Published On: 08 Oct, 2024 4:48 PM | Updated On: 08 Jun, 2025 10:57 AM
Optimizing Cow Ghee as an Ointment Base
Cow ghee – a purified fat derived from milk, is valued in Ayurvedic medicine for its ability to penetrate deep tissues and act as an efficient carrier for medications. It offers antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties, making it beneficial for skin treatments.
The aim of a recent study was to evaluate cow ghee as a natural base for ointment formulations and compare its performance with conventional bases.
In this study, ointment bases like cetostearyl alcohol, stearic acid, glyceryl monostearate, and paraffin were used alongside cow ghee. Formulations were prepared following pharmacopeial procedures. Stability testing was conducted per ICH guidelines, evaluating parameters like color, odor, pH, spreadability, extrudability, and solubility.
It was found that ointments formulated with cow ghee in various concentrations were stable and exhibited non-greasy, appealing properties suitable for carrying active ingredients. Formulations F5, F6, F8, and F9, which combined cow ghee with paraffin in different ratios, showed superior texture and spreadability. The products remained physically and chemically stable, with no significant changes in free fatty acid levels.
Thus, cow ghee can serve as an effective and affordable alternative to conventional ointment bases. Its combination with traditional bases offers stable formulations with desirable properties – making it a viable option for therapeutic and Ayurvedic applications.
Source: Wawre MB, Khobragade D, Mundhada D. Cureus. 2023;15(3):e36556. Published 2023 Mar 22. doi:10.7759/cureus.36556
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