A method for preparing a herbal antifungal ointment for treating fungal infections

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for preparing a herbal antifungal ointment using essential oils extracted from Cymbopogonnardus, Cymbopogonflexuosus, Litseacubeba, Citrus limon L. Burm, and Citrus medica. The plant materials are collected, shade-dried, and finely cut before undergoing hydro-distillation in a Clevenger-type apparatus for essential oil extraction. The obtained oils are dehydrated using anhydrous sodium sulphate and stored at 4°C to preserve their stability. The essential oils are blended in user defined ratios to achieve synergistic antifungal activity and incorporated into petroleum jelly to formulate the ointment. The developed formulation exhibits potent antifungal properties, offering an effective, natural, and non-toxic alternative to synthetic antifungal agents. The invention ensures sustained activity, ease of topical application, and suitability for treating skin fungal infections.