Authors :
Srushti Gajendra Sonkusare; Bhagyashri S. Bhure
Volume/Issue :
Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 1 - January
Google Scholar :
https://tinyurl.com/mvhrnh6n
Scribd :
https://tinyurl.com/2ax69uct
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26jan987
Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.
Abstract :
Herbal formulations have gained increasing scientific interest as safer alternatives to synthetic anti-inflammatory
agents, particularly for topical delivery where multi-component gels can provide synergistic therapeutic benefits. This
review examines the anti-inflammatory potential of a polyherbal gel incorporating turmeric (Curcuma longa), aloe vera
(Aloe barbadensis Miller), ginger (Zingiber officinale), onion (Allium cepa), omega-3 fatty acids, and green tea extract
(Camellia sinensis). Each of these natural ingredients contains well-documented bioactive compounds—such as curcumin,
aloin, gingerols, quercetin, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and catechins—that modulate inflammatory pathways including
COX-2 inhibition, suppression of NF-κB activation, reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and antioxidant-mediated
protection of tissues. The review synthesizes current evidence on individual and combinational anti-inflammatory effects,
highlights formulation strategies for incorporating both hydrophilic and lipophilic phytoconstituents into a stable gel matrix,
and evaluates the potential synergistic interactions that may enhance therapeutic outcomes. Although multiple studies
support the efficacy of 2–3 ingredient combinations, literature assessing a full polyherbal blend of all six components remains
limited. Therefore, this review identifies significant gaps in research and proposes directions for future formulation
development, mechanistic studies, and clinical evaluation. Overall, the findings suggest that a herbal gel combining these
botanicals and omega-3 fatty acids represents a promising, yet underexplored, approach for topical management of
inflammation.
Keywords :
Herbal Anti-Inflammatory, Topical Gel, Turmeric, Ginger, Onion, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Green Tea, Aleo Vera.
References :
- Kumari A., et al. Wound-Healing Effects of Curcumin and Its Nanoformulations. Pharmaceuticals (Review). 2022.
- Surjushe A., et al. Aloe vera: A short review. J Dermatol Treat. 2008.
- Shuja M., et al. Formulation of Aloe-vera based curcumin topical gel and its evaluation. PJPS / PubMed record. 2023.
- Algahtani M.S., et al. Preparation and characterization of curcumin nanoemulgel for wound healing: in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo evaluation. 2021.
- Soliman W.E., et al. Enhancement of Curcumin Anti-Inflammatory Effect via Myrrh Oil-Based Nanoemulgel. Polymers. 2021.
- Kotian V., et al. Nanocrystal-Based Topical Gels for Improving Wound Healing (Curcumin nanocrystals in Carbopol gel). Crystals. 2022.
- Rawat V., et al. Curcumin-Loaded Gelatin Ethosomal Gel: A Novel Topical Formulation. 2025 (article).
- Al-Fatease A., et al. Preparation and characterization of a curcumin nanoemulsion for transdermal administration. Sci Rep. 2023.
- Frei G., et al. In Vitro and In Vivo Efficacy of Topical Dosage Forms Containing Curcumin in SNEDDS. 2023.
- Soliman WE (again) — nanoemulgel and enhanced anti-inflammatory curcumin activity (formulation strategy). 2021.
- Chelu M., et al. Aloe vera-Based Hydrogels for Wound healing. Polymers (MDPI). 2023.
- “Review on Herbal Formulation of Aloe Vera Herbal Gel and Its Potential Benefits” (review / PDF). 2025.
- JDDT / Chandra & co. Formulation and Evaluation of Ginger Extract Loaded Nanoemulgel for Rheumatoid Arthritis. 2019.
- Yücel Ç., et al. Immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory therapeutic properties of gingerols. 2022 review.
- “Formulation and Evaluation of Ginger Gel” (thesis/ IJMR type report) — topical ginger gel with Carbopol. 2017/2018.
- Brüll V., et al. Effects of a quercetin-rich onion skin extract on human endpoints (clinical/metabolic). 2015.
- Savitha S., et al. Onion quercetin: immune booster, extraction and applications (review). 2021.
- Xu F.W., et al. Beneficial Effects of Green Tea EGCG on Skin Wound Healing and Anti-Inflammation. 2021 (review).
- Zheng X.Q., et al. Green Tea Catechins and Skin Health. Antioxidants (MDPI). 2024.
- Paul M., et al. Development of a fish oil–nanoemulsion gel as a drug-delivery system (omega-3 topical gel). Sci Rep / Nat Sci. 2024.
- Mateu-Arrom L., et al. Therapeutic Benefits of Topical Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids. 2025 (review).
- Wang S., et al. Comparative study of anti-inflammatory, antioxidant activities of catechins. 2025.
- Paul M. (expanded) fish oil nanoemulsion gel reduces inflammation/fibrosis — in vivo/ histology. 2024.
- Dangi M., Formulation and evaluation of topical hydrogel containing curcumin (Carbopol 940). AJPER (2025).
- IJRPR / Formulation and evaluation of curcumin gel (Carbopol 934P).* 2024/2025.
- Alyoussef A., et al. Curcumin & resveratrol nanoemulgel burn healing study. 2021.
- Soliman WE (curcumin nanoemulgel) — mechanistic anti-inflam & permeation enhancement. 2021.
- “Multipurpose Topical Herbal Gel – A Review Article.” Biotech-Asia. 2025 — polyherbal gel methods & evaluation.
- Global Research Online / Formulation and Evaluation of Novel Topical Gel (polyherbal topical gel examples). 2024.
- PJPS / Aloe vera based curcumin topical gel (PDF) — formulation strategies (β-cyclodextrin complexation). 2023.
- MDPI Polymers & other nanoemulgel curcumin studies — examples of formulation approaches (myrrh oil, ethosomes, SNEDDS). 2021–2025.
- “Formulation Optimization and Evaluation of Nanoemulsion …” (various phytoconstituents) — methods translatable to curcumin/ginger/green tea. 2025.
- Chando A., Development and preclinical assessment of nanoemulgel loaded with phytoconstituents for RA management. Pharma Excipients (2023).
- ResearchGate / Formulation and Evaluation of a Poly-Herbal Anti-acne Gel example multi-extract gel formulations (includes turmeric/aloevera). 2025.
- Research reports & theses on ginger / turmeric nanoemulgel formulation strategies (particle size, zeta potential, release). 2019–2025.
- Patent: Topical formulations for administration of omega-3 fatty acids (salmon oil cream & topical ω-3 formulations). US patent record. 2014 (useful for formulation ideas).
- MDPI Antioxidants / green tea catechins — mechanistic data showing IL-1β/TNF-α downregulation, ROS reduction — relevant for combination gels. 2024.
- “A comprehensive study on fibroin, aloe vera and ginger extracts in diabetic wounds” — histochemical and biomarkers analysis (2024). (see note below)
- PubMed / Biological studies of turmeric oil and fish oil: anti-inflammatory & analgesic properties (comparative animal model). (older study referenced in reviews.) (see note below)
- MDPI / Aloe vera hydrogels & wound healing (application, antimicrobial & anti-inflammatory evidence). 2023.
- “Formulation and Evaluation of Ginger Extract Loaded Nanoemulgel for Rheumatoid Arthritis” — full methods & topical efficacy (multiple online copies). 2019.
- Nanocrystal and nanoemulgel literature reviews showing practical gelling agents, penetration enhancers, and stability tests for multi-component gels (multiple MDPI & Sci Rep pieces). 2021–2025.
- Singh HK, Kumar A, Dabral K. A Comprehensive Review on the Herbal Gels as Effective Topical Therapeutics for Inflammation. Int J Pharm Health Care Res. 2025;13(SPL1):1–15. Review of herbal gels and anti-inflammatory mechanisms.
- Revenu J, Nugraha SE, Kamilia A, Nuratika. Formulation of Anti-Diabetic Ulcer Gel Enriched With Aloe Vera Extract and Fish Collagen: An In Vivo Study. Int J Appl Pharm. 2025;17(4):51149. Demonstrates aloe + fish collagen gel with enhanced wound healing and reduced inflammation in vivo.
- Bait SL, Bedjawalge R, Gawai N, et al. Formulation and Evaluation of Herbal Turmeric Cream. IJRASET. 2025: Stability and anti-inflammatory evaluation of turmeric-based topical formulation.
- Giri S, Chakraborty A, Mandal C, et al. Formulation and Evaluation of Turmeric- and Neem-Based Topical Nanoemulgel Against Microbial Infection. Gels. 2024;10(9):578. Topical nanoemulgel study with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial potential.
- Pawar S, Raut S, Shinde P, et al. Formulation and Evaluation of Herbal Anti-Inflammatory Cream. IJPS Journal. 2025;3(05):578. Topical formulation study combining aloe vera and turmeric for anti-inflammatory action.
- Swamini Bhaskar K, Harsh YM, Swapnil K, et al. Formulation and Optimization of Natural Anti-Inflammatory Cream Using Herbal Extracts. IJPS Journal. 2025. Includes turmeric, ginger and aloe in a topical anti-inflammatory cream formulation.
- Bose A, Dutta A, Sadhukhan A, Rudra A. Formulation, Characterization and Optimization of Topical Herbal Hydrogel Containing Aloe Vera, Turmeric and Marigold. Int J Pharm Sci & Res. 2025;16(4):1060–1073. Topical hydrogel formulation with strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory evidence.
- Polyherbal Gel Mechanism and Synergy Topics. IJARSCT 2025. Discussion on phytochemical synergy and anti-inflammatory pathways in polyherbal gels including turmeric, ginger, onion flavonoids, aloe and tea catechins.
- Analgesic and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Hydrogel Formulations with Polyherbal Extracts (cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, capsicum). PMC. 2022;MC article. Shows comparative anti-inflammatory gel acting on COX pathways.
Herbal formulations have gained increasing scientific interest as safer alternatives to synthetic anti-inflammatory
agents, particularly for topical delivery where multi-component gels can provide synergistic therapeutic benefits. This
review examines the anti-inflammatory potential of a polyherbal gel incorporating turmeric (Curcuma longa), aloe vera
(Aloe barbadensis Miller), ginger (Zingiber officinale), onion (Allium cepa), omega-3 fatty acids, and green tea extract
(Camellia sinensis). Each of these natural ingredients contains well-documented bioactive compounds—such as curcumin,
aloin, gingerols, quercetin, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and catechins—that modulate inflammatory pathways including
COX-2 inhibition, suppression of NF-κB activation, reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and antioxidant-mediated
protection of tissues. The review synthesizes current evidence on individual and combinational anti-inflammatory effects,
highlights formulation strategies for incorporating both hydrophilic and lipophilic phytoconstituents into a stable gel matrix,
and evaluates the potential synergistic interactions that may enhance therapeutic outcomes. Although multiple studies
support the efficacy of 2–3 ingredient combinations, literature assessing a full polyherbal blend of all six components remains
limited. Therefore, this review identifies significant gaps in research and proposes directions for future formulation
development, mechanistic studies, and clinical evaluation. Overall, the findings suggest that a herbal gel combining these
botanicals and omega-3 fatty acids represents a promising, yet underexplored, approach for topical management of
inflammation.
Keywords :
Herbal Anti-Inflammatory, Topical Gel, Turmeric, Ginger, Onion, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Green Tea, Aleo Vera.