ABSTRACT:
The objective of the present work was to formulate polyherbal anti acne face wash gel containing hydroalcoholic extracts of Mangifera indica (MI) and Azadirachta indica (AI) and to evaluate the gel for various physical parameters, antibacterial activity and stability. The leaves of MI and AI were powdered and extracted using 90% ethanol with extraction yields of 43% and 42% for MI and AI respectively. The concentration of SLS was optimized by adding varying quantities of SLS to 1.0% w/v carbopol and formulating as gel. A concentration of 1.5% w/v of SLS had sufficient foam height (22mm) and also kept the viscosity (1608 cp) and spreadability (66 mm) of the gel base within required limits. The polyherbal gel containing MIE and AIE were prepared using 1:1, 2:1 and 1.2 ratios respectively and glycerin was incorporated in to PHG to provide moisturizing properties to the gel. All the formulations were dark yellow to brownish in color with very faint odor and were homogenous and non-gritty in appearance. The pH of all the formulations was between 5.2 - 5.3 and they exhibited good spreadability, viscosity and foaming capability. The antibacterial activity of the PHGs was evaluated by cup and plate method using Staphylococcus aureus microbial culture. The zone of inhibition exhibited by PHG3 was the highest (27mm) making it at the most effective antibacterial formulation. The accelerated stability study of PHG3 revealed no change in any of the physical properties of the gel formulation.