Dermal gel formulation of Guiera senegalensis (sabara) leaf extract: development, characterisation, and antibacterial evaluation

Objective This study aimed to develop and evaluate a dermal gel formulation incorporating the methanolic leaf extract of Guiera senegalensis (GS) for potential topical antimicrobial application.Significance Dermal gel formulations of GS leaf extracts may offer safe and effective alternatives against bacterial and fungal skin infections, particularly beneficial for pediatric and geriatric individuals who are most susceptible to such conditions.Methods Leaves of GS were extracted by maceration using methanol and fractionated with solvents of increasing polarity. The extract and fractions underwent phytochemical screening, antibacterial evaluation, and spectral characterization (GC–MS and FT–IR). Xanthan gum–based gels were formulated and evaluated for pH, viscosity, spreadability, extrudability, swelling, erosion, and antibacterial activity.Results The methanolic extract (26.36% yield) contained abundant phytochemicals, including flavonoids, phenolics, tannins, and terpenoids. Fractionation revealed the polarity-based distribution of phytochemicals but did not enhance antibacterial potency. The methanolic extract showed the strongest activity against Staphylococcus aureus (22.24 ± 0.12 mm). GC–MS and FT–IR confirmed the presence of bioactive compounds and functional groups linked to antimicrobial effects. The gels exhibited skin-compatible pH (5.95–6.65), appropriate viscosity (11.23–63.23 Pa·s), and desirable spreadability. Among all, formulation F2 showed the best overall characteristics for topical use.Conclusion GS leaf extract–loaded gels demonstrated excellent physicochemical properties and antibacterial activity. Although fractionation provided no added antimicrobial advantage, it offered insights into phytochemical distribution. Formulation F2 represents a promising natural, plant-based topical antimicrobial candidate.