Skin diseases pose significant public health challenges, impacting individuals and communities with pain, suffering, and reduced quality of life. The rise in skin conditions is attributed to the proliferation of harmful synthetic chemicals in skincare products. Fungal skin infections are particularly prevalent and demand attention for both treatment and ongoing skin health maintenance. These ailments, such as acne, eczema, hives, and psoriasis, have afflicted millions over many years. Fungi typically reside in the outer layer of moist skin cells, causing minor irritation, but certain infections can lead to more severe symptoms like itching, swelling, and blistering. Overall, skin diseases present a considerable global health concern.(1)Fungal infections represent a significant global health concern, affecting millions of individuals annually and posing considerable challenges for healthcare providers. These infections can manifest in various forms, ranging from superficial skin conditions to life-threatening systemic diseases, depending on the causative fungal species and the host’s immune status. The increasing incidence of fungal infections, coupled with the emergence of drug-resistant fungal strains, underscores the urgent need for innovative therapeutic approaches and preventive strategies .Among the diverse array of fungal infections, dermatophytosis , candidiasis, and aspergillosis stand out as common clinical entities, causing substantial morbidity and economic burden worldwide. Dermatophytosis, commonly known as “ringworm” or “athlete’s foot,” affects the skin, hair, and nails, leading to discomfort and cosmetic concerns. Candidiasis, caused primarily by Candida species, encompasses a spectrum of infections ranging from mucocutaneous candidiasis to invasive candidiasis, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. Aspergillosis, predominantly caused by Aspergillus species, poses a grave threat to individuals with underlying lung diseases or compromised immune function, often resulting in invasive pulmonary infections with high mortality rates.Conventional antifungal therapies, including azoles, polyenes, and echinocandins, have been the mainstay of treatment for fungal infections for decades. However, the emergence of antifunI

gal resistance, along with the toxicity and limited efficacy of existing drugs, underscores the pressing need for novel therapeutic modalities.

Fig :1 -  Fungal infection of skin

 In recent years, the exploration of natural compounds and herbal remedies has garnered  attention as promising alternatives for combating fungal infections. Plants have long been revered for their medicinal properties, with numerous phytochemicals exhibiting potent antifungal activity against a wide spectrum of fungal pathogens.In light of the escalating global burden of fungal infections and the limitations of existing treatment options, there is a compelling rationale for advancing research efforts aimed at harnessing the therapeutic potential of natural compounds for fungal control. This research paper aims to explore the efficacy of herbal formulations containing neem and bael fruit extracts in combating fungal infections, with a focus on their antimicrobial activity, physicochemical properties, and potential clinical applications.                                                                             By elucidating the mechanisms of action and therapeutic benefits of these herbal remedies, we strive to contribute to the development of safe, effective, and affordable antifungal therapies for improved patient outcomes and public health.(2,3,4,5)

Fig No : 2 Azadirachta Indica

Fig No : 3 Aegle Marmelos

METHODS AND PREPARATION

Materials and Methods:

1. Plant Material:

Fresh neem leaves (Azadirachta indica) and ripe bael fruits (Aegle marmelos) were collected from College Campus Of pravara Rural College of Pharmacy Loni, and authenticated by a botanist. The plant materials were thoroughly washed with distilled water to remove any dirt or impurities, and then air-dried under shade for 7 days  . Chemicals utilized in this research were sourced from the laboratory of Pravara Rural College Of Pharmacy. The following chemicals were obtained and utilized: ethanol, steric acid, sodium lauryl sulphate, propylene glycol, sodium hydroxide ,glycerine , Aloe gel , almond oil and rose water purchased from local store.

2.Sonication Extraction of neem and bael :

A weighed amount of dried neem leaves and bael fruit pulp were separately ground into fine powder using a grinder. Approximately 30gm of bael fruit powdered sample was transferred to a  250 ml Of beaker  and mixed with 180 Ml of ethanol and 20 gm of neem powdered sample was transferred to 250 ml of beaker and mixed with 120ml of ethanol .The extraction was carried out using a sonicator operating at a frequency of 40 kHz and a power output of 100 W. The extraction was performed at room temperature for 30 minutes with continuous sonication to facilitate the release of bioactive compounds from the plant material.After sonication, the extracts were filtered through Whatman No.1 filter paper to remove any particulate matter. The filtrates were then concentrated under reduced pressure using a rotary evaporator at 40°C to obtain the crude extracts of neem and bael fruit.(6,7)

Ingredients of herbal soap

Table no 1 : ingredients of herbal soap

Preparation of soap divided into two steps

1. Preparation of lye solution / soap base

Lye solution was prepared by mixing 1.4gm NaOH and 3.5ml DIL.H20 in125ml beaker .Measure 1.8ml Propylene glycol, 6.5ml glycerine. Add 1.7ml 95% Ethanol solution, 0.8g Sodium lauryl sulfate into250ml beaker on hot plate with stir bar .Heat mixture to 60°C.

