Temple flower
waste constitutes a significant portion of organic refuse, with commonly
discarded flowers such as rose, marigold, and hibiscus often left in open
areas or water bodies, contributing to environmental pollution. Notably,
certain floral speciesâparticularly Hibiscus abelmoschusâpossess
bioactive compounds with known antimicrobial potential. This study aimed to
formulate and evaluate a topical cream incorporating Hibiscus abelmoschus
seed oil extract and assess its antimicrobial efficacy. Oil was extracted
from Hibiscus abelmoschus seeds using petroleum ether. A series of
cream formulations were developed using standard excipients, including borax,
beeswax, white soft paraffin, and preservatives such as methyl paraben and
propyl paraben. Formulations were assessed for physicochemical parameters
including pH, viscosity, spreadability, and extrudability. The antimicrobial
activity of various Hibiscus rosa-sinensis extracts (hexane, ethyl
acetate, methanol, and aqueous) was evaluated against Staphylococcus
aureus using the agar diffusion method. Minimum inhibitory concentration
(MIC) values were determined for the ethyl acetate extract. Among the tested
extracts, the ethyl acetate and methanolic fractions demonstrated significant
antimicrobial activity, while the hexane extract exhibited minimal efficacy.
The ethyl acetate extract showed the lowest MIC against Staphylococcus
aureus, suggesting a strong inhibitory effect. The results highlight the
potential of Hibiscus abelmoschus seed oil, particularly in ethyl
acetate and methanol extracts, as a promising antimicrobial agent for topical
application. This approach not only utilizes biodegradable floral waste but
also offers a sustainable alternative for developing plant-based
dermatological therapeutics. |