Preparation and Evaluation of Polyherbal Gel by Using Wheatgrass and Cucumber Extract

Abstract

The increasing global interest in natural sources of bioactive compounds has significantly spurred research into the phytochemicalprofilesofvariousmedicinalplants.Topicalpreparations,designedforexternaluse,serveasaneffectivemeansfor both skinprotection and treatment, with diverse formulations such as creams, ointments, and gels available. This study aimed to prepare and evaluate a polyherbal topical gel utilizing ethanolic extracts of wheatgrass (Triticum aestivum) leaf and cucumber (Cucumissativus)fruit,bothrenownedfortheirnutritionalandtherapeuticpotential.Theplantmaterialswereauthenticated,and extract swereobtainedthrough acoldmacerationprocessusingethanol.AtopicalpolyherbalgelwasformulatedusingCarbopol- 940 asa gelling agent, incorporating the prepared extracts. The formulated gel underwentcomprehensive evaluationfor various physicochemicalparametersincludingappearance,pH,andspreadability.Furthermore,preliminaryphytochemicalscreeningwas conductedontheextractstoidentifykeybioactivecompounds.Theantibacterialactivityoftheformulatedgelwasassessed against Staphylococcus aureus using the agar diffusion method. The formulated polyherbal gel exhibited satisfactory physicochemical properties, including a desirable appearance, appropriate pH for topical application, and good spreadability. Phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of various active constituents in both wheatgrass and cucumber extracts. Importantly, the gel demonstrated significant antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, indicatingits potential therapeutic efficacy. These findings suggest that the developed polyherbal topical gel offers a promising, safe, and natural alternative for dermatological applications, particularly in combating bacterial skin infections, while also providing soothing and moisturizing benefits.

Introduction

Medicinal plants are globally valued for their active phytochemicals, which offer diverse therapeutic benefits in traditional and modern medicine. These plants contain secondary metabolites like alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, and essential oils that contribute to their pharmacological effects. Natural remedies are gaining attention, and topical gels have become popular for delivering localized treatment due to their non-greasy, easily spreadable, and quick-drying properties.

Wheatgrass (Triticum aestivum) is rich in chlorophyll, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and enzymes, exhibiting strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immune-modulatory, and antibacterial activities, making it suitable for skin infection treatments.

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) is valued for its high water content and phytochemicals with soothing, hydrating, cooling, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and mild antimicrobial properties, beneficial for skin repair and protection.

Combining wheatgrass and cucumber extracts in a polyherbal gel may enhance therapeutic effects and reduce side effects. This study formulates and evaluates a topical gel incorporating ethanolic extracts of wheatgrass and cucumber, focusing on its physicochemical stability and antibacterial efficacy against skin pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus.

The gel base uses Carbopol-940, with additives like glycerine, methyl paraben, triethanolamine, and rose water for consistency, preservation, pH adjustment, and fragrance. The extracts are prepared by cold maceration in 70% ethanol and incorporated into the gel base.

Phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of bioactive compounds (alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, proteins, glycosides). The gel formulations were evaluated for physical appearance, pH, spreadability, and antibacterial activity to ensure suitability for topical application and effectiveness in skin health management.

Conclusion

Thepresentstudysuccessfullyformulatedandevaluatedpolyherbaltopicalgelsincorporatingethanolicextractsofwheatgrass(Triticum aestivum) and cucumber (Cucumis sativus). The phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of various active constituents in the plant extracts, supporting their traditional uses and potential therapeutic applications. The formulated gel batches (F1, F2, F3) demonstrated satisfactory physicochemical properties, including, optimal pH within the skin\'s physiological range, and good spreadability, indicatingtheir suitabilityfor topical administration. Importantly, the preliminaryskin irritation test confirmed thenon- irritating and safe nature of the developed formulations. Furthermore, the gels exhibited promising antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, a common skin pathogen. (Specificallymention which batch showed the best activity, \"Batch F3 showed the most significant zone of inhibition. This antibacterial efficacy can be attributed to the synergistic action of the bioactive compounds present in both wheatgrass and cucumber. In conclusion, the developed polyherbal topical gel offers a safe, effective, and natural alternative for potential use in managing skin health and preventing bacterial infections.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Shrutika Arun Patil, Supriya Panhale. 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.