Formulation and evaluation of herbal gel for the management of acne

The present research involved developing a herbal gel with plant extracts that have anti-keratolytic,
anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties to treat acne's morbidities. The hydroalcoholic
extract (70%v/v) of leaves of Cassia tora, flowers of Cassia auriculata, roots of Hemidesmus indicus,
fruits of Terminalia chebula and roots of Glycyrrhiza glabra along with pharmaceutically acceptable
excipients were incorporated in the formulation. The hydroalcoholic extract of selected plants were
tested for the presence of metabolites. The prepared herbal gel was subjected to physical evaluation and
screened for antiacne activity against the causative organisms Propionibacterium acne and Staphylococcus
epidermidis by well diffusion method. The herbal showed minimum inhibitory concentration of about 63
µg/ml against S. epidermidis and 125 µg/ml against P. acne. The results of antiacne study demonstrated
that the prepared herbal gel exhibits a potent antibacterial activity against the causative microorganisms
of acne P. acne and S. epidermidis, with maximum inhibition comparable with standard. Thus, the
significant antibacterial activity of herbal gel may be due to their secondary metabolites/phytochemicals.
The physicochemical parameters of the formulation were also optimal with no signs of irritation. Hence,
the study can be concluded that among various available topical herbal formulations for acne in the
market, the present work proposes making use of these plant extracts for getting better results free from
side effects for the benefit of mankind.