Abstract

Traditional medicines take part an important role in treatment in many developing as well as developed countries. It emphasis the usage of herbal medicines in patients as an alternative therapy or a complimentary therapy. Herbal medicines are widely used for the treatment of skin and skin related disorders. The objective of this study is to formulate and evaluate the antifungal herbal gel, from rhizome alcoholic extract of the plant Acorus calamus, which is traditionally been used medicinally and also to make fragrances. Pleasant/Odourless Slight yellow extract with good consistency was extracted and converted into phytosomes and then into gel. The physiochemical parameters and invitro antifungal activities of Acorus calamus gel as well as the combination of honey with Acorus calamus gel are evaluated and compared with the standard; Candid B ointment(Clotrimazole1%+Beclomethasonedipropionate 0.025%).Alcoholic extract showed the presence of amino acid, carbohydrates, saponins, alkaloids, glycosides, phenolic compounds and tannins. The water soluble and acid insoluble ash values of Acorus calamus was found to be 1.7% and 2.2% respectively. The alcoholic extractive value of Acorus calamus was found to be 5% and the gel obtained was found to be easily spreadable and extrudable with pH: 6.8, ie nonirritant to skin. The zone of inhibition of Acorus calamus gel preparation found for Standard, sample A and B are 2.0 cm, 1.1cm, and 1.0cm respectively. From all of observation we can conclude that the formulation showed effective antifungal activity against Candida albicans and is quite comparable with the standard.