Therapeutic Potential of Cow Ghee as a Natural Ointment Base in Ayurvedic Formulations

Cow ghee—commonly known as clarified butter—has long been revered in Ayurveda not just for its nutritional value but also for its powerful healing properties. Rich in antioxidants, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory compounds, it offers a unique ability to penetrate skin tissues and promote deeper absorption of active ingredients.

A recent study explored the use of cow ghee as a base for Ayurvedic ointments, comparing it with traditional ingredients like cetostearyl alcohol, stearic acid, glyceryl monostearate, paraffin wax, white beeswax, and wool fat. The formulations underwent rigorous stability testing as per International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) guidelines, evaluating parameters such as color, consistency, pH, and solubility.

Key Highlights:

• Ghee-based ointments showed excellent stability and aesthetic appeal, with a non-greasy texture.
• They demonstrated good spreadability, extrudability, and solubility, making them effective carriers for medicinal ingredients.
• The findings support cow ghee as a cost-effective, natural, and accessible ointment base for Ayurvedic and therapeutic skincare applications.

With its favorable physicochemical properties, cow ghee is emerging as a valuable ingredient in modern Ayurvedic formulations—bridging tradition with innovation in skin therapy.

Source:

Wawre MB, Khobragade D, Mundhada D. An Emerging Approach for Optimization of Cow Ghee as an Ointment Base in Combination With Selected Conventional Bases. Cureus. 2023 Mar 22;15(3):e36556.