Formulation and Evaluation of Antibacterial Herbal Gel

Abstract

Utilization of herbal gel has increased now a days because of fewer side effects in comparison to allopathic gel. Plant extracts-based gels possessing antibacterial properties are in a great demand because of skin protective and skin caring action. Aim: Purpose was to formulate and evaluate Topical Herbal Gel formulations using Organoleptic properties, Rheologic properties, pH and Stability along with assessing the antibacterial efficacy of the better Herbal gel formulation against common skin pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Study Design: Extraction of crude extracts from the selected herbs followed by phytochemical investigation and then preparation and evaluation of herbal gel formulations and lastly assessment of antibacterial activity of best herbal gel formulation. Place and Duration of the Study: This research was conducted in Faculty of pharmacy, Baba Mastnath University from February 2025 to May 2025. Methodology: Maceration and decoction extraction methods were employed for the extraction of crude extracts from the herbs Ocimum basilicum, Vachellia nilotica and Bergera koenigii depending upon the physical form of the plant materials. Phytochemical screening was executed for all the extracts obtained. Formulation and evaluation of herbal gel formulations were accomplished. Cylindrical plate method was used for determining the antibacterial activity of best selected herbal gel formulation in Laminar Air flow and B.O.D. incubator. Results: Prepared polyherbal gel formulations were assessed for Organoleptic properties, Rheological properties, pH and stability. It was found that Herbal Gel Formulation (F1) is better in terms of pH and Spreadability, other parameters were almost same. Then, it was evaluated for antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacterial strains by cylindrical plate method. Herbal gel formulation (F1) has equivalent antibacterial activity at 20 mg per ml concentration with standard antibiotic substance of Streptomycin at 15µg per ml. Conclusion: Herbal gel was prepared and evaluated for various parameters and it showed antibacterial activity also. This gel can be used for care and protection of hair and skin.