A Consumer Study on the Sensory Experience of new Herbal Topical Pain Relief Product in India

Introduction: Pain management for musculoskeletal conditions often requires topical products to be used as adjuncts to oral analgesics. The acceptability of topical medication depends on including sensory characteristics, ease of application, after-feel, and residue, etc. This study was conducted to evaluate the consumer acceptability of the sensory parameters of a novel prototype topical pain relief gel containing boswellic acid, methyl salicylate, menthol, and capsaicin in adults who were regular body pain sufferers.

Methods: This was a prospective, quantitative, blinded, monadic-designed, consumer sensory home-use test (HUT), conducted in three cities in India. The study included 320 adults who had musculoskeletal pain or joint pain within the past six months leading up to the study, with the last pain occurring within the preceding four weeks. One group was given the gel formulation of the investigated topical pain relief gel and the other group was given the balm formulation. Participants used the assigned market sample at least three times in a 7-day study period, and then completed a web-based questionnaire on the sensorial aspects of the product.

Results: Over 90% of consumers agreed that the gel formulation provided fast cooling at the usual site of pain in 10 seconds, long-lasting cooling, and dual cooling and warming sensation. Furthermore, it was convenient and easy to use, was absorbed quickly, dried quickly, and had a pleasant smell without greasy after-feel, and left no residue. Significant findings were noted for the gel formulation versus the balm formulation for parameters of cooling.

Conclusion: The findings of the consumer sensory study demonstrate that a novel herbal gel formulation for pain relief has ideal properties of a topical pain relief formulation, and could be a useful adjunct to the pharmacological management of musculoskeletal pain, without adding to the burden of adverse effects.

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