To formulate an anti-inflammatory and analgesic topical herbal cream incorporating the ethanolic extract of Piper chaba and assess its phytochemical composition and therapeutic efficacy

Abstract

Piper chaba and related species contain alkaloids like piperine and chabamides, which have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. By blocking pro-inflammatory substances like nitric oxide, IL-6, and COX-2, these substances lessen inflammation, frequently by activating the heme-oxygenase-1 pathway. Additionally, piperine reduces inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α and IL-1β via modifying the IκB-α/NF-κB signalling pathway.

Piperine-rich extracts have demonstrated notable pain reduction in animal models that is equivalent to common medications like ibuprofen and diclofenac. Analgesic effects are associated with activation of the TRPV1 receptor, which contributes to pain alleviation. Chabamide and piperine have long been used to treat pain and inflammation because they both lessen pain characteristics like writhing and tail-flick reactions. Piperine-rich extract-containing topical formulations have shown good skin compatibility and anti-inflammatory action, indicating the possibility of safe and efficient topical treatments.