DEVELOPMENT AND CHARACTERIZATION OF CARBOXYMETHYL CHITOSAN AND Jatropha mollissima FORMULATIONS FOR FEMININE INTIMATE HYGIENE

Feminine intimate hygiene requires formulations capable of reducing microbial load while maintaining physiological compatibility with the vulvovaginal environment. In this study, carboxymethyl chitosan (CMQ) solutions containing Jatropha mollissima extract were developed and characterized to assess their potential for external intimate hygiene applications. Formulations containing 1-3% (m/v) CMQ and 10% (m/m) extract were evaluated through organoleptic, physicochemical, rheological, and biological analyses. The incorporation of J. mollissima modified the coloration of the solutions without altering odor or compromising formulation homogeneity. The systems exhibited near-neutral pH and pseudoplastic flow behavior, with viscosity decreasing under shear properties favorable for controlled spreading and retention at the application site. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis confirmed the preservation of phenolic and terpenoid functional groups, while injectability tests demonstrated extrusion forces comparable to commercial references. Cytotoxicity assays (ISO 10993-5) indicated grade 0 reactivity, and antimicrobial tests showed concentration-dependent inhibition against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans. Although inhibition halos were modest, they were consistent with non-pharmacological topical applications. Together, the results highlight the functional and biological suitability of CMQ/J. mollissima systems for external feminine hygiene, while also indicating the need for future optimization regarding pH adjustment, surfactant selection, extract standardization, and stability evaluation.