FORMULATION OF HERBAL CREAM FROM ALOE VERA FOR THE

TREATMENT OF BROMODOSIS.
INTRODUCTION
BACKGROUND OF STUDY

Bromodosis, also known as, foot odour, is caused by a combination of sweat secretions and
the growth of bacteria on the feet (Pickett, 2017). Bromodosis or foot odour, can emit a
strong odour that may suggest poor hygiene or cosmetic issues. However, the affected person
may not be aware of the odour due to a reduced sense of smell, or anosmia
(Kanlayavattanakul and Lourith, 2011). Additionally, bromodosis can be exacerbated by poor
hygiene or underlying conditions that promote bacterial overgrowth, such as diabetes,
intertrigo, erythrasma, and obesity (Semkova et al., 2015). Bromodosis is linked to the
Brevibacterium species, which were once thought to be non-pathogenic microorganisms, but
more recent evidence suggests they may be associated with emerging pathogenic concerns
Manetos et al., 2011, Orchard et al., 2018). The Brevibacterium species are commensals, or
harmless cohabitants, found on human skin, and they thrive in moist environments such as
between the toes. (Collins et al., 1983).

Aloe vera is a highly versatile and medicinally important herbal plant. It offers a wide range
of pharmacological and medicinal benefits for both humans and animals. Aloe vera can be
utilized in various traditional medicinal practices and systems. Aloe vera exhibits
antimicrobial properties, enabling it to eliminate or inhibit the growth and development of
microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and protozoa. The antimicrobial compounds in aloe
vera act as biostatic agents, suppressing the proliferation of these microbes. Different parts of
the aloe vera plant have been used to treat a diverse array of health-related issues. The plant
synthesizes a vast array of secondary metabolites, which are important for medicinal
application (Himes et al., 2011). Aloe Vera contains 6 sterile specialists: Lupeol, salicylic
corrosive, urea nitrogen, cinnamonic corrosive, phenols and sulphur. They all have inhibitory
activity on organisms, microbes and viruses and this makes aloe vera very useful in the
treatment of bromodosis (West and Zhu, 2003).

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Bromodosis, is a common problem that affect the significant number of people worldwide.
While there are various treatments available for bromodosis, many of them are either
ineffective or course side effect. Common approaches to managing bromodosis include:
improved personal hygiene practices, application of antiperspirant salts, use of broad-
spectrum antimicrobial agents, odour-masking fragrances and surgical interventions, in some
cases (James et al., 2012, Semkova et al., 2015). Modern deodorants and antiperspirants are
often supplemented with a variety of chemical antimicrobial agents, such as propylene glycol,
triclosan, benzalkonium chloride, and metal salts. The goal of these additives is to help
reduce the growth of odour-causing bacteria.

However, the effectiveness of these antimicrobial compounds can also impact the overall
microbial flora present on the skin. Additionally, there are concerns about toxicity and the
potential development of antimicrobial resistance resulting from the overuse of such
antimicrobial additives. These factors must be carefully considered when utilizing chemical-
based approaches to manage foot odour (Darbre et al., 2011). Therefore, there is a need for a
safe and effective treatment that addresses the root causes of bromodosis, such as a cream
made from aloe vera.

GENERAL AIM

To develop an effective and safe herbal cream formulation utilizing Aloe vera as the primary
active ingredient for the treatment of bromodosis.

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES

1. To explore the potential of Aloe vera's antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and

deodorizing properties in mitigating the symptoms and underlying causes of
bromodosis.
2. To provide a convenient and user-friendly solution for individuals suffering from
this condition, offering an alternative to conventional treatments and promoting
the use of natural, plant-based remedies
3. To develop and optimize a stable and effective cream formulation incorporating
the Aloe vera extract, ensuring adequate release and penetration of the active
components.
4. To optimize the formulation parameters, such as pH, viscosity, and stability, to
ensure user acceptability and ease of application.
SIGNIFICANT OF STUDIES

1. Bromodosis, or foot odour, can have a significant impact on an individual's quality of

life and social interactions. Currently available treatments, such as topical
antimicrobials or deodorants, may have limited efficacy or potential side effects. The
development of an effective and natural alternative treatment would address this
unmet need.
2. Aloe vera is a well-known plant with various therapeutic properties, including
antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and deodorizing effects. This research explores the
potential of Aloe vera as a natural and safe alternative for the treatment of
bromodosis.
3. The formulation of an herbal cream from Aloe vera aligns with the growing interest in
natural and plant-based remedies. This research contributes to the development of
alternative treatment options that may be perceived as safer and more environmentally
friendly compared to synthetic alternatives.

. DELIMITATION

1. The study will focus specifically on the use of Aloe vera as the primary active
ingredient in the cream formulation. Other plant sources or herbal extracts will
not be considered in this research.
2. The research will be delimited to the development of a topical cream formulation.
Other routes of administration, such as oral or intravenous, will not be explored.
3. The study will be delimited to the treatment of bromodosis, also known as
excessive body odour. The formulated Aloe vera cream will not be evaluated for
other skin conditions or therapeutic applications
 METHODOLOGY

MATERIALS

Aloe vera extracts

Emulsifying ointment

Phenoxyethanol

Distilled water

Electronic balance

Plastic containers

Water bath

pH meter

METHOD

2.2.1 PLANT MATERIAL

The leaves of Aloe vera would be collected in May, 2024 from areas of Pekwase, a suburb in
Sunyani in Bono Region of Ghana. The leaves would be dry sorted to obtain only fresh
leaves. The fresh leaves would then be washed under running tap water without squeezing, to
remove debris and dust particles. The fresh and clean leaves would be air dried in shade at
room temperature for 10 day.

2.1.1. EXTRACTION OF PLANT MATERIAL

The dried leaves wound be grounded into powder using an electrical grinder, passed through
a 40-mesh sieve and stored in a closed-glass container for future use. The powdered leaves
(200 g) would be macerated with 800 ml of 95% ethanol for 48h and stirred intermittently.
The ethanol extract would be filtered and allowed for the ethanol to be evaporated for 6
hours.
 CREAM FORMULATION

PREPARATION OF AQUOUS PHASE PREPARATION OF OIL PHASE

MIXING OF AQUOUS PHASE AND OIL PHASE

BUDGET

ITEM COST(GHS)

ALOE VERA 150.00

EMULSIFYING OINTMENT 250.00

PHENOXYETHANOL 250.00

PLASTIC CONTAINERS 100.00

TRANSPORTATION 200.00

MISCELLANEOUS 350.00

TOTAL 1200.00
 REFERENCES

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Odorous Chemicals Present in Footwear Materials. MSc Thesis. North Carolina
State University, United States of America.
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combinations to combat foot odour. Planta Med. 84, 662–673.
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