Preparation and Evaluation of Polyherbal Gel by Using Wheatgrass and Cucumber Extract

Abstract: The increasing global interest in natural sources of bioactive compounds has significantly spurred research into the phytochemicalprofilesofvariousmedicinalplants.Topicalpreparations,designedforexternaluse,serveasaneffectivemeansfor both skinprotection and treatment, with diverse formulations such as creams, ointments, and gels available. This study aimed to prepare and evaluate a polyherbal topical gel utilizing ethanolic extracts of wheatgrass (Triticum aestivum) leaf and cucumber (Cucumissativus)fruit,bothrenownedfortheirnutritionalandtherapeuticpotential.Theplantmaterialswereauthenticated,and extract swereobtainedthrough acoldmacerationprocessusingethanol.AtopicalpolyherbalgelwasformulatedusingCarbopol- 940 asa gelling agent, incorporating the prepared extracts. The formulated gel underwentcomprehensive evaluationfor various physicochemicalparametersincludingappearance,pH,andspreadability.Furthermore,preliminaryphytochemicalscreeningwas conductedontheextractstoidentifykeybioactivecompounds.Theantibacterialactivityoftheformulatedgelwasassessed against Staphylococcus aureus using the agar diffusion method. The formulated polyherbal gel exhibited satisfactory physicochemical properties, including a desirable appearance, appropriate pH for topical application, and good spreadability. Phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of various active constituents in both wheatgrass and cucumber extracts. Importantly, the gel demonstrated significant antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, indicatingits potential therapeutic efficacy. These findings suggest that the developed polyherbal topical gel offers a promising, safe, and natural alternative for dermatological applications, particularly in combating bacterial skin infections, while also providing soothing and moisturizing benefits.