Preparation of a Poly Herbal Hand Sanitizer : Prevention of COVID-19 Coronavirus
Preparation of a Poly Herbal Hand Sanitizer : Prevention of COVID-19 Coronavirus
Published on Mar 04, 2023
Preparation of a Poly Herbal Hand Sanitizer : Prevention of COVID-19 Coronavirus
The main aim for the preparation of a poly herbal hand sanitizer is for “hand hygiene”. It is a vital principle in the prevention, control, and reduction of any acquired infection.
Mainly hand sanitizer can stop the chain of transmission of micro organisms and other bacteria from hand to different parts of our body. Hand hygiene is important and one of the most critical steps in food production, food service as well as in homes and other day care preparations. Hand sanitizer avoids adverse effects like itching, irritation, dermatitis etc. So, maintaining hand hygiene as the prime criteria-instead of some synthetic formulation, an attempt has been made to formulate an herbal hand wash by using some extracts of commonly available plants like Andrographis paniculata, ginger, lemon juice. The formulation was evaluated for its physical parameters. It is sure that these ingredients on combination behave as an effective hand sanitizer.
Introduction
Skin is the most exposed part of the body to the sunlight, environmental pollution and also to some protection against the pathogens. The most common skin disorders are eczema (atopic dermatitis), warts, acne, rashes, psoriasis, allergy etc. To protect the skin from harmful micro organisms and to prevent spreading of many skin infection. Hand washing is absolutely an important precaution. The aim of the present work is to prepare and physically evaluate a poly herbal hand wash from commonly available plants, instead of adopting synthetic preparation. Hand sanitizer is an antiseptic and supplement to the hand washing with soap and water. There are different preparations in hand sanitizer like gel, foam, liquid solution etc. The commonly used ingredient in hand sanitizer is alcohol and inactive ingredients include a thickening agent, humectants etc. Alcohol based hand sanitizer are very effective in killing micro organisