Formulation of Non-alcohol Based Hand Scrubs with Medicinal Plant Extracts and Evaluation of the Antimicrobial Efficacy

Abstract

Background: Hand hygiene is taken as an effective preventive measure to avoid spread of antimicrobial resistance. Objectives: The aim of the study was to develop non-alcohol based hand scrubs using natural plant extracts and evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy against selective microorganisms. Methodology: Two formulations (F1 and F2) of non-alcohol based herbal hand scrubs with medicinal plant extracts were prepared. F1 formulation was prepared by the combination of clove oil and medicinal aloe while the F2 formulation by the combination of cinnamon oil and medicinal aloe as the herbal extracts. Two positive controls and two negative controls were used. Health care professionals were randomly tested to identify the viable pathogens, which are present on hands. Among the identified microorganisms, antimicrobial activity was tested using agar well diffusion method against standard cultures of Candida albicans and Streptococcus pyogenes identified. The physical stability parameters (pH, odor, appearance and color) were measured for 90 days at room temperature. Results and conclusions: F1 and F2 hand scrubs were found to be homogenous liquid and milky white in colour with a pleasant odor. The mean values of zones of inhibition of F1 hand scrub were 34.67±1.16 mm and 21.00±0.00 mm against C. albicans and S. pyogenes respectively. The mean values of zones of inhibition of F2 hand scrub were 21.00±3.00 mm and 12.33±0.58 mm against C. albicans and S. pyogenes respectively. The mean values of inhibition zones of negative controls (distilled water-N1, glycerin-N2) and 70% ethanol (positive control-P1) against C. albicans and S. pyogenes were zero (0.00) mm. The mean values of inhibition zones of the market product (positive control-P2) were 11.30±1.53 mm and 10.00±0.00 mm against C. albicans and S. pyogenes respectively. It is concluded that the formulated two non-alcohol based hand scrubs (F1 and F2) have promising antimicrobial activity against pathogens tested.