FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF PARTHENOLIDE WITH ESSENTIAL OILS AS O/W CREAM FOR TREATING MIGRAINE

Abstract

Migraine, a widespread neurological disorder, ranks as the second most common worldwide, causing significant disability. This chronic condition is characterized by recurring, debilitating headaches with various accompanying symptoms. The etiology of migraine involves a complex interplay of genetic factors, with familial hemiplegic migraine having specific genetic associations. Researchers have identified distinct pathogenic mechanisms in different phases of a migraine attack: premonitory, aura, headache, and postdrome. Serotonin, calcitonin gene- related peptide (CGRP), and pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) are implicated in migraine pathophysiology. Triggers, prodromes, and aura symptoms contribute to the complexity of diagnosis. Treatment approaches range from medications like triptans use to non-pharmacological therapies, essential oils, and herbal remedies like feverfew. We performed several trials to formulate an anti-migraine cream containing feverfew extract and essential oils. In the initial phase, we used 0.75 g of cetostearyl alcohol along with parthenolide extract (from Feverfew), eucalyptus oil, peppermint oil, lavender oil, rosemary oil, and excipients, including propyl paraben, white soft paraffin, glyceryl monostearate, cetostearyl alcohol, methyl paraben, polysorbate 60, butylated hydroxytoluene. The initial formulation had a very high viscosity but lacked long-term stability. We subsequently adjusted the cetostearyl alcohol concentration, finding that 0.3 g yielded the best viscosity and stability. Glycerin was added as a humectant to prevent hardness, and triethanolamine was used to balance the pH, with benzoic acid as a preservative. In conclusion, the formulation and evaluation of parthenolide, incorporated with essential oils into an o/w cream for migraine treatment have yielded promising results. The cream formulations exhibited desirable physical attributes, such as homogeneity, appropriate appearance, and a pleasant aroma. Moreover, the creams demonstrated favorable characteristics in terms of pH, spreadability, viscosity, and skin irritability, indicating their potential effectiveness and safety for use in migraine therapy. These findings underscore the feasibility and efficacy of utilizing natural ingredients, alongside modern formulation techniques, to develop novel treatments for migraine relief.