Development, Evaluation and Efficacy of an Ointment Formulated from
Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum) for Common Dermatological Conditions.
Abstract
Plants are naturally affected against wide range of human diseases. They
were used from ancient times for several purposes including cooking,
preserving food, for treating a wide range of health conditions
including cold, dysentery, anemia, wound heeling, curing insect bites
and injuries. Nowadays people prefer products derived from natural
sources more then products that are made from chemical methods. The
plant Ocimum basilicum has a very range of health benefits including its
potency to cure several skin conditions. This study aims to develop
,evaluate ,and determine the effectiveness of the herbal ointment made
from Ocimum basilicum without alcohol and bees wax, using chea butter as
thickening agent with the main focus on determining its outcome on
common dermatological conditions such as acne(bacterial
infection),eczema, inflammation, minor cuts, scrape wound. The prepared
ointment was then evaluated for physiochemical characteristics including
safety assessment of skin and stability tests. Then In Vivo experiments
were carried in a group of volunteers including teenage and adults(two
boys and three girls) skin, it reduced redness, inflammation and cured
acne. The results showed the wound heeling ,anti-inflammatory and
anti-bacterial activity of this ointment .In conclusion ,no adverse
reaction of this ointment was observed on skin , The thorough evaluation
of this ointment has confirmed its anti-bacterial activity because of
its ability to kill bacterial strains causing acne. Further research is
needed for its commercial usage and clinical trials to use for Post
surgery wounds, serious bacterial and fungal infections.