Development and Formulation of Herbal Products- A Veterinary Herbal Care Perspective

The increasing demand for safe, non-toxic, and sustainable veterinary dermatological products has accelerated interest in herbal alternatives to conventional chemical- and antibiotic-based formulations. The present study focuses on the development and evaluation of an organic herbal veterinary soap formulated with oat milk (Avena sativa) and neem extract (Azadirachta indica), designed with a novel dual-layer/stripe-based active release mechanism. Oat milk, rich in β-glucans and avenanthramides, provides soothing, moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, and barrier-repair properties, while neem extract contributes potent antimicrobial, antifungal, antiparasitic, and wound-healing effects. The formulation integrates an oat-based core for gentle cleansing and skin protection with neem-infused stripes to enable controlled and targeted antimicrobial release during bathing. The soap was prepared using veterinary-safe herbal oils and additives and evaluated through standard physicochemical and quality control tests, including pH determination, lather stability, total fatty matter (TFM), and saponification analysis. The formulated soap exhibited a skin-compatible pH range (6.0–7.5), satisfactory foaming stability, acceptable TFM values (55–75%), and minimal free alkali content, confirming its safety and suitability for animal skin. The synergistic combination of oat milk and neem extract offers a balanced dermatological approach that supports microbial control, inflammation reduction, and coat health without contributing to antimicrobial resistance. This formulation demonstrates strong potential for veterinary dermatological applications, MSME-scale production, and future patent-oriented product development.