Synergistic antibacterial efficacy of Aloe Vera and Cymbopogon Citratus extracts for treating skin infections

Abstract

Skin infections caused by bacterial pathogens represent a significant health challenge, exacerbated by the rise in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) to commonly used antibiotics. AMR is a major global public health threat, with skin infections increasingly impacted. This study evaluates the antibacterial efficacy of Aloe Vera gel and Cymbopogon Citratus essential oil, individually and in combination, as a topical herbal formulation for skin infections. Plant specimens were collected, authenticated, and processed to extract Cymbopogon Citratus oil and Aloe Vera gel. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values were determined using agar plate methods against bacterial strains, including Staphylococcus aureus 6571, Escherichia coli 2592 and 700728, Bacillus cereus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa 27853 and 31. Herbal cream formulations were assessed for spreadability, stability, and homogeneity. The MIC of Aloe Vera gel alone was >6.67% v/v for all tested strains, while Cymbopogon Citratus oil exhibited strong antibacterial activity with MIC