Development of JUSTICIA GENDARUSSA BURM.F. Patch to Test Satisfaction in Volunteers with Upper Back Muscle Pain

Abstract

Black hen's bone (Justicia gendarussa Burm.f.) is a plant that characteristics of its stems and branches, with their distinct nodes, resemble chicken bones. It has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. This research aimed to develop a patch from the Justicia gendarussa Burm.f. extract to relieve upper back muscle pain and to measure the satisfaction level in volunteers. Four patch formulations were developed using herbal extract, obtained through maceration in 95% ethanol. Volunteers were divided into 2 groups (n=10): a control group using placebo patches and an experimental group using the extract patch.

The results indicated that the placebo patch formulation 2, consisting of 1% HPMC, 8% Gelatin, 10% Glycerin, 0.5% Tween 80, 0.62% Span 60, 1% Methyl Salicylate, 1% Menthol, 1% Methyl Paraben, and 2% TEA, was the best, exhibiting a green color and a pH of 8. The satisfaction assessment of the placebo patch showed no statistically significant difference between groups. Among the four formulations of a control group used, the formula 2 placebo patch, with a 1% (w/w) extract concentration, was identified as the most effective. It was a semi-solid, non-separating, dark green, homogeneous, non-precipitating, and highly flexible patch. Subsequent testing with both volunteer groups revealed a high level of satisfaction in terms of usability, safety, and external appearance.