Formulation And Evaluation of Cassia Auriculata Herbal Ointment For Anti-Microbial and Anti-Inflammatory Activity

The popularity of herbal medicine has surged in recent years, prompting their investigations into their therapeutic potentials. This study focused on the formulation and evaluation of herbal ointment containing Cassia auriculata for its anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties. A hydroalocoholic extract of Cassia auriculata was obtained through Soxhlet extraction method, and herbal extract was incorporated into the ointment base by levigation method. The resultant ointment was evaluated for various physicochemical properties including colour, odour, loss on drying, homogeneity, viscosity, spredability and skin irritancy. The anti-microbial activity of herbal extract was tested against bacterial and fungal strains using agar disc diffusion method. The test organisms included two Gram- positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes) two Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli), and three fungal strains (Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus clavatus and Canidia albicans). The results demonstrated notable antibacterial and antifungal activity, with inhibition zones comparable to those of standard antibiotics such as Ampicillin, ,Norfloxacin and Chloramphenicol as well as antifungal agents like Nystatin and Griseofulvin. Additionally, a rat paw edema model caused by carrageenan was used to evaluate the ointment's anti-inflammatory properties. Four groups of six rats each were treated with Cassia auriculata ointment at different concentrations with Diclofenac sodium serving as the standard. The results showed significant reduction in paw edema, indicating good anti-inflammatory potential. The present study confirmed that Cassia auriculata based herbal ointment exhibited promising antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activitiy.