Background: Nigella sativa (NS) (Black cumin or Kalonji) belongs to the family Ranunculaceae. The seeds of this plant are known to have many beneficial chemical constituents. Moreover, they have many advantageous pharmacological effects, such as being used to treat antibiotics, antiviral, antifungal, wound healing, antiinflammatory effect (Psoriasis), acne vulgaris, and skin pigmentation (Vitiligo). The study aims to investigate the antimicrobial (antibacterial) activity of the formulated Emulsion against some common skin-causing infectious microorganisms. (Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger, S. aureus, E. coli, C. albicans, A. niger.).
Methods: The research methodology was divided into three sections: development/formulation of Emulsion, characterization of Emulsion, and evaluation of the topical application for antimicrobial activity. Dry gum or continental method was followed to prepare emulsions A and B by using black cumin oil. In emulsion A, distilled water was used as an external phase, while in emulsion B, purified water: glycerin in a 50:50 ratio was used. Different tests were performed to identify the type of Emulsion, including (organoleptic property evaluation, dilution test, dye solubility test, cobalt (II) chloride filter paper test, centrifugation test, and thermal stability test). Agar well diffusion method was used to tests antimicrobial activity against the Gram-positive microorganism (S. aureus, C. albicans) and Gram-negative microorganism (E. coli, A. niger).
Results: The study showed better results for Emulsion B than Emulsion A. Emulsion A and B showed pronounced dose-dependent antibacterial activity, more against Gram-positive than Gram-negative microorganisms.
Conclusion: It is concluded that the seeds of NS demonstrated a potent growth inhibition and bactericidal activity in oil in water Emulsion against S. aureus ATCC 25923 and C. albicans ATCC 10231. In contrast, no significant growth inhibition was seen in E. coli ATCC 25922 and A. niger ATCC 6275.
Key words: emulsion, herbal extract, Nigella sativa, topical application, antimicrobial activity
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