Volume 11

October-December 2019

Preparation and evaluation of herbal topical antimicrobial formulation of Alchornea cordifolia (Euphorbiaceae) hydro-ethanol leaf extract

Olubunmi Olayemi, Mercy Aboh, Christianah Isimi

Abstract:
Herbal medicine has been used in the treatment of many diseases including those superficial infections on the skin. Alchornea cordifolia is widely distributed in the tropical region of Africa and is used traditionally as a remedy for healing wounds and skin infections. This study was carried out to prepare acceptable topical semisolid formulations containing the hydro-alcohol leaf extract of Alchornea cordifolia. The dried leaves of Alchornea cordifolia was macerated in 50 % v/v hydro-ethanol for 72 h, the resulting dried extract (ACLE) was incorporated at concentrations of 5 and 10 %w/w into an ointment and a cream base to prepare ACLE ointments and ACLE oil in water creams. Organoleptic and physiochemical properties of the ACLE formulations were evaluated using standard procedures. Invitro antimicrobial activity of the prepared ointments and creams against selected microorganisms was also carried out using the agar dilution method. All the ointment and cream formulations exhibited good physicochemical properties, in addition, they were found to be physically stable after storage at room temperature for 30 days. Cream formulations containing 5 % ACLE showed strong inhibition against bacteria and fungi organisms.

Keywords: Alchornea Cordifolia, Ointments, Creams, Physiochemical Properties, In Vitro Antimicrobial Activity.