Abstract

HERBAL APPROACH TO SKIN HEALTH: FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF AN ANTIAGING-RICH POLYHERBAL CREAM USING A. SQUAMOSA AND O. SANCTUM

Mrs. V. Harini*, S. S. Nivetha, B. Poornima, R. Namarata, A. Roshan Ahmed, Dr. N. Deepa

ABSTRACT

In spite of their broad-spectrum therapeutic potential, decreased toxicity, and synergistic effects, polyherbal formulations have gained popularity in response to the growing demand for herbal skincare products. The current study focuses on creating and assessing a polyherbal cream that contains Methanolic leaf extracts of Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi) and Annona squamosa (custard apple), with a greater percentage of A. Squamosa because of its strong antioxidant profile. Standard emulsification methods were used to prepare the cream, and it was evaluated for important physicochemical characteristics such as pH, viscosity, homogeneity, spread ability, and stability under various storage conditions. Its antimicrobial efficacy was tested against common skin pathogens, and its antioxidant activity was assessed in vitro. Throughout the evaluation period, the formulation maintained its stability, showed skin-compatible ph, and displayed desirable physicochemical properties. A.squamosa's flavonoids and polyphenols were primarily responsible for the notable free radical scavenging activity that was seen. Staphylococcus aureus and other common skin bacteria were successfully combated by the antimicrobial activity, suggesting that it may be used to treat minor skin infections and stop oxidative damage. In summary, the poly-herbal cream blends Ocimum sanctum's antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities with Annona squamosa's skin-regenerating, antioxidant-rich qualities. According to the results, this herbal cream could be a safe, effective, and aesthetically pleasing substitute for skin care products, especially those used in antimicrobial and anti-aging treatments.

Keywords: Polyherbal cream, Annona squamosa, Ocimum sanctum, anti- oxidant activity, anti-microbial activity.