Preparation of Spilanthes acmella based emulgel: Antimicrobial study and evaluation

SSTIs (Skin and soft tissue infections) are the most commonly occurring infections among all age groups. This study aimed to create an herbal emulgel for the treatment of bacterial skin infections as many bacteria have developed strong resistance against antibiotics. Spilanthe acmella plant extract contains spilanthol which has strong anti-bacterial properties. Methanolic S. acmella extract-based emulgels being promising drug delivery systems have been evaluated for various parameters like physical characteristics, viscosity, pH, spreading coefficient, Bioadhesive strength determination, Extrudability, antioxidant and antibacterial activity. 200μg/100µl exhibited the highest antioxidative activity 60.01±0.28% radical scavenging activity. MIC values of pure extract found in the range of 0.83±0.21 to 1.66±0.41μg/100µl, MBC values found in the range of 1.66±0.41 to 3.33±0.83µg/100µl for all strains of bacteria. Statistically significant antibacterial activity of all extract containing emulgels was observed against S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, E. coli p-value = 0.00, while maximum antibacterial effect all formulations have produaced zone of inhibitions against E. Coli p-value = 0.00. The current study thus suggests the use of S. acmella extract-based emulgel for the treatment of bacterial skin infections caused by S. aureus, P. aeruginosa and E. coli.