Antimicrobial ability and free-irritation effect of neem-based lotion cosmeceutical for skin care

Abstract

Neem (Azadirachta indica) is well-known as a medical plant to treat some diseases. The antibacterial activity and primary skin irritation test were evaluated by using ethanolic neem extract. The main objective of the study is to determine the effectiveness of the neem-based lotions against Staphylococcus aureus sp and Pseudomonas aeruginosa sp. A series of lotions were prepared by adding different formulations of pure neem extract, coconut oil (CO) and aloe vera. The comparison was made with base lotion and commercial neem lotion. The lotion with diluted neem in CO and aloe vera had the best result against Staphylococcus aureus sp. and Pseudomonas aeruginosa sp. with the inhibition diameter zone of 19.3 mm and 9.6 mm, respectively. The commercial neem lotion with aloe vera displayed an inhibition diameter zone of 11.1 mm and 14.1 mm against Staphylococcus aureus sp. and Pseudomonas aeruginosa sp, respectively. Furthermore, this lotion was examined in a primary skin irritation test to ensure the possible effect on the skin. Erythema and oedema analyses exhibited a 0 irritation score means no skin irritation was observed on the both right and left back of the rabbit after 72 hrs. Hence, the primary irritation index of the lotion with diluted neem oil lotion and aloe vera was 0 and falls in the standard category of ‘negligible’. The study confirmed that neem lotion has the potential an antimicrobial agent for skin disease treatment and does not cause irritation effect to the skin.