Design, Formulation & Characterisation of An Effective Anti-Fungal & Anti-Microbial Poly-Herbal Formulation

Objective: Momordica charantia, Cassia, Calendula, and Abelmoschus are traditional medicinal plants known for their antifungal and antimicrobial properties. This study aims to formulate and evaluate a polyherbal gel combining these plants to enhance both antifungal and antimicrobial activity. Methods: The antifungal and antimicrobial activities of extracts from M. charantia, Cassia, Calendula, and Abelmoschus were assessed using the agar well diffusion method. A polyherbal topical gel was then prepared using Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose as a gelling agent at concentrations of 1%, 1.5%, and 2%. The gel's efficacy was evaluated against Candida albicans for antifungal activity and various microbial strains for antimicrobial activity. Parameters tested included organoleptic properties, pH, extrudability, spreadability, diffusion, and stability. Results: The combined extracts of M. charantia, Cassia, Calendula, and Abelmoschus demonstrated significant antifungal and antimicrobial activities. The gel formulation with optimal concentrations of these extracts exhibited a synergistic effect against Candida albicans and other tested microbes. Stability tests confirmed that all gel formulations remained stable after 30 days. Conclusion: This study provides the first scientific evaluation of a polyherbal gel combining extracts from M. charantia, Cassia, Calendula, and Abelmoschus for antifungal and antimicrobial use. The results indicate that this gel formulation is effective against fungal and microbial infections and maintains satisfactory physicochemical properties.