2. Preparation of Soap:-

6.4g Stearic acid and heat mixture to 68°C.When at temperature slowly add the 50:50 lye solution and mix for 20 minutes while continuously stopping and starting stirring until mixture becomes transparent. Further required quantity of Azadirachta indica and Aegle marmelos extract was mixed to the above mixture and volume made up to 100 ml by adding remaining distilled water. Aloe gel and Almond oil was added for moisturizing property  .Let soap solution cool to 62-64°C and pour into soap mould  , let cool and harden.(8,9)       

EVALUATION OF HERBAL SOAP

Test:

1. Physical evaluation:

The evaluation of physical attributes, including color and appearance, was conducted via visual observation, unaided by instruments. Odor characterization was achieved through olfactory assessment. The specific attributes were documented as follows:

2. pH

The pH was assessed using pH paper, revealing that it was of a basic nature .(10,11)

3. Size and shape Determination:

 The soap diameter of the size of 7.7 cm, with a thickness of 2 cm, which is rectangular shaped round-shaped, was chosen for the preparation of soap bars. This was chosen, as this size is ideal in regular bars usage to apply on the affected skin parts of the body

4. Weight determination:

The weight was determined by digital weighing balance (12)

5. Foam retention :-

Foaming ability and foam stability: Cylinder shake method was used to test for the foaming ability. 50 ml of the 1% formulated products solution was placed into a 250 ml graduated cylinder, covered with one hand and shaken for 10 times. After 1 min of shaking, the total volume of the foam content was recorded. Foam stability was valued by recording the foam volume after 1 min and 4 min of shake test .(13)

6. Foam height:

0.5 g of sample of soap was dispersed in 5 ml distilled water. Then, transferred it into 10 ml measuring cylinder. Five-eight strokes were given and allowed to stand still and the foam height above the aqueous volume measured .(14)

Fig no 5 : Foam height

7. Moisture content

The moisture content was used to estimate the percentage of water in the soap by drying the soap to a constant weight. The soap was weighed and recorded as wet weight of sample and was dried from 100 to 115°C using a dryer . The sample was cooled and weighed to find the dry weight of sample.

 The moisture content was determined using the formula.

% Moisture content Initial weight-Final weight/Final weight 100(15)

8. Skin Irritation Test:  

The skin irritancy test on the test soap did not result in any signs of irritation for the majority of the 5   participants. Thus, the soap can be considered non-irritating based on the test results .(16)

9. Alcohol Insoluble Matter

5gm of sample was taken in a conical flask. Added it to 50 ml of warm ethanol and shaken vigorously to dissolve the solution was filtered through a tarred filter paper with 20 ml warm ethanol and dried it at 105°C for one hour. The weight of dried paper was taken.                                                                                                                                

Percentage alcohol insoluble matter = Weight of the residuex100/Weight of sample(17)

10. Antifungal test

Evaluation of Antifungal Activity of Bael Fruit and Neem Soap Against Candida albicans Using the Cup Plate Method

METHODS:                                                                                                                                                       

Soap formulations containing extracts of bael fruit and neem were prepared using standard soap-making techniques. The cup plate method was employed to assess the antifungal activity of the soap formulations against Candida albicans. Agar plates were inoculated with Candida albicans and wells were created using sterile cups.The soap formulations were introduced into the wells, and the plates were incubated under appropriate conditions. Zones of inhibition around the wells were measured to determine the antifungal activity.

RESULTS:

Preliminary findings indicate significant antifungal activity of soap formulations containing bael fruit and neem extracts against Candida albicans. Clear zones of inhibition were observed around the wells, indicating the ability of the soap formulations to inhibit fungal growth. The size of the inhibition zones provides insights into the efficacy of the soap formulations in combating Candida albicans. Three formulations of herbal soap, designated as F1, F2, and F3, were evaluated for their antimicrobial activity against Candida albicans using the cut plate method. Among the tested formulations, F3 exhibited the highest zone of inhibition against Candida albicans, indicating superior antifumgal efficacy compared to F1 and F2.(18)

Comparative Analysis of Soap Formulations (F1, F2, and F3):

Table 2: Comparative Analysis of Soap Formulations (F1, F2, and F3)