generally, gels exhibit non-newtonian flow properties.

They are classified as:

a. Plastic gels: The Bingham body defines plastic flow as floculated suspensions such tragacanth gum, sodium alginate, and sodium CMC dispersions. The rheogram depicts the gel on which elastic gel will deform and begin to flow.

b. Pseudoplastic Gel: These gels have no yield value and decrease in viscosity as shear rate increases. The rheogram is obtained by cutting the length of the linear polymer's molecular chain. As shear stress increases, the chaotic molecules begin to orient their long axes downstream, allowing solvent to exit the gel matrix.

c. Thixotropic Gels: These gels' particle bonds are so weak that shaking them can break them. The solution will revert to the gel when particles contact and reconnect (a process known as the reverse isothermal gel-sol-gel transition). This results in the formation of scaffold-like structures in colloidal systems containing aspherical particles. For example: agar, bentonite, and kaolin.

4) Based on physical strength: They are divided into following types:

a. Elastic gel: Weak factors like dipole attraction and hydrogen bonding bind fiber molecules together at specific locations. Additional connections take place between two neighboring chains of a -COO-X-COO type salt bridge if the molecule has a free -COOH group. For example: Agar, pectin, guar gum, and alginates are examples of gels that behave elastically.

b. Rigid Gels: These can be created from macromolecules that have main bonds holding them to the framework. For example: Si-O-Si-O bonds bind silicic acid molecules together in silica gel, creating a polymer structure with a network of pores.

Advantages of gel⁷:

1. Better patient compliance results from non-invasive drug delivery.

2. Applying it is simple and convenient.

3. It is easier to remove from the skin and less oily.

4. It avoids first pass metabolism.

5. This is an alternative to oral and intravenous medication administration.

Disadvantages of gel:

1. An allergic reaction could occur in the application region.

2. Dermatitis or skin irritation can be caused by drugs or excipients.

3. Drugs with large particle sizes are difficult for the skin to absorb.

4. Drugs that irritate or sensitize skin should not be used.

5. Poorly permeable drugs are inappropriate.

Plant Profile:

1. Clerodendrum phlomidis:

Common name: Agnimantha (Brihad agnimantha), Headache Tree, Arni.

Biological Source: The drug Clerodendrum phlomidis consists of the dried roots, leaves and sometimes bark obtained from Clerodendrum phlomidis Linn. A shrub belonging to the family lamiaceae (formerly classified under Verbanaceae.

Kingdom: Pla ntae

Phylum: Tracheophyta

Class: Magnoliopsida

Order: Lamiales

Family: Lamiaceae

Genus: Clerodendrum

Species: Phlomidis

Fig. No. 1: Plant of Clerodendrum phlomidis

Chemical Composition:

Clerodendrum phlomidis contains a number of significant phytochemicals, including sterols, glycosides, triterpenoids, flavonoids, and diterpenoids. Clerodin, clerodendrin, pectolinaringenin, scutellarein, 7-hydroxyflavone, flavonoid glycosides, β-sitosterol, 24β-ethylcholesta-5, 22E, 25-triene-3β ol, and other phenolic and steroidal elements are among the major substances found in this plant. These phytochemicals enhance the plant's traditional medical use by contributing to its pharmacological actions, which include anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, and analgesic effects⁸.

Pharmacological activities of Clerodendrum phlomidis:⁹

1. Anti-inflammatory property: Clerodendrum phlomidis shows significant anti-inflammatory activity by reducing carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats and acetic acid-induced inflammation in mice.

2. Antioxidant activity: The ethanolic root extract exhibits strong antioxidant activity by neutralizing free radicals and reducing oxidative stress.

3. Antimicrobial property: Methanolic extracts show antibacterial activity, while acetone extracts are inactive. Leaf extracts are more effective than stem extracts.

4. Analgesic activity: Clerodendrum species possess pain-relieving properties and help reduce pain and inflammation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Collection and Authentification of Plant Material:

The plant leaves of Clerodendrum phlomidis collected from local area of Shahada, Dist. Nandurbar, Maharashtra.The herbarium of these plants were identified and authenticated by a botanist Dr.S.K. Tayade, Head Department of Botany, P.S.G.V. P Mandal^’s Arts, Science, Commerce College of Shahada Dist.Nandurbar.

