Development of Anti-bacterial Ointment from Two Extracts of Curcuma longa L. and Aloe vera L.

Aim of this Study: This study aimed to extract, formulate and evaluate an antibacterial ointment from extracts of two Yemeni plants.

Methods: The extraction of both Curcuma longa and Aloe vera was performed using alcoholic and hydro-alcoholic solvents, respectively. The in-vitro antibacterial activity of C. longa and A. vera extracts was investigated using well agar diffusion and disc diffusion method against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus, respectively. Finally, the ointment was prepared from a combination of these two extracts then stability study testing was performed and also the in-vitro activity antibacterial of this ointment against the above bacteria was done.

Results: The extracts inhibited the growth of both bacteria with zone of inhibition between 6 mm-14mm at 0.52 mg-20 mg/100 μl. The MIC of C. longa and A. vera extract were 0.25 mg/100 μl and 0.4 mg/100 μl respectively in P. aeruginosa and 0.25 mg/100 μl in S. aureus for both extracts. The prepared ointment showed satisfactory physicochemical results and the antibacterial activity was 20 mm and 7 mm for P. aeruginosa and S. aureus, respectively. The pH was in a proper range (pH 5.2-5.5). The formulation was found to be stable during stability study according to ICH guideline (25 ± 2°C/65 ± 5% RH and 40 ± 2°C/75 ± 5% RH) for one month. The assay test of active ingredient was done using UV -Visible spectrophotometry. Curcumin content was 59.70% to 59.78% in ointment. Aloin assay was 81 to 81.21% in the prepared ointment.

Conclusion: These finding showed that the formulated new antibacterial ointment is stable and economic formula and consider as database for further clinical studies in spite of both plants used safely in large doses in traditional medicine.