FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF A POLY-HERBAL GEL CONTAINING OXALIS CORNICULATA AND PORTULACA OLERACEA LEAF EXTRACTS: A TOPICAL APPROACH

Introduction: Oxalis corniculata (Family: Oxalidaceae) is a delicate therapeutic herb found in warm temperate tropical areas of India and Pakistan, while Portulaca oleracea (Family: Portulacaceae) thrives in sultry, equatorial regions and has origins in South America and Africa. This study aims to develop and assess a topical poly-herbal gel containing leaf extracts of Oxalis corniculata and Portulaca oleracea. Materials and Methods: The plant material was collected, and shade dried before being powdered. The powder was soaked and macerated in methanol, followed by extraction using Soxhlet method. Phytochemical tests were conducted qualitatively. Gel formulations were prepared and the appearance, homogeneity, pH, and viscosity of the formulations were determined. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated. Antioxidant potential was analyzed through the DPPH scavenging assay. Additionally, in-vitro toxicity of formulations was assessed using the MTT assay to determine their compatibility with normal cells. Results: Both plants showed presence of alkaloids, tannins, phenols, flavonoids, and steroids. The gel formulations exhibited good appearance which were tested for antimicrobial activity against S. aureus and K. pneumoniae, which demonstrated their bactericidal activity. Antioxidant potential was increased with higher concentration of extracts. The in-vitro toxicity assessment using MTT assay showed no toxic effects on L929 cell line. There were no morphological alterations or cell shrinkage, confirming plants were non-toxic to normal cells. Conclusion: This study revealed Oxalis corniculata and Portulaca oleracea contains a wide range of secondary metabolites with antioxidant and antibacterial properties, suggesting their potential use in treatment of various skin ailments.