FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF POLYHERBAL GEL CONTAINING NEEM, TURMERIC, AND DILL SEEDS FOR SKIN INFECTION

  • Author Information

    Aayush, Suryansh Puri, Rajwant Kaur

  • Aayush, Suryansh Puri, Rajwant Kaur
  • FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF POLYHERBAL GEL CONTAINING NEEM, TURMERIC, AND DILL SEEDS FOR SKIN INFECTION

Abstract

Skin infections caused by pathogenic microorganisms remain a common dermatological concern requiring safe, effective, and patient-friendly topical therapies. Herbal drug delivery systems have gained increasing attention due to their biocompatibility, reduced side effects, and synergistic therapeutic potential. The present study was undertaken to formulate and evaluate a carbopol-based polyherbal gel containing extracts of neem (Azadirachta indica), turmeric (Curcuma longa), and dill seeds (Anethum graveolens) for the management of minor skin infections. The herbal extracts were prepared by ethanolic maceration and incorporated into Carbopol 940 gel in three different formulations (F1–F3). The prepared gels were evaluated for physicochemical parameters including physical appearance, pH, viscosity, spreadability, extrudability, and drug content, along with in vitro antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. All formulations showed acceptable organoleptic properties, skin-compatible pH (6.1–6.6), satisfactory viscosity, and good spreadability. Drug content was found within acceptable limits, indicating uniform distribution of actives. Among the batches, formulation F2 demonstrated the most balanced physicochemical characteristics and exhibited the highest antimicrobial activity against the tested organisms. The enhanced activity may be attributed to the synergistic action of phytoconstituents present in neem, turmeric, and dill seeds. The study concludes that the developed polyherbal gel is a promising, economical, and patient-acceptable topical formulation for the management of minor skin infections. Further stability, antifungal, and clinical studies are recommended to substantiate its therapeutic utility.