| Abstract: |
The escalating prevalence of antibiotic-resistant dermatological pathogens has necessitated urgent exploration of plant-based therapeutic alternatives. This study investigated the phytochemical constituents of Ocimum basilicum (sweet basil), Bergera koenigii (curry leaf), and Vachellia nilotica (babul/acacia), and evaluated their potential in topical antimicrobial gel formulation for dermatological use. Qualitative phytochemical screening of ethanolic extracts was performed using standard Harborne protocols, and Carbopol 940-based gel formulations incorporating defined concentrations of individual and combined extracts were prepared and optimized. Physicochemical characterization including pH, viscosity, spreadability, and drug content was conducted alongside antimicrobial testing using agar disc diffusion and broth microdilution methods against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans. All three plants demonstrated the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and phenolic compounds. The optimized combined formulation exhibited significantly superior antimicrobial activity compared to individual plant extracts. Hypothesis testing confirmed statistically significant zones of inhibition and acceptable physicochemical parameters. These findings validate the dermatological potential of polyherbal gel formulations derived from O. basilicum, B. koenigii, and V. nilotica as safe, effective, and accessible alternatives to conventional synthetic antimicrobials. |
