Abstract

FORMULATION OF HERBAL HAND WASH CONTAINING TULSI (OCIMUM TENUIFLORUM) METHANOLIC EXTRACT WITH ANTIMICROBIAL PROPERTY

Arpita Mukherjee*, Tokeshwar Kumar Sahu and Saroj Singh

ABSTRACT

The demand for herbal and natural personal care products has been steadily increasing due to growing consumer awareness of the potential health risks associated with synthetic ingredients. The current study aimed to develop and evaluate a (Ocimum tenuiflorum) herbal hand wash formulation as an alternative to conventional chemical-based hand washes. Tulsi, also known as Holy Basil, possesses antimicrobial properties and is widely recognized for its medicinal and therapeutic benefits. Methanolic extract of Ocimum tenuiflorum and aqueous solution Sapindus mukorossi was prepared. Antibacterial activity was identified using agar diffusion method. Formulation one containing Sodium lauryl Ether Sulphate and Methylene Paraben while formulation two contains Sapindus mukorossi and lemon juice along with the methanolic extract of Ocimum tenuiflorum. Methanolic extract of Ocimum tenuiflorum showed maximum Zone of inhibition of 17mmdiameter against B.subtilis (MTCC 441) and E.coli (MTCC 739). Handwash formulation one showed maximum inhibition of 17mm (extract concentration of 75μg/ml and 100 μg/ml) and 16mm (extract concentration of 75μg/ml) against B.subtilis (MTCC 441) and E.coli (MTCC 739) respectively while formulation two reports to have maximum inhibitory effect at 100 μg/ml of 19mm and 17mm against B.subtilis (MTCC 441) and E.coli (MTCC 739) respectively. The results demonstrated significant antimicrobial efficacy, indicating the potential of the formulation to effectively combat pathogens responsible for various infectious diseases by formulation one. Moreover, the hand wash exhibited excellent skin compatibility, as assessed through irritation and sensitization studies, suggesting its suitability for frequent use without causing any adverse reactions.

Keywords: Ocimum tenuiflorum extract, Antimicrobial, herbal, formulation, pathogens.