Formulation of Antioxidant and Antibacterial Cream Containing Amaranthus spinosus Leaf Extract

Herbal medicine therapy is an ancient practice to treat various health issues, including viral and non-infectious skin diseases. At present time, people are running behind natural or herbal sources because of their fewer side effects and add-on benefits as compared to allopathy medicines. In the Indian traditional system of medicine (Ayurveda), the Amaranthus spinosus (Amaranthaceae) plant is used for analgesic, antipyretic, laxative, diuretic, digestible, antidiabetic, anti-snake venom, antileprotic, blood diseases, bronchitis, piles, and anti-gonorrheal. The study's objective was to perform extraction and phytochemical studies of A. spinosus leaves, perform the in-vitro antibacterial and antioxidant activity of the extract, and formulate a topical cream. The ethanol water leaf extract exhibited higher antibacterial efficacy than ciprofloxacin against Staphylococcus aureus at 15 and 30 µg, while ciprofloxacin was more effective at 60 µg. However, the extract showed more effectiveness than ciprofloxacin against Escherichia coli at all tested concentrations. The study revealed that the leaf extract showed good antibacterial and antioxidant activity. The physical evaluation of the formulated cream showed that the cream was stable with potential application to reduce skin infection with consequent health benefits.