Formulation, Characterization, and Evaluation of the Antibacterial Activity of a Polyherbal Hand Sanitizer Gel

Abstract

Hand sanitizer is a popular method to maintain hand hygiene. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers have drawbacks such as skin irritation, dryness, and harshness. Thus, this study was aimed to formulate a novel antibacterial hand sanitizer gel using aqueous flower extract of Cassia auriculata, fruit extract of Phyllanthus emblica (PE), and ethyl acetate flower extract of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis (NA) and assess its antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli through the well-di usion method. Carbopol 940, distilled water, 95% ethanol, glycerin, and triethanolamine were used to formulate the gel base and its stability was examined. The gel was prepared by incorporating antibacterial plant extract combinations (1PE:1CA:1NA, 2 PE:1CA:1NA, 1PE:2CA:1NA, 1PE:1CA:2NA) into the gel base. The effectiveness of the formulated herbal sanitizer gel was evaluated against S. aureus and E. coli through well-discussion method and Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) was determined in triplicates and the trials were analyzed as mean standard error of mean (SEM) of the replicates. Among the plant extract combinations, 2PE:1CA:1NA represented the most potent antibacterial activity, and 1PE:1NA:1CA was used to formulate sanitizer gel considering stability studies. The gel was semi-solid, soft, and light brownish-colored, with an acceptable fruity odor and the gel was stable up to 60 days at both 4 C and room temperature. The formulated gel exhibited potent antibacterial activity against both microorganisms, with the highest activity against S. aureus, while gel base (negative control) was not shown activity. The gel’s MICs were 9.375 mg/mL and 18.75 mg/mL against E. coli and S. aureus, respectively. The gel’s pH was 5.82 and compatible with the skin’s pH range. The formulated polyherbal hand sanitizer gel could be a promising candidate for hand sanitation in comparison to alcohol-based hand sanitizers.