Formulation, Evaluation, and Antibacterial Activity of Herbal Cream Containing Trachyspermum ammi and Ocimum africanum Leaf Extracts (Research Article)

Author(s): G Shailaja*, A. Ashmitha, A. Saritha, A. Sanjana, A. Sushma, and A. Rishitha

Abstract: Aim: The aim of this study was to formulate and evaluate an antibacterial herbal cream using the leaf extracts of Ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi) and Lemon Basil (Ocimum africanum) to provide a natural alternative to synthetic antibacterial agents with fewer side effects. Methods: Ethanolic extracts of T. ammi and O. africanum leaves were prepared using a Clevenger apparatus (soxhlation). Three formulations (F1, F2, F3) were prepared using the fusion method, incorporating various concentrations of the extract into a cream base containing cetostearyl alcohol, liquid paraffin, cetrimide, and distilled water. The formulations were evaluated for organoleptic properties (color, odor, texture), pH, spreadability, washability, greasiness, phase separation, irritancy, dilution test, thin-layer chromatography (TLC), and in vitro antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Results: All formulations (F1-F3) appeared as creamish-white, semisolid, with a pleasant odor and were non-irritant. The pH values ranged from 5.0 to 7.6, which is compatible with skin pH. Spreadability values were 15, 14, and 17.9 g·cm/sec for F1, F2, and F3, respectively. Formulation F3, containing 2 ml of the combined extract, showed the most favorable properties: pH 7.6, spreadability of 17.9 g·cm/sec, no phase separation, slight greasiness, and significant antibacterial activity, inhibiting the growth of E. coli and P. aeruginosa with no turbidity in the broth dilution test. TLC analysis for F3 yielded an Rf value of 0.6. Conclusion: The herbal cream formulation F3, containing T. ammi and O. africanum extracts, demonstrated potent antibacterial activity and desirable physical properties. This study confirms that these plant extracts can be effectively incorporated into a stable topical cream for managing bacterial skin infections.

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