PREPARATION AND EVALUATION OF HERBAL ANTIFUNGAL CREAM BASED ON THE SYNERGISTIC ACTION OF PIPER BETEL LEAVES AND AEGLE MARMELOS LEAVES

Abstract

Fungal infections of the skin are a common health problem worldwide and can cause discomfort, irritation, and inflammation. Although several synthetic antifungal drugs are available, many of them may cause side effects and resistance after prolonged use. Therefore, the use of herbal medicines with natural antifungal properties has gained increasing attention. The present study focuses on the development of a topical antifungal cream formulated using extracts of Piper Betel leaves and Aegle marmelos leaves, which are well known for their medicinal properties. Piper Betel leaves are widely recognized for their antimicrobial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory activities due to the presence of bioactive compounds such as phenols and essential oils. Similarly, Aegle marmelos leaves possess antimicrobial, antioxidant, and healing properties that contribute to the treatment of skin infections. The combination of these two herbal extracts may enhance antifungal effectiveness and improve skin healing. The formulation of the antifungal cream involved the extraction of plant materials, selection of suitable excipients, and preparation of a stable topical cream. Various physicochemical parameters such as pH, viscosity, spreadability, and stability were evaluated to ensure the quality and effectiveness of the formulation. The prepared herbal antifungal cream showed promising antifungal activity and acceptable physical properties. The combination of Piper Betel and Aegle marmelos leaf extracts may provide a natural, safe, and effective alternative for the treatment of fungal skin infections. However, further studies and clinical evaluations are required to confirm its safety and therapeutic efficacy.

Keywords: Piper betle, Aegle marmelos, Herbal cream, Antifungal activity, Candida albicans, Topical formulation.