Development and assessment of a polyherbal topical cream comprising Lantana camara, Piper betle, and Ocimum sanctum for antibacterial activity

Abstract

The diminishing effectiveness of conventional antibiotics has led to increased interest in herbal alternatives for managing bacterial infections. Plant-based formulations are gaining popularity in dermatology owing to their active constituents, minimal side effects, and broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties. This investigation focused on the formulation and evaluation of a polyherbal topical cream using ethanol extracts of Lantana camara, Piper betle, and Ocimum sanctum (commonly known as Tulsi). The selected plant leaves were shade-dried and extracted via ethanol using a heating mantle method. The obtained extracts were then integrated into a cream base comprising stearic acid, beeswax, glycerine, propylene glycol, and necessary preservatives. The formulated cream underwent various physicochemical analyses such as pH evaluation, spreadability, stability testing, and antibacterial assessment using the agar well diffusion technique. The B3 and B5 batches showed significant inhibition zones of 14 mm against Staphylococcus aureus and 20 mm against Escherichia coli, respectively. The antibacterial potential was tested against the Gram-positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus and the Gramnegative bacterium Escherichia coli. The novelty of this work lies in combining three well-known herbal extracts in a synergistic cream formulation with confirmed antibacterial effects and no observed skin irritation.