FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF HERBAL CREAM FROM ZIZIPHUS SPINA LEAVES EXTRACT

Ziziphus spina Crist leaves extract is well known by its antimicrobial activity and its uses in skin diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial activity of aqueous extract of the plant leaves against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli species. Also, to formulate effective, stable herbal antibacterial cream and evaluate its physical & antibacterial properties. Disk diffusion method was used to assess antibacterial activity of aqueous extract using reference disks of antibiotics. The antibacterial cream was prepared by incorporating different amount of ingredients together, and a certain amount of the herbal extract. The prepared cream was evaluated for their Physical, rheological and antibacterial properties. Finally, the efficacy of the herbal antibacterial cream formulation was compared to two commercial products. The antibacterial activity of the aqueous extract was found to be effective against both S. aureus and E. coli especially when the extract concentration increased. All physical and rheological properties of all the preparation were nearly the same as commercial products. Stability studies showed a stable, homogenous appearance and effective during three months storage period at room temperature. It can be concluded that the aqueous extract of Ziziphus S.Crist leaves exhibited strong antibacterial activity especially with increase of the extract concentration. The prepared cream was found to be natural, stable and safe. Ziziphus S. Crist cream could be used topically in order to treat skin infection. The Present investigation suggests that this cream is a suitable candidate for further clinical trials