Formulation and In-Vitro Characterization of a Polyherbal Gel Made by the Combination of Solanum Xanthocarpum, Sarcostemma Acidum and Thuja Occidentalis Plant Extracts

This research focuses on the development and assessment of a polyherbal topical gel formulated using extracts of Solanum xanthocarpum, Sarcostemma acidum and Thuja occidentalis. The objective was to create a physically stable and user-acceptable gel exhibiting improved antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, suitable for dermatological or wound-healing applications. The plant extracts were obtained using a Soxhlet extraction technique and were characterized through phytochemical analysis and determination of total phenolic content. Gel formulations were prepared with Carbopol 940 and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose as gelling agents, while glycerin and propylene glycol were incorporated as moisturizing agents. The prepared gels were evaluated for physical appearance, pH, viscosity, spreadability, uniformity, ease of extrusion, in vitro antioxidant capacity, antimicrobial activity using the agar well diffusion method, and stability under accelerated conditions. The findings demonstrated satisfactory physicochemical stability and a pH range appropriate for topical skin application.