Chemicals:

The following chemicals are used for preparation of gel are as follows:

Methyl Paraben, Propyl Paraben, Carbapol, Triethanolamine, Propylene Glycol, Chloroform, Distilled Water.

Equipments:

Digital weighing balance, viscometer, Magnetic stirrer, Water bath.

Preparation of plant extract:

One of the most important procedures was maceration, which was immersing plant leaves in an organic solvent-filled container and letting it sit at room temperature. Stir it often for at least three days. After three days, the mixture is filtered to release the phytochemical.

Procedure:

1. The powdered Clerodendrum phlomidis leaves weighed 83.33grams.

2. For three days, the powdered leaves are macerated with chloroform.

3. A thin filterate was obtained by filtering the solution with a funnel. After that, the organic

filterate is evaporated in a water bath until all of the chloroform has been removed, creating a thick, sticky, solid mass¹⁰.

Fig. No. 2: Filteration of plant extract

Preparation of Herbal Gel:

1. In 250ml beaker, 5ml of water were heated on water bath in that dissolve weigh amount of methyl paraben and propylparaben

2. Then add propylene glycol once liquid has cooled.

3. Take 1gm of carbapol 934 and dispersed in 50ml of distilled water with continuous stirring to obtained gel base.

4. Finally the mixture of propylene glycol, propyl and methyl parabrn were mixed with gel base with continuous stirring.

5. Then add triethanolamine to adjust the pH.

6. Finally, the extract of Clerodendrum phlomidis (1%w/w) was added to gel and mix thoroughly¹¹.

Fig. No. 3: Gel Base

Fig. No. 4: Clerodendrum Phlomidis extract gel

Fig.No. 5: Final formulation of herbal gel

Formula for Gel:

Table No.1: Formula for gel preparation (%w/v)

Ingredients	Roles	Formulation Code
Ingredients	Roles	F 1 (%w/v)	F2 (%w/v)	F3 (%w/v)
Clerodendrum phlomidis extract	Antiinflammatory Agent	1	1	1
Carbopol 934	Gelling agent	0.5	1	1.5
Methyl Paraben	Preservative	0.5	0.5	0.5
Propyl Paraben	Preservative	0.2	0.2	0.2
Propylene glycol	Humectant	5	5	5
Triethanolamine	Emulsifying agent	1	1	1
Distilled water	Vehicle	q. s	q. s	q. s

Evaluation Parameters:

1) Physical Evaluation:

Physical characteristics of gel formulations, including color, odor, and consistency, were examined and reported in Table No.2

2) pH measurement:

The pH of the herbal gel formulations was measured using a digital pH meter. The pH of the gel formulation was measured three times, and the average findings are shown in Table No.3

3) Homogeneity:

Each created gel formulation's homogeneity was visually assessed. They were inspected to determine their appearance and whether any aggregates were present shown in Table No.4.

4) Spreadability:

To assess the herbal gel's spreadability on a surface. Take two identical-sized glass slides. Put 0.5 to 1g of herbal gel in the middle of one slide. Gently cover the gel with the second glass slide. To ensure that the gel spreads evenly, place a known weight (20g) on the upper slide. Using a ruler, determine the diameter of the gel spread between the slides. The following formula can be used to calculate spreadability:

S = M x L/T

Where, M = Standard weight is placed over the upper slide, L = length of glass slides, T = time taken in seconds, Spreadabilty of gel formulations were reported in Table. No.5.

5) Viscosity:

Viscosity was measured with a Brookfield viscometer. It should be possible for the spindly to dip into the jar's gel. The spindle's speed was 25RPM. Viscosity was measured using the L3 spindle. The results are shown in Table No.6.

6) Swelling index:

To calculate the formulation's swelling index, weigh out 1g of gel formulation and lay it on a piece of porous aluminum foil in a beaker such that it completely submerges in 10mL of 0.1N sodium hydroxide. The tiny amount of gel was extracted at predetermined intervals, stored in a dry location for a while, and then weighed again. This formula can be used to determine the swellingindex:

SW% = [(Wt – Wo) / Wo] x 100

Where,

SW % - Percent Swelling Index

Wo – Initial weight of Gel

Wt – Weight of swollen gel formulation after time t.

The results are shown in Table No. 7.

7) Extrudability:

In this test, the gel is filled into a tube, forced out, and the amount of force needed to extrude the gel from the tube is measured. The weight placed on the aluminum collapsible tube filled with gel will extrude at least 0.5 cm of ribbon. The weight that is applied is expressed in grams. Calculate the extrudability using the following

Extradability = Applied weight to extrude from gel tube /Area (cm)

The results are shown in Table No.8.

RESULT AND DISCUSSION:

1) Physical evaluation:

All of the herbal gel formulations F1, F2, F3 were found to be pale green to greenish in colour with pungent odour and semisolid in nature.

Table No. 2: Evaluation of Physical Appearance

Sr. No	Formulation	Physical Appearance
1	F1	Pale green, pungent, semisolid
2	F2	Greenish, pungent, semisolid
3	F3	Greenish, pungent, semisolid

2) pH Measurement:

All herbal gel formulations had pH values range for 4.5 to 5.9. These values are suitable for topical application and are unlikely to cause skin irritation.

Table No. 3: Evaluation of pH

Sr. No	Formulation	pH
1	F1	4.5
2	F2	5.9
3	F3	5.5

3) Homogeneity:

Homogeneity of the prepared gels was evaluated by visual inspection. Formulations F1 and F2 showed uniform appearance with no aggregates, indicating good homogeneity of the gel base. However, F3 showed the formation of aggregates, which may be due to improper dispersion of the gelling agent or extract.

Table No. 4: Evaluation of Homogeneity

Sr. No	Formulation	Homogeneity
1	F1	Yes
2	F2	Yes
3	F3	No

4) Spreadability:

Spreadability indicates how easily the gel spreads on the skin. Among the formulations, F3 showed the highest spreadability, indicating easier application compared to the other formulations.

Table No. 5: Evaluation of Spreadability

Sr. No	Formulation	Spreadability (gcm/sec)
1	F1	10.90
2	F2	11.75
3	F3	12.25

5) Viscosity:

Viscosity of the gel formulations was measured using a suitable viscometer. The viscosity values were found to be 5500 to 6900 cps. The increase in viscosity from F1 to F3 may be attributed to variation in gelling agent concentration in the formulation.

Table No. 6: Evaluation of Viscosity

Sr. No	Formulation	Viscosity(cps)
1	F1	5500
2	F2	6000
3	F3	6900

6) Swelling Index:

The swelling index of the prepared gel formulations was determined to evaluate the swelling capacity of the gelling polymer. Among these, F2 exhibited the highest swelling index, indicating better hydration and swelling property of the polymer network.

Table No. 7: Evaluation of Swelling Index

Sr. No	Formulation	Swelling Index
1	F1	45%
2	F2	76%
3	F3	50%

7) Extrudability:

Extrudability was evaluated by filling the gel into collapsible tubes and measuring the ease with which the gel could be extruded. Formulations F1 and F3 showed good extrudability, while F2 showed excellent extrudability, indicating better flow and ease of removal from the container.

Table No. 8: Evaluation of Extrudability

Sr. No	Formulation	Extrudability
1	F1	++
2	F2	+++
3	F3	++

Where, +++ indicates excellent, ++ indicates good

CONCLUSION:

A herbal gel comprising Clerodendrum phlomidis extract was effectively prepared and evaluated. F2 was shown to be the best formulation for topical application. The study emphasizes the potential of herbal gels as safe and effective substitutes for synthetic formulations.

FUTURE SCOPE:

Further research, such as stability testing, in vivo anti-inflammatory activity, and clinical trials, is advised.

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Received on 24.04.2026 Revised on 19.05.2026

Accepted on 11.06.2026 Published on 08.07.2026

Available online from July 13, 2026

Res. J. Pharmacognosy and Phytochem. 2026; 18(3):238-242.

DOI: 10.52711/0975-4385.2026.00034

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