Development and Optimization of Herbal Cream for Ringworm: A Natural Approach to Antifungal Treatment

The present study focuses on the formulation and evaluation of a herbal cream intended for the treatment of ringworm, a common fungal infection. With growing global interest in plant-based remedies, particularly those with antimicrobial properties, this research utilizes natural ingredients known for their antifungal efficacy. The cream was developed using ethanolic extracts of Aloe vera gel, Azadirachta indica (Neem), and Butea monosperma (Palash) prepared via maceration. The cream base comprised beeswax, liquid paraffin, borax, methylparaben, rose oil, and distilled water, and the formulation was completed using the slab method to ensure homogeneity. Five trial batches (F1H to F5H) were prepared and evaluated for physical appearance, pH, viscosity, phase separation, and skin irritancy. All formulations exhibited favorable visual properties, appropriate pH and viscosity, stability at room temperature, and no signs of skin irritation or erythema during application. Antifungal screening against Trichophyton, Microsporum, and Epidermophyton revealed that the herbal ingredients demonstrated notable antifungal activity. The overall results confirmed that all five formulations were physically stable, non-irritant, and suitable for topical application, highlighting the potential of herbal-based creams as effective, safe, and natural alternatives for managing fungal skin infections.