Citation:Samarathunga, S.A.D.I.H. , Wijesekara K. , Napagoda M.T. , & Wijeyaratne W.M.D.G.B.(2021). Formulation and Evaluation of Herbal Underarm Gel. 4th Research Symposium of the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Ruhuna, Galle, Sri Lanka, 36.
Date:2021-08-26
Abstract:
Background: Sweating is a normal physiological function which helps to regulate body
temperature. Bacterial degradation of organic compounds present in the human sweat causes
body odour. This imposes a significant negative impact on the quality of life. Therefore,
deodorants and antiperspirants are used to reduce body odour. However, synthetic deodorants
may cause harmful health effects. Nymphaea pubescens (commonly known as “Pink waterlily”) is a plant known for its versatility in therapeutic and cosmeceutical applications due to its
rich phytochemical constituents. Extracts of different parts have shown various medicinal
activities.
Objectives: To evaluate the antibacterial and anti-oxidant properties of crude methanolic
extracts of N. pubescens flower petals and formulation and evaluation of a herbal underarm gel.
Methods: Acidified aqueous alcoholic petal extract of N. pubescens was employed as
antibacterial agent. Phytochemical screening was evaluated using the extract. Five different
formulations were used to evaluate anti-bacterial effects by agar well diffusion method. The
minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined by broth microdilution method
against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Antioxidant
property was evaluated by 2,2-diphenyl-2-picylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. The stability of the
product was evaluated over 45 days.
Results: Qualitative phytochemical screening exhibited the availability of main phytochemicals
in the extract. Crude extract of pink water-lily petals revealed high phenolic content of
33.92±0.92 mg GAE/g and flavonoid content of 21.92±2.66 mg QE/g and demonstrated a
significant anti-bacterial activity. Formulation demonstrated potent free-radical scavenging
activity with 53.99±0.11 mg AAE/g. The prominent antibacterial activity was observed in the
formulation containing N. pubescens (2% w/v) which exhibited more antibacterial activity
against Staphylococcus aureus (MIC-156.25 µg/mL) and Escherichia coli (MIC-156.25 µg/mL)
and less activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MIC-312.50 µg/mL). No microbial
contamination observed after 45 days.
Conclusions: Secondary metabolites present in the crude extract of N. pubescens may reduce
body odour. It inhibits the growth of bacteria in sweat due to its prominent antibacterial activity.
