Microwave-Assisted Green Synthesis and Anticancer Potential of Chromene 1,2,4-Oxadiazole Hybrids in Breast Cancer Therapy: Recent Advances and Future Perspectives

Abstract

Polyherbal foot care cooling gel is a topical herbal formulation developed to provide cooling, soothing, moisturizing, refreshing, and antimicrobial effects for tired, stressed, and unhealthy feet. Feet are continuously exposed to environmental pollutants, excessive sweating, heat, friction, and microbial contamination due to daily activities such as walking, prolonged standing, and use of closed footwear. These conditions may lead to dryness, irritation, unpleasant odor, burning sensation, cracked heels, fungal infections, and foot fatigue. Proper foot care is therefore essential for maintaining hygiene, comfort, and skin health. Herbal formulations have gained significant importance in recent years because they are considered safer, more economical, and associated with fewer side effects compared to synthetic preparations. Polyherbal formulations are especially beneficial because the combined action of different medicinal plants produces synergistic therapeutic effects.
The present study focuses on the formulation and evaluation of a polyherbal foot care cooling gel using natural herbal ingredients such as peppermint extract, aloe vera gel, neem extract, vetiver extract, almond oil, Carbopol 934, sodium benzoate, and purified water. Carbopol 934 was used as a gelling agent to provide appropriate viscosity, consistency, and stability to the formulation. Peppermint extract, rich in menthol, was incorporated to produce an immediate cooling and refreshing sensation that helps relieve foot fatigue and discomfort. Aloe vera gel was included because of its excellent moisturizing, soothing, anti-inflammatory, and skin-protective properties. Neem extract is widely known for its antimicrobial, antifungal, and antibacterial activities, which help prevent foot infections, itching, and unpleasant odor. Vetiver extract contributes cooling and calming effects along with a pleasant aroma, while almond oil acts as a nourishing emollient that softens and hydrates dry skin. Sodium benzoate was added as a preservative to protect the formulation from microbial contamination and improve shelf life.
The gel was prepared by dispersing Carbopol 934 in water followed by incorporation of herbal extracts and other ingredients with continuous stirring to obtain a smooth and homogeneous preparation. The prepared formulation was evaluated for various physicochemical parameters including appearance, color, odor, pH, viscosity, spreadability, homogeneity, washability, cooling effect, skin feel, and stability. The formulation showed satisfactory physical characteristics with smooth texture, pleasant odor, and good consistency. The pH of the gel was found to be compatible with skin, indicating suitability for topical application without causing irritation. The gel exhibited good spreadability and was easily washable, enhancing patient convenience and compliance.
The cooling effect produced by peppermint and vetiver extracts provided instant freshness and relief from foot fatigue. Aloe vera and almond oil improved skin hydration and softness, preventing dryness and roughness of the feet. Neem extract contributed antimicrobial protection, which may help reduce microbial growth responsible for foot odor and infections. The prepared formulation remained stable during storage and did not show significant changes in color, consistency, or phase separation. The gel was non-greasy, non-sticky, and aesthetically acceptable, making it suitable for routine use.

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