Development of a new herbal antimicrobial gel

Abstract

Topical agents are widely used to treat skin conditions. As the development of bacterial resistance to antibiotics and controversy regarding the use of topical antiseptics persist, man turned to his prehistory and found literally thousands of phytochemicals, which inhibit different types of microorganisms . The specific aim of the project is to prepare and evaluate a single compound preparation or a magic bullet to treat commonly infecting skin pathogens. The first step was the selection of plant parts according to long history of use, references in Ayurvedic literature,discussion with Ayurvedic experts and 5 plants were identified[Neem leaves (Azadiracta indica A.Juss),Garlic bulbs (Allium sativum Linn.),Turmeric rhizomes (Curcuma longa Linn.),Dantappala leaves (Wrightia tinctoria Roxb.),Kanikonna leaves (Cassia fistula Linn.)]. All plants were collected randomly from Tropical -Humid regions of Kerala, India, under the guidance of an expert from Indian herbs .All the specimens were identified ,voucher specimens were prepared and stored for future use. Plant materials were dried in the dark at room temperature and quality control tests were carried out for plants as per WHO-Guidelines and quality samples were selected for extraction . Three solvents of increasing polarity were selected and a total of fifteen crude extracts were prepared from five different plants used in traditional medicine of India ,using different solvents(water,methanol and pet.ethar) by soxhlet extraction procedure. These extracts were subjected to antimicrobial assy by well diffusion method to detect potential antimicrobial activity against S.aureus, P.aeruginosa, E. coli and C. albicans ,some common human skin infecting pathogens. The result showed that methanol extracts of Cassia fistula leaf posses strong in-vitro antibacterial activity. The bioassay guided purification of the crude methanol extract of Cassia fistula leaf resulted in the isolation and identification of chrysophanol (1,8-dihydroxyl-3-methylanthraquinon)