FORMULATION, EVALUATION AND ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF EVOLVULUS ALSINOIDES CREAM

Abstract

Evolvulus alsinoides, commonly known as dwarf morning-glory and slender dwarf morning- glory, is flowering plant from the family Convolvulaceae. Traditionally this plant is used as blood purifier, brain tonic, an antimicrobial agent and for memory loss. This work is done for determining whether the cream prepared by the aqueous extract of Evolvulus alsinoides has antimicrobial activity. The dried plant leaves are extracted using water as the solvent. The extractive value is calculated and was found to be 12.5%w⁄w. The phytochemical screening of the extract was performed and it contains slight amount of glycosides, carbohydrates, proteins, alkaloids and tannins. Then using that aqueous extract, a cream was formulated and its evaluation was carried out. From the evaluation the cream was found to be light brown in color with a characteristic odour and have smooth texture. pH and viscosity of the cream are 5.58 and 13254mpas respectively. Cream was homogeneous by its visual appearance with a smooth and good consistency. On application, the cream was non-slippery, smooth and easily removable, also does not show any irritation on skin. After that the antimicrobial activity of the cream was tested using agar well diffusion method. Gentamicin was used as the standard reference drug. The antimicrobial sensitivity was determined using zone of inhibition. In our study, the cream containing aqueous extract displayed antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The cream was found to be more active against gram-negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria. The identified phytochemical compounds viz., glycosides, tannins and alkaloids may be responsible for the antimicrobial activity of Evolvulus alsinoides.