"RUMEX HASTATUS" ANTIBACTERIAL OINTMENT FORMULATION AND DEVELOPMENT

The present study was aimed at formulating and evaluating an antibacterial herbal ointment prepared from the leaves and stem extract of Rumex hastatus. The plant material was collected, authenticated, shade-dried, powdered, and extracted using hydroalcoholic solvent by cold maceration. The obtained extract was incorporated into a standard ointment base using mechanical incorporation to prepare a 50 g herbal formulation. The prepared ointment was evaluated for various pharmaceutical parameters, including organoleptic properties, pH, spreadability, washability, viscosity, and stability. The formulated ointment exhibited smooth consistency, brownish color, homogeneity, good spreadability, easily washable nature, and a pH of 6.2, which is suitable for topical application. The formulation remained stable under different temperature conditions. The study concludes that Rumex hastatus possesses strong potential for developing an effective antibacterial topical formulation. Further studies on antimicrobial activity, long- term stability, and clinical safety could support its future pharmaceutical and therapeutic application.ENG