Abstract Purpose: The aim of the study was to evaluate the antibacterial activity of the ethanolic extract of the plant Lantana camara leaves against Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli species. Also to formulate effective and stable herbal antibacterial cream evaluates its physical and antibacterial properties.
Methods: Disk diffusion method was used to assess antibacterial activity of ethanolic extract using reference disk of antibiotics. The antibacterial cream was prepared by incorporating different amount of ingredients together and a certain amount of the herbal extract.
Results: The prepared cream was evaluated for their physical, rheological and antibacterial properties. Finally the efficacy of the herbal cream formulation was compared to two commercial products. The antimicrobial activity of the ethanolic extract was found to be effective against both Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli. All the physical and rheological properties of all the preparation were nearly the same as commercial products. Stability studies showed a stable homogenous appearance and effective during three months storage period at room temperature.
Conclusion: The prepared cream was found to be natural, stable and safe. Lantana camara cream could be used topically in order to treat skin infections.
Keywords Lantana camara, ethanolic extract, antimicrobial cream; physical, rheological evaluation, Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli.