Formulation and evaluation of ointments containing methanolic extracts of Chromolaena odorata Linn (Asteraceae) and Borreria verticillata Linn (Rubiaceae) leaves for antimicrobial activity

Medicated ointments are used topically for the treatment of skin infections such as viral, bacterial, and fungal infections using synthetic or natural compounds. The aim of this study was to formulate the methanolic leaf extract of Borreria verticillata and Chromolaena odorata as herbal ointments for antimicrobial activity, and to evaluate the product. The leaves were extracted using methanol, and extracts were screened for their antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Aspergillus niger. The extracts were formulated into ointments with Emulsifying and Simple ointments BP, and evaluated for their antimicrobial activity and physicochemical properties. The results showed that the extraction yield was 14.75 and 26.00% for C. odorata and B. verticillata respectively. All the test organisms were sensitive to both formulated herbal ointments but ointment prepared with Emulsifying Ointment BP gave higher inhibition zone diameter than that formulated with Simple Ointment BP. On the basis of the results, the extracts could be formulated in both ointments for antimicrobial activity.