Vol. 2, Issue 2, Part A (2025)

Herbal formulations have gained renewed scientific interest due to their potential to offer safer and more sustainable alternatives to synthetic antimicrobial agents. In recent years, hand hygiene practices have become a central focus in public health, particularly following recurrent global episodes of pandemics and community-acquired infections. Conventional alcohol-based sanitizers, though widely used, are associated with issues such as skin irritation, reduced dermal moisture, and potential development of microbial tolerance with prolonged exposure. These limitations have prompted exploration of plant-based hand sanitizers that exhibit notable antimicrobial efficacy while preserving skin integrity. Neem (Azadirachta indica) and Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis Miller) represent two botanicals with well-documented antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and skin-protective properties. Neem contains bioactive compounds such as nimbidin, azadirachtin, and gedunin, which demonstrate broad-spectrum antibacterial activity, especially against common household microorganisms. Aloe vera contributes additional benefits through its polysaccharides and phenolic constituents that provide soothing, hydrating, and wound-healing properties. Together, these botanicals may offer a viable alternative to synthetic sanitizers, combining antimicrobial potency with dermatological compatibility.
This research evaluates a basic herbal hand sanitizer formulation incorporating neem extract and Aloe vera gel, assessing its antimicrobial activity against common household bacterial isolates such as Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The research includes laboratory preparation of the formulation, qualitative phytochemical screening, and antimicrobial testing using standardized procedures. Emphasis is placed on determining the formulation’s zone of inhibition in comparison to a commercial alcohol-based control. The aim is to generate foundational evidence for the functional role of neem and Aloe vera in hand hygiene products, with particular relevance for low-resource settings and households seeking low-chemical personal care solutions.
The findings from this assessment highlight that the herbal formulation exhibits promising antimicrobial action against the selected microorganisms, with neem contributing strong bactericidal effects and Aloe vera enhancing spread ability, stability, and user tolerance of the sanitizer. The results support the potential of integrating plant-derived ingredients into hand hygiene applications as part of a broader movement toward natural antimicrobial products. Further investigations exploring formulation optimization, long-term stability, and synergistic effects with additional herbal constituents will be critical for advancing these preliminary observations. Overall, this research contributes to the growing evidence base supporting herbal sanitizers as viable and skin-friendly alternatives to conventional chemical-based formulations.