HERBAL

Background: The rise in resistance to synthetic antimicrobial agents has encouraged interest in herbal formulations. Cassia alata Linn. (Caesalpiniaceae), commonly known as the candle bush, is traditionally used for treating skin infections due to its rich phytochemical constituents. This study focuses on formulating an herbal shampoo using Cassia alata leaf extract and evaluating its antimicrobial activities against selected bacterial and fungal pathogens. Objectives: To formulate the leaf extract of Cassia alata into a shampoo and investigate its antimicrobial profiles. Methods: Standard procedures were followed to evaluate the presence of phytochemicals. The methanol extract was incorporated into a shampoo base prepared using stearic acid, sodium hydroxide, lanolin, sodium lauryl sulfate and additives. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated by the agar well diffusion method against the following test organisms (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus
aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella aerogenes, Aspergillus niger, and Candida albicans) at extract concentrations of 100-500 mg/ml. Zones of inhibition were compared with ciprofloxacin (bacterial control) and Ketoconazole (fungal control). Results: The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of Anthraquinones, Saponins, Tannins and Alkaloids. The shampoo formulation was clear, exhibiting good foam formation, with no signs of phase separation, indicative of its stability. There was no skin irritation. The formulated herbal shampoo, containing the leaf extract of C. alata showed marked reduced antimicrobial activity at 500 mg/ml when compared to the standard antimicrobial agents. Conclusion: Cassia alata herbal shampoo formulation has shown promising prospect as a potent source of phytonutrients and can be used in managing microbial activities of the skin.

Background: - Herbal medicine, defined as the therapeutic use of plants and plant-based products, has long played a vital role in African healthcare systems. In Nigeria, where approximately 70–80% of the population depends on traditional remedies, medicinal plants such as Vernonia amygdalina, Azadirachta indica, Moringa oleifera, and Ocimum gratissimum are commonly used for managing diabetes mellitus (DM). Despite their popularity, concerns remain regarding their clinical efficacy, safety, dosage standardization, and possible interactions with conventional anti-diabetic drugs. Objectives:- This study was conducted to assess the prevalence and pattern of herbal medicine use among diabetic patients and to evaluate their knowledge regarding these therapies. Methods:- A prospective cross-sectional study was carried out at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), specifically in the Consultant Outpatient Department (COPD) and Consultant Outpatient Department–National Health Insurance Scheme (COPD–NHIS). A total of 205 diabetic patients participated through structured interviews and questionnaires. Data were
analyzed to determine the prevalence of herbal medicine use and the level of awareness among respondents. Results:- It shows that the majority of participants (93.2%) were diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes mellitus. About one-fifth (20%) of the respondents reported using herbal medicines alongside conventional therapy, while 14.6% were currently combining both forms of treatment at the time of the study. Only a small proportion demonstrated adequate knowledge regarding the efficacy, safety, and potential interactions of herbal products with prescribed medications. Conclusion: - the study revealed a moderate prevalence of herbal medicine use among diabetic patients, often in combination with standard anti-diabetic drugs. These findings highlight the
need for enhanced patient education, improved regulation, and strengthened pharmacovigilance to ensure the safe and effective integration of herbal medicine into diabetes management in Nigeria.