Abstract

FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF MICRO SPONGE-LOADED HERBAL SOAP OF NYCTANTHES ARBOR-TRISTIS FLOWERS AND CHRYSANTHEMUM INDICUM LEAVES

Suchita A. Pandey*, Siya P. Katre, Swati V. Thote, Swati D. Patle, Simran N. Sharnagat, Duhita D. Logade

ABSTRACT

The study aimed to formulate and evaluate a Micro Sponges-Loaded Herbal Soap containing leaf extracts of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis and Chrysanthemum indicum, both known for antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activity. The goal was to enhance therapeutic efficacy and achieve controlled release by using Micro sponge drug delivery technology. Micro sponges were prepared by the quasi-emulsion solvent diffusion method using a suitable polymer to entrap the active phytoconstituents. The optimized Micro sponges were incorporated into a soap base to obtain the final formulation. The soap was evaluated for pH, foamability, foam stability, hardness, moisture content, and drug constituent. Results showed skin-compatible pH, good foam formation with adequate stability, sufficient hardness, and low moisture content, indicating good cleansing ability, durability, and shelf stability. Drug content was uniform, confirming proper distribution of micro sponges in the soap matrix. Antimicrobial studies using the agar well diffusion method showed a significant zone of inhibition against selected bacterial and fungal strains, confirming the formulation's effectiveness in controlling microbial growth. In vitro drug release in phosphate buffer pH 7.4 demonstrated an initial burst followed by sustained release over several hours, suggesting prolonged therapeutic action compared to conventional herbal soap stability testing revealed no major changes in physical appearance, pH, or antimicrobial activity during storage, indicating that Micro sponge entrapment protects the herbal actives. In conclusion, the Micro Sponges-Loaded Herbal Soap with Nyctanthes arbor-tristis and Crysanthemum indicum was stable, skin-compatible, and effective for topical use. The study demonstrates that Micro sponge technology can improve the performance of herbal formulations and offers a promising approach for developing advanced herbal skincare products with controlled release and enhanced efficacy.

Keywords: Micro sponge, Herbal Soap, Controlled Release, Physical Evaluation, Skin care.