Formulation and evaluation of antiacne cream by using Clove oil

Abstract

Acne is a common skin problem associated with the microbial infection and needs antimicrobial agents for the treatment. Herbal products containing essential oils as antimicrobial agents are undoubtedly a growing trend. Clove oil is reported to have antimicrobial activity against acne causing microorganisms such as Propionibacterium acnes, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans. Hence the present study was undertaken with the aim to formulate and develop Antiacne cream by using Clove oil. The essential oil of clove was extracted by steam distillation method and cream formulations were developed with various concentrations of Clove oil; all the formulations were evaluated as per Bureau of Indian Standards guidelines (BIS) guidelines and for antimicrobial activity against the microorganisms responsible for acne by agar well diffusion technique. Also all the Antiacne cream formulations were subjected to stability studies and subjective evaluation of panel of human volunteers. The results showed that the Antiacne cream (C-6) containing clove oil is effective against microorganisms responsible for acne. Clove oil is effective Antiacne agent hence can prove to be beneficial for incorporating in Antiacne preparations.