Development of multi-herbal formulation with enhanced antimicrobial, antioxidant, cytotoxic, and antiaging properties

Abstract

We developed a multi-herbal formulation (MCCSSTAMP) containing Mentha piperita, Allium sativum, Syzygium aromaticum, Curcuma longa, Syzygium cumini, Trigonella foenum-graecum, Coriandrum sativum, Murraya koenigii and Piper nigrum which was found to be versatile for the development of novel medicines and cosmetic products. The formulation was prepared using a hydro-alcoholic base and its phytochemical composition was analyzed. The initial phytochemical analysis revealed that MCCSSTAMP contained various phytochemicals, with the highest concentrations of phenolic content. The antimicrobial, anti-oxidant, cytotoxic, and anti-aging properties of the MCCSSTAMP were explored. The formulation showed potent anti-microbial efficacy against various microorganisms, including antibiotic-resistant strains. MCCSSTAMP also demonstrated potent anti-oxidant activity, effectively scavenging free radicals and chelating metal ions. Furthermore, it exhibited cytotoxic activity against carcinoma cell lines, comparable to a standard chemotherapeutic agent cisplatin. The formulation has a potential anti-aging agent and skin-whitening additive due to its significant inhibitory activity against enzymes involved in the aging process, such as hyaluronidase, elastase, and tyrosinase. Our study claims that the efficacy was attributed to the synergistic effect of combining multiple herbs in the formulation. Further, it acted as a viable source of nutritional supplements for the nutraceutical industry, as all of the plants used in the formulation are edible, making it a promising candidate for cancer treatment research and its application in cosmetic products to address hyperpigmentation and maintain skin integrity.