Formulation and evaluation of a herbal antibacterial cream from ethyl acetate extract of leaves of Spinacia oleracea Linn. against Aeromonas skin and soft tissue infections

Abstract

1. Introduction: Skin and soft tissue infections still remain a major challenge in assessing the etiological and severity conditions. The rapid onset of cellulitis in the setting of soft tissue trauma and exposure to water results in the possibility of infection with this organism. In our previous study, we carried out the antibacterial activity of successive extracts of leaves of Spinacia oleracea against various Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Of that, the successive ethyl acetate extract showed a significant antibacterial effect over Aeromonas hydrophila. Hence, in the present work, the active ethyl acetate extract was formulated into a suitable herbal cream and evaluated for its physical, chemical, and stability parameters. Materials and Methods: The shade dried, powdered plant material was subjected to successive Soxhlet extraction with n-hexane followed by ethyl acetate. Preliminary phytochemical screening along with thin layer and high-performance thin-layer chromatography of the active ethyl acetate extract was established. Four different formulations F1, F2, F3, and F4 were subjected to various evaluations including physical and chemical parameters and stability testing. Results: Formulation F2 and F3 found to be more stable, while remaining formulations were not stable and resulted in breakdown of the emulsion when stored for long time. These formulations F2 and F3 had almost constant pH and were homogeneous, emollient, and non-greasy and can be easily removed after the application. The stable formulations were safe in respect to skin irritation and allergic sensitization. Conclusion: Thus, the study validates the formulation and stability studies carried out on the active ethyl acetate extract against Aeromonas skin and soft tissue infections.