INTRODUCTION:

Deodorant sticks are used to control body odor. These products are made by blending active ingredients with waxes, oils, and silicones and molding the mixture into stick form. Body odor is primarily generated in the area under the arms where there is a high concentration of sweat glands. While sweat from these glands is initially odorless, it contains natural oils, called lipids, that provide a growth medium for bacteria living on the skin. These bacteria interact with the lipids, converting them into compounds that have a characteristic sweaty odor. Isovaleric acid, for example, is one chemical compound that gives sweat its smell. Odor control can be achieved by various means - basic hygiene (washing with soap and water) is the most important but also by antimicrobial agents, antiperspirant, fragrances or any combination of these. Basically, deodorants and antiperspirants are two different ways to prevent odor. Deodorants are perfumed preparation, which mask but do not actually affect perspiration, it can also work by creating a more acid, inhospitable environment to odor-producing bacteria, while antiperspirants clog or block the pores, cutting down on the amount of perspiration that leaves the body, thus giving the bacteria less to feed on.

There are many forms and formulations available in the market, i.e. rolls-ons, deodorant and antiperspirant sticks, gel, cream etc. The market of these product types is growing day by day. According to information resources, Inc. (IRI), Chicago, the sale of antiperspirants and deodorants rose 0.4% for the year ended Dec. 31, 2000^1-3,8.

The health effects of antiperspirants are a matter of dispute regarding their extent. A small percentage of people are allergic to aluminium and may experience contact dermatitis when exposed to aluminium-containing deodorants. Aluminium salts from use of deodorants caused contact dermatitis to the skin. After using a deodorant containing zirconium, the skin may develop an allergic, axillary granuloma response. Deodorant crystals containing synthetically made potassium alum were found to be a weak irritant to the skin.Natural Deodorants are a great way to avoid parabens, aluminum, and neuro-toxins found in commercial deodorants and antiperspirants. Because of above reason herbal anti- microbal agents are used in the formulation of deodorant stick. Experiment was performed by selecting the plant oil of Eugena caryophyllus which weas reported to have antibacterial activity^5-7.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Materials:

Eugena caryophyllus(Vyas Pharmaceuticls, Indore). Cocoa butter, coconut oil, castor oil, lavender oil, rosemary essential oil were purchased from the local market of Tirupati.

Methods:

Preparation of deodorant sticks:^3,8

Bees wax and cocoa butter were melted in a china dish in water bath. When it has melted all the oils except clove oil were mixed properly. It was stirred to mix thoroughly. Then it was taken out from the water bath and required quantity of Eugena caryophyllus oil was added. The liquid mass is then poured into a clean, discarded deodorant stick case and left to cool and set. Different concentration of beeswax were used to check its physical stability.

Table 1: Composition of the different formulation.

Sl. No	Ingredients	S1	S2	S3
1	Beeswax	5 gm	6 gm	7 gm
2	Cocoa butter	3 gm	3 gm	3gm
3	Coconut oil	2 ml	2 ml	2 ml
4	Castor oil	2 drops	2 drops	2 drops
5	Lavender essential oil	1 ml	1 ml	1 ml
6	Rosemary essential oil	1 ml	1 ml	1 ml
7	Clove oil	2 ml	2 ml	2 ml

Evaluation of The Deodorant Stick:^2,3,8

Softening point:

This is the temperature at which the stick becomes unusable. In this test, the stick was cut in half lengthways, mounted vertically in petri dishes and put in incubator. It was then observed as temperature was slowly raised until the sharp edges of the tip and slides began to melt or round off.

Disintegration time:

The stick was placed in enough distilled water to make an 8 % w/w solution of the stick mass. The beaker containing the stick and water (37⁰C) was observed and the time needed for complete dissolution of the stick was recorded.

pH measurement:

1% solution was prepared by dissolving 0.5 g sample in 49.4 g distilled water. The sample solution was then measured with pH meter at controlled temperature (21⁰C to 24⁰C)

Stability:

Stability test was carried out at room temperature (25^oC) and 45^oC for two weeks. The samples were observed for sweating, and stick deformation phase separation. When the stick was out of shape or oil droplet could be seen on the surface of the deodorant stick, the system indicated unstable and vice versa. Colour change of the formulations were also observed.

Antimicrobial study:^9-12

Screening for Antibacterial Activity:

Media:

Medium was prepared by adding 2 % of agar.

Ingredients:

¨ Peptic Digest of animal tissue : 5 g/l

¨ Sodium Chloride : 5 g/l

¨ Beef extract : 1.5 g/l

¨ Yeast extract : 1.5 g/l

¨ Final pH at 25°C : 7.4 ± 0.2

Preparation:

The ingredients were dissolved in distilled water with the aid of heat and pH was adjusted to 7.2 – 7.6 using alkali or dilute acid if necessary.

Sterilization:

15-20 ml of agar medium was transferred to conical flask and sealed with non-absorbent cotton. It was then autoclaved at a pressure of 15 psi (121°C) for not less than 15 minutes.

Organisms used:

Staphylococcus aureus NCIM 3160, Escherichia coli NCIM 443 and Bacillus subtilis NCIM 441 were procured from National Collection of Industrial Microorganisms, National Chemical Laboratory, Pune and stored in the Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Laboratory, Seven Hills College of Pharmacy, Trupati.

The strains were confirmed for their purity and identified by Gram’s staining method and their characteristic biochemical reactions. The selected strains were preserved by sub culturing them periodically on nutrient agar slants and storing them under frozen condition. For the study, fresh 24 hrs broth cultures were used.

Working conditions:

The entire work was done using horizantal laminar flow hood so as to provide aseptic conditions. Before commencement of the work air sampling was carried out using a sterile nutrient agar plate and exposing it to the environment inside the hood. After incubation it was checked for the growth of microorganism and absence of growth conformed aseptic working conditions.

Preparation of inoculums:

The inoculum for the experiment was prepared fresh in Nutrient agar broth from preserved frozen slants. It was incubated at 37°C for 18-24 hrs and used

Preparation of sample:

2% solution was prepared by dissolving 1 g sample in 49.4 g distilled water.

Antibacterial screening by cup plate method:

Nutrient agar plates were prepared aseptically to get a thickness of 5-6 mm. The plate were allowed to solidify and inverted to prevent the condensate falling on the agar surface. The plates were dried at 37°C before inoculation.

The organism as inoculated in the plates prepared earlier by dipping a sterile swab in the previously standardized inoculum, removing the excess of inoculum by pressing and rotating the swab firmly against the sides of the culture tube above the level of liquid and finally streaking the swab all over the surface of the medium three times, rotating the plate through an angle 60°C after each application. Finally the swab was pressed round the edge of the agar surface. It was allowed to dry at room temperature, with the lid closed. Using the borer 0.5 cm well or cup for each plate were prepared. Add 0.15 ml of sample solution was introduced in to the well. After preparation of plates, kept it for 5min in freezer for diffusion of sample solution. Plates were prepared in triplicate and they were then incubated for18- 24 hrs at 37°C. Observation were made for zone of inhibition around the well. All the samples were tested for antimicrobial activity against gram positive and gram negative bacteria.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION:

Deodorant stick formulations:

Three different formulations were prepared based on the different concentration of bees wax. The anti-microbial active and perfume were added to the formulations. The appearance of deodorant stick ranges from opaque, transparent to translucent.

Fig 1: Formulated herbal deodorant stick

Deodorant sticks evaluation:

The physical properties of deodorant sticks were evaluated based on disintegration time, softening point, pH and color changed. Marketed formulation was used as a standard.

Softening point:

The softening point is of interest in hot climate especially during handling, storage and display in pharmacy window. Table 2 showed that the softening point of S2 abd S3 were comparable to the commercials R formulation.

Disintegration time:

S1 formulation was observed to have lowest disintegration time where as S3 formulation showed highest disintegration time. (Table 2).

pH measurement:

The stick pH varied from 9.2 to 10.5 which is suitable for the human skin and non-irritant upon application. (Table 2)

Table 2: Evaluation of the different physical parameters of the herbal deodorant stick

Sl. No	Formulation Code	Softening Point (⁰ C)	Disintegration Time (Hour)	pH
1	S1	48	1	8
2	S2	59	1.8	9.2
3	S3	63	2	9.5
3	R	66	2	9.3

Storage stability

Sweating is an excess of oil or solvent occurred onto the surface of the deodorant sticks. Sweating can be seen clearly if the sample is unstable. Table 3 showed that all the sticks were stable upon storage for 2 weeks at 28⁰ C and 45⁰ C except for S1.

Table 3: Stability study of the different batches

Sl. No	Formulation Code	Colour Change	Sweating	Melting
1	S1	No	Yes	Yes
2	S2	No	No	No
3	S3	No	No	No
3	R	No	No	No

Anti microbial evaluation

The results of zone of inhibition of the different formulation were recorded in Table 4. The result shows that all the formulations have antibacterial activity towards all tested phytopathogenic bacteria. (Fig: 2-4)

Table 4: Anti microbial activity of the different formulations

Sr. no	Microorganism	Zone of inhibition (mm)
Sr. no	Microorganism	S1	S2	S3
1	Staphylococcus aureus	20	21	22
2	Escherichia coli	20	20	24
3	Bacillus subtilis	18	20	24

Fig. 2: Zone of inhibition of microorganism(Escherichia coli) after 24 hours

Fig. 3: Zone of inhibition of microorganism(Staphylococcus aureus) after 24 hours

Fig. 4: Zone of inhibition of microorganism(Bacillus subtilis) after 24 hours

CONCLUSION:

Formulated herbal deodorant stick were evaluated for physical parameters like softening point, disintegration time, pH, colour change etc. and obtained results were in the acceptable limits. The formulated herbal deodorant stick containing clove oil was found to be easier and simpler, to produce stable deodorant stick. It is also having accepted range of antimicrobial efficacy which may act as alternative of the synthetic deodorant stick.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:

We would like to thank Mrs. M. Sumaltha, Secretary, Seven Hills College of Pharmacy for giving us excellent support in carrying out this research work and also supporting us financially.

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Received on 06.05.2011 Accepted on 22.05.2011

Res. J. Topical and Cosmetic Sci. 2(1): Jan. –June 2011 page 21-24