Abstract

FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF THE POLYMER-MODIFIED HERBAL CREAM CONTAINING NEEM AND LIQUORICE WITH DUAL ACTIVITY AGAINST HSV AND CANDIDIASIS

Prof. Kulkarni A. S.*, Prof. Babar C.V., Acharekar L. D., Banavalikar S. S., Chavan S. G., Dichvalkar D. D., Kolse S. S.

ABSTRACT

Viral and fungal infections such as Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) and Candidiasis remain persistent global health challenges, often leading to discomfort, recurrence and resistance to conventional therapies. The limitations associated with synthetic antiviral and antifungal agents, including acyclovir and azoles such as side effects and reduced efficacy due to resistance have encouraged the exploration of safer, natural alternatives. The present study focuses on the formulation and evaluation of a polymer-modified herbal cream containing neem (Azadirachta indica) and liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) extracts for enhanced antiviral and antifungal activity. Natural polymers, namely xanthan gum and acacia gum were physically modified through blending to improve viscosity, spreadability, stability and drug release characteristics. An oil-in-water cream base selected for its non-greasy texture, easy washability and soothing properties making it suitable for application on sensitive or inflamed skin.The formulate herbal cream was subjected to various physicochemical and stability evaluations, including pH determination, viscosity measurement, spreadability test, homogenesity, washability, irritancy and accelerated stability studies. The results revealed that the developed cream was smooth, uniform, non-irritant and stable under normal storage conditions with pH compatibility close to that of human skin. The incorporation of modified polymers significantly enhanced the texture, consistency and performance of the cream while maintaining the therapeutic efficacy of the herbal extracts. Overall, this study demonstrates that the polymer-modified herbal formulation offers a safe, effective and eco-friendly topical alternative for the management of herpes simplex virus and candidiasis. Future work may include in-vitro and in-vivo testing, clinical evaluations and scale-up studies to validate its therapeutic potential and develop it into a commercially viable product.

Keywords: Herbal Cream, Neem, Liquorice, Xanthan Gum, Acacia, Polymer Modification, Antiviral, Antifungal, HSV, Candidiasis.