The Nigerian Chikadoma plant: Formulation and evaluation of an herbal anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial gel containing yellow bush (Duranta repens) leaf extract

Abstract

Introduction: A plant commonly referred to as Chikadoma in Nigeria, yellow bush in English, is traditionally used for the treatment of microbial infections and inflammation. Objectives: This study evaluated a novel gel formulation of the Nigerian Chikadoma plant extract for its topical antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities against pure clinical isolates (Bacillus subtilis, Salmonella paratyphi, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans, and Aspergillus niger), and carrageenan-induced edema on experimental rodents, respectively. Materials and Methods: Concentration of 1% w/w Carbopol-934 was employed as the gelling agent. The physiochemical parameters of formulations (viscosity, pH, spreadability, extrudability, and stability) were examined for a month to ensure that when applied on the skin, it never produced any skin irritation/erythema/edema. Results: The physiochemical and stability assessment of the gel formulation showed viscosity, pH, spreadability, extrudability, and stability within standard specifications. The antimicrobial studies showed activity against some of the test microorganisms, while the carrageenan-induced edema was inhibited. Both showed high degree of reproducibility. Conclusion: The formulated gel of Nigerian Chikadoma plant extract significantly possesses herbal anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, and the gel preparation was stable under normal storage environment and did not manifest skin irritation/erythema and edema when applied on the skin.