Identification of potent anti microbial agents from Indian medicinal plants and development of naturally preserved personal care formulations

Abstract

The aim of this research work was to identify plant based antimicrobial agents for topical application viz acne, dandruff, body malodor and to develop naturally preserved personal care formulations. Four Indian medicinal plants with folkloric use for skin disorders (viz Artemisia pallens, Pongamia pinnata seed and leaf, Ipomoea digitata tuber and Gmelina asiatica stem) were selected. The solvent extracts of these plants were screened against P. acnes, M. furfur and C.diptheriae. The solvent extracts of A. pallens, P. pinnata seed and leaf, I. digitata tuber and G. asiatica stem showed insignificant activity. The results of anti-microbial screening of SCF extracts showed MIC of 15.6and#956;g/ml and 31.25and#956;g/ml for R. officinalis and P. pinnata seed respectively against M. furfur. MIC against P. acnes was found to be 15.6and#956;g/ml for P. pinnata seeds and 31.25and#956;g/ml for G. glabra and P. pinnata leaves. G. glabra and P. pinnata seed showed MIC of 15.6and#956;g/ml respectively against C. diptheriae. The HPTLC finger print profiling indicated the presence of mainly terpenoids, steroids and alkaloids and GC-MS fragmentation patterns of MS peaks were compared with that of the library of compounds. TNF-and#945; and IL-1and#945; inhibition assay indicated that G. glabra and R. officinalis possess good anti-inflammatory activity. The antidandruff cream formulation C/RO/02 with R. officinalis (0.5%) exhibited maximum efficacy against M. furfur. Antiacne formulation G/GG/02 with G. glabra (0.5%) was found to be showing maximum activity against P. acnes. Roll-on liquid formulation L/PPS/01 with P. pinnata seed extract (0.25%) showed good activity against C. diptheriae. The stability study results indicated that antidandruff cream (C/RO/02) and antiacne gel (G/GG/02) formulations were stable. The rollon liquid showed signs of instabilities, which was then stabilized with coco-glucoside (L/PPS/01-A) as confirmed by the stability study. NRU assay on NIH3T3 cell lines confirmed the safety of these formulations. newline