Determination of Antimicrobial Activity of Cream Formulation Developed with Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Extract and Probiotic

Abstract

Medicinal plants are an indispensable source of new and effective pharmaceutical products. In the study, the biological activities of water extract obtained from the H. rosa-sinensis leaf was determined and its potential for use in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries was investigated. Disc diffusion assay and micro-dilution method against clinical origin test microorganisms were used to assess biological activity. The Extract showed a zone of inhibition on the tested bacteria and yeasts in the 6.85 mm to 10.74 mm range. MIC and MBC or MFC values of the Extract was determined as 6.25-12.50 µg/µL and 12.50-50 µg/µL. Then, the cream formulation containing H. rosa-sinensis leaf water extract and/or human milk originated probiotic candidate Limosilactobacillus fermentum MA-7 strain have been developed. The Extract and probiotic containing cream formulations showed variable antibacterial and antifungal effects on the tested clinical originated microorganisms. The highest inhibition zone diameters of Cream + Extract + Probiotic formulation group was obtained against Candida glabrata RSKK 04019 (9.09 mm) and Escherichia coli O157:H7 (9.04 mm). The results indicate that L. fermentum MA-7 and H. rosa-sinensis water extract, alternative to synthetic antimicrobials, may be used as a natural bioactive ingredient in daily personal care and clinical applications in the near future.