Development of standard operating procedures (SOPs) and evaluation of antimicrobial activity of a polyherbal formulation Qurṣ-i Bel

Abstract

Introduction: Herbal medicines are being used since ancient times. Although herbal medications are considered
safe, their authenticity and purity have been questioned. It is essential to establish relevant SOPs at the source
to ensure the authenticity, purity, quality, and efficacy of herbal medications. Antibiotic resistance is developing
every day and is now considered a severe health hazard all over the world, so new medications from natural
sources are needed. Therefore, the objective of the study was to develop the SOPs and to evaluate the antimicrobial
activity of Qurṣ-i Bel (QB). Materials and Methods: In the present study, 12 batches of QB were prepared to
develop SOPs with Loabe Samaghe Arabi (mucilage of Acacia arabica) (GAM), a 100 mesh sieve, and various
temperatures and drying times employed for each batch. The antimicrobial activity was done using the agar well
diffusion method against four pathogenic bacteria, that is, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella
species, and Pseudomonas species. Results: The final batch (batch no.12), in which 15% w/w GAM used as a
binding agent and dried at 90°C for 120 min showed hardness 17.66 ± 0.57–18.33 ± 1.15 kg/cm2, friability 0.0192
± 0.00–0.0199 ± 0.00 %, and disintegration time 14.00 ± 0.00 min. The findings revealed that the methanolic and
hydroalcoholic extracts of QB have antibacterial action against the three pathogens examined (Staphylococcus
aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas species). While, Klebsiella pneumoniae showed no zone of inhibition
for all concentrations in all three extracts and aqueous extract was found ineffective against all tested organisms
and showed no zone of inhibition. Conclusion: Its SOPs might be employed as traditional medicine for the
treatment of various infections and could be used as a future reference for process standardization.