Evaluation of the Efficacy of Alcohol-Based Herbal Hand Rubs Against Selected Pathogens

Abstract

Background: Hand hygiene products are designed for the application of inactivation or suppression of microorganisms. Objective: To develop alcohol-based herbal hand rubs (ABHHRs) and to evaluate in-vitro and in vivo antimicrobial efficacy Methods: Four types of formulations (AF1-AF4) were prepared and stability testing was performed for three months at room temperature. In-vitro antimicrobial efficacy of prepared formulations against selected pathogens was also performed. The most active formulations were subjected to a phase II clinical trial (in-vivo) along with a self-administered questionnaire. Results: The formulated ABHHRs were found to be homogenous, liquid, and milky white-pale yellow in colour with a pungent odour. Mean values of inhibition zones obtained for in-vitro antimicrobial efficacy test ranged from 10.00–34.67 and 11.00-37.00 mm for AF1 and AF3 respectively. The high values for AF1 (34.67±1.15 and 22.67±0.58 mm) and AF3 (37.00±1.73 and 21.33±0.58 mm) were obtained compared to positive (hand disinfectant market product, ethanol) and negative controls (distilled water, glycerin) against C. albicans and S. aureus respectively. AF1 and AF3 showed >96% reductions of colony-forming units (CFUs) in in-vivo efficacy testing. The majority of participants (>90%) had no hesitation, itching, irritation, rashes, or skin damage while >85% was no skin-drying and >65% of participants responded with a moisturizing effect. Conclusion: The formulated ABHHRs have promising in-vitro and in-vivo antimicrobial activity against the tested pathogens with clinically proven safety, low skin sensitivity and compatibility on human volunteers.