Abstract

FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF HERBAL HAND SANITIZER USING LEAVES OF KHAIR PLANT (ACACIA CATECHU)

Vijeta Dhabre*, Sanika Patil, Sanskruti Patil, Aniket Pattebahadur, Ruchi Pednekar and Sakshi Pilane

ABSTRACT

Hand hygiene is crucial for preventing infectious diseases, but conventional alcohol-based hand sanitizers can cause skin irritation and environmental concerns. This study evaluates a herbal hand sanitizer formulation using Acacia catechu (Khair plant) leaf extract. Phytochemical analysis revealed bioactive compounds like tannins, flavonoids, and terpenoids in the extract. Antimicrobial assays demonstrated potent activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, with minimum inhibitory concentrations ranging from 750-1500 μg/ml. A herbal sanitizer incorporating the extract, hydrogen peroxide, glycerol, ethanol, camphor, isopropyl alcohol, and water was formulated and evaluated for physicochemical parameters, meetingquality standards. The findings highlight Acacia catechu's potential as a natural, sustainable alternative for effective hand sanitizers, offering antimicrobial protection and potential skin health benefits. Further research could lead to commercialization of eco- friendly hand hygiene products.

Keywords: Phytochemical analysis revealed bioactive compounds like tannins, flavonoids, and terpenoids in the extract.