Abstract

*P. Saisireesha, M. Pham. B. Pharm, Ambati Sireesha, Boggala Maithri, Chenna Maheswari, Banda Pravallika, Bheemappagari Rajesh

ABSTRACT

There is a growing interest in the demand for herbal and natural cosmetic products, which has encouraged the formulation of plant-based products with the advantages of higher therapeutic properties and fewer side effects. Thus, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the formulation and antibacterial activity of the polyherbal soap prepared from Hylocereus polyrhizus (dragon fruit), neem, aloe vera, turmeric and sandalwood. The formulation of soaps (F1, F2 and F3) was performed using a standard soap base and various concentrations of dragon fruit extract (F-1 1 gm, F-2 3gm, F-3 5 gm). The physicochemical parameters (pH, foam height, foam retention, washability and skin irritancy) of the prepared soaps were assessed. The antibacterial activity of the prepared soaps was evaluated against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus using the disc diffusion method. The results show that all of the soap formulations had acceptable physicochemical characteristics and were safe for use on the human body. F3, the soap formulation with the greatest amount of dragon fruit extract exhibited the largest zones of inhibition against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Polyherbal soaps containing dragon fruit extracts are safe, effective and natural alternatives to conventional soaps.