Abstract

Abstract: Ointments are semisolid systems which usually behaveas viscoelastic materials when shear stress is applied. They generally containmedicaments and are intended to be applied externally to the body or to themucous membrane.In this study,  the antimicrobial  potency  of herbal  ointments  formulated with  various  extracts of   Cassia   alata.   The  preliminary   in   vitro   antimicrobial  activity of  the  extracts of  sun-dried  roots of   Cassia   alata   was  determined against Escherichia coli(E. coli), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa), Bacillussubtilis, Staphylococcus aureus. The herbal ointment also comparedfavourably with a commercial brand of Levofloxacin ointment. This study showsthat Cassia alata has antimicrobialactivity and also has high potential as antimicrobial agent when formulated asointment for topical use and could therefore explain the successes claimed inthe folk use of the plant in the treatment of common skin conditions.