Formulation and evaluation of antibacterial gel incorporated with Stachytarpheta jamaicensis crude ethanolic leaf extract against Staphylococcus aureus

JAN JOSEPH JACELA, ALTHEA VENICE M. RELLO, NUJAEL IRISH C. BERMUDO, and RAMON ANGELO N. SINCO

Philippine Science High School Western Visayas Campus – Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PSHSWVC), Brgy. Bito-on, Jaro, Iloilo City 5000, Philippines

Abstract

Stachytarpheta jamaicensis (sentimento) is utilized by locals from Maasin, Iloilo as an open wound poultice for its antibacterial properties. This study aimed to formulate and evaluate an antibacterial gel incorporated with S. jamaicensis leaf extract against Staphylococcus aureus. The gel’s antibacterial activity was compared to that of a negative control (gel base) and a positive control (hand sanitizer) using the agar well diffusion method. The gel was found to be stable in all physicochemical parameters evaluated (pH, viscosity, spreadability, centrifugation, and mechanical vibration) except for viscosity. The hand sanitizer exhibited the highest zone of inhibition (6.17 ± 0.29 mm) followed by the gel (4.67 ± 0.29 mm). Although not comparable to the positive control, the gel exhibited antibacterial activity. Thus, the drug delivery system effectively delivered the extract’s active ingredient. However, it can not be used as a hand sanitizer with its current extract concentration.

Keywords: Stachytarpheta jamaicensis, Staphylococcus aureus, plant extract, antibacterial gel, agar well diffusion method

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