THE USE OF SHEA BUTTER AS THE OIL BASE IN THE PREPARATION OF METHYL SALICYLATE (ANALGESIC) CREAMS

In the present study, an attempt was made to investigate the use of Shea butter as the oily base in the formulation of analgesic (Methyl salicylate) creams using hydrous wool fat base cream as standard. 

Methyl salicylate (The active ingredient), Bees wax, water and Shea butter obtained from local sources and refined were used separately on three different types on emulsifying agents namely cetrimide, polysorbate 80 and sodium lauryl sulphate, in the formulation of the analgesic cream. The standard was prepared using hydrous wool fat, bees wax, water and cetrimide as the only emulgent.

The cream samples were evaluated for physiochemical properties such as PH, viscosity, spreadability, washability, rate of penetration through the skin, odour, homogeneity and colour.

From the results of the experiment carried out, it was observed that; the Shea butter cream carried more of the active ingredient (methyl salicylate), and had a higher rate of penetration through the rat skin (as shown by its absorbance rate) when compared to the hydrous wool fat cream; it also gave PH values which all fell within the PH range of the human skin, it showed poor washability was more viscous, and was found to be far more spreadable than hydrous wool fat.