Development and evaluation of antimicrobial herbal cosmetic preparation

This study was conducted to formulate a polyherbal cosmetic cream comprising plant extracts such as Glycyrrhiza glabra root, Piper betle leaves and Azadirachta indica leaves and to check their antimicrobial potential which can be used in the treatment of infectious skin diseases. Stability studies and patch test were also performed to check the efficacy of the formulations in comparison to base (control). Four types of different herbal cream formulations, namely A, B, C and D were prepared by incorporating different concentrations of herbal extracts in combination. These cosmetic preparations were evaluated at storage conditions (8 and 40°C with relative humidity 75%) on different parameters like pH, viscosity, acid value, peroxide value, total fatty matter, centrifugation, stability studies, and patch test for one month. Antimicrobial activity of the formulations was also checked by well diffusion method. Formulation D was found to be the best and A was better among all the other preparations and base. Formulations A and D showed good spreadibility, pH, appearance, viscosity, good antimicrobial potential and no evidence of phase separation. Formulations A and D showed no redness, inflammation and irritation during patch test. These formulations are safe to use for skin. Thus, the result showed that formulation D containing minimum amount of herb extracts (0.1% each) exhibited good stability during storage, antimicrobial activity and also no major changes was observed during the entire study as compared to other formulations and base.