Vol. 6, Issue 2, Part D (2024)

The potential of medicinal plants is significant, with a multitude of species worldwide that possess yet-to-be-explored therapeutic properties. The World Health Organization has set forth guidelines for the assessment of herbal medicines to guarantee their quality, safety, and efficacy. Antimicrobials, which are agents capable of eradicating or inhibiting microorganisms, play a crucial role in the treatment and prevention of infections. Gels, which are either solid or semi-solid matrices containing solid materials dispersed in a liquid medium, offer stability and distinctive structural characteristics.
A research study examined four plant species: Vitex negundo, Pisonia grandis, Acorus calamus Linn and Tridax procumbens, each belonging to different botanical families. The gel formulation utilized specific excipients such as propylene glycol, Carbopol 934, triethanolamine, ethanol, and propylparaben, which contributed to the formulation's stability, texture, and preservation.
Plant materials were collected and authenticated prior to extraction, which was performed using ethanol as a solvent to yield the desired extracts. Phytochemical analysis identified active constituents, including flavonoids, proteins, amino acids, phenols, and organic acids, all of which exhibit antimicrobial properties. The antimicrobial efficacy of the extract was evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, demonstrating significant inhibitory effects.
The Carbopol gel was formulated with varying concentrations to optimize its physical properties, and a polyherbal gel was developed by incorporating plant extracts into the Carbopol gel. This polyherbal gel was assessed for various characteristics, including color, appearance, pH, viscosity, spreadability, and stability, yielding encouraging results. The pH was found to range from 6.2 to 7.5, viscosity remained below 15,000 cps, and spreadability was deemed satisfactory. Stability assessments conducted over a month indicated consistent performance with no signs of microbial contamination.
The study concluded that the PHG3 formulation was the most effective, based on evaluations of stability, pH, viscosity, spreadability, and gel strength. The gel strength, referred to as Bloom value, reflects the gel's resistance to deformation. Overall, the study aimed to develop a safe and effective herbal gel for potential use in skincare, utilizing the properties of the selected plant species and excipients.