oxidative stress

The stability of herbal nasal sprays is important for their safety and efficacy during their shelf life. The purpose of this study was to determine the physical, chemical, and microbiological stability of herbal nasal sprays during simulated storage conditions. Nasal sprays were exposed to three temperature conditions: room temperature (25°C), higher temperature (40°C), and cold temperature (4°C) for a period of six months. Physical characteristics including appearance, fragrance, and functionality of spray were tested, together with chemical stability through determination of active ingredient content by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Stability against microbials was quantified by performing bacterial and fungal count analysis. The findings evidenced little physical loss, with partial reduction in the functionality of the spray at 40°C at three months but no appreciable alteration in stability at room conditions and refrigerated temperatures. Significant active ingredient degradation, though, was noticed at higher temperatures. Microbial growth was not detected under room and refrigerator storage conditions, but traces of increased contamination were noticed at 40°C after six months. One-way ANOVA statistical analysis ensured that storage temperature had a very significant impact on both chemical and microbiological stability. These results indicate that storage at reduced temperatures serves to preserve the stability of herbal nasal sprays, while increased temperatures enhance degradation and impair microbial integrity.