Bacteriophage Endolysins - Challenges and their Application Approaches

Abstract

The growing demand for natural and sustainable skincare solutions has led to increased interest in herbal formulations for foot care. Foot creams enriched with plant extracts offer therapeutic benefits while minimizing the side effects associated with synthetic ingredients. Tridax procumbens, a medicinal plant with well-documented antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties, presents a promising candidate for developing an effective herbal foot cream. This review explores the preparation methods, formulation strategies, and pharmacological evaluation of Tridax procumbens-based foot creams. The study highlights the plant\'s bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, alkaloids, and tannins, which contribute to its efficacy in treating dry, cracked feet and preventing infections. Additionally, the article discusses the evolution of herbal foot creams, focusing on advancements such as nanoemulsion-based delivery systems and synergistic combinations with other botanicals like aloe vera and neem. Stability testing, safety assessments, and comparative studies with conventional foot creams are also examined to validate the therapeutic potential of Tridax procumbens in dermatological applications. The findings suggest that herbal foot creams incorporating Tridax procumbens extract can serve as a natural, cost-effective, and sustainable alternative for foot care, with prospects for further optimization and commercialization

Introduction

Foot skin is prone to dryness, cracks, calluses, and infections due to constant stress and fewer sebaceous glands. Conventional foot care products often use synthetic chemicals that may cause irritation or resistance, prompting interest in natural alternatives. Tridax procumbens, a medicinal plant rich in flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, and terpenoids, shows strong antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties, making it a promising ingredient for herbal foot creams.

The preparation of Tridax procumbens extract involves careful drying, powdering, and solvent extraction to preserve bioactive compounds. This extract is incorporated into foot cream formulations along with natural emollients (like beeswax and shea butter), emulsifiers, and preservatives (such as vitamin E and tea tree oil) to create a moisturizing, antimicrobial, and skin-repairing product.

Evaluations confirm the cream’s safety, stability, and efficacy, showing effective hydration, microbial inhibition, and wound healing. Advances in herbal foot creams include refined extraction methods, nanoemulsions for better delivery, and combining multiple botanicals for synergistic effects. Sustainability and eco-friendly packaging are also emerging priorities.

Future research should focus on clinical trials, extraction standardization, advanced delivery systems, and multi-herb formulations to enhance therapeutic effects. Overall, Tridax procumbens-based foot creams represent a scientifically backed, natural, and sustainable alternative to conventional foot care products with strong market potential.

Conclusion

The increasing consumer preference for natural and sustainable skincare products has driven significant research into herbal alternatives for foot care. Among various medicinal plants, Tridax procumbens stands out due to its well-documented pharmacological properties, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing effects. The preparation of herbal foot creams using Tridax procumbens extract leverages its bioactive compounds—such as flavonoids, alkaloids, and tannins—to provide a safe and effective solution for common foot ailments like dryness, cracks, and infections. The formulation process, which integrates natural emollients like shea butter and coconut oil, ensures optimal moisturization while avoiding the harsh chemicals found in conventional foot creams. Evaluation studies have demonstrated that Tridax procumbens-based foot creams exhibit excellent spreadability, skin-friendly pH, and long-term stability, making them suitable for regular use. Furthermore, microbiological tests confirm their efficacy against common foot pathogens, reinforcing their role in preventing infections. The evolution of herbal foot creams has seen advancements such as nanoemulsion technology for enhanced bioactive delivery and synergistic combinations with other medicinal plants like aloe vera and neem, further improving therapeutic outcomes. Given the rising demand for eco-friendly and non-toxic skincare, Tridax procumbens-enriched foot creams represent a promising alternative to synthetic products. Future research should focus on clinical trials to validate their efficacy, optimize extraction techniques for higher bioactive yield, and explore innovative delivery systems for better skin penetration. With further refinement and commercialization, these herbal formulations could revolutionize foot care by offering a natural, cost-effective, and sustainable solution for maintaining healthy skin.This shift toward plant-based dermatology not only aligns with global sustainability goals but also opens new avenues for integrating traditional herbal knowledge into modern skincare science.

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 K. S. Lakshmi Sharvani, R. Vaishnavi, Guru Prasad C., Swetha Vallabhaneni, Pritam Kanti Guha, Krishna Vamsi M., Vijaya Lakshmi D., D. V. R. Prasad. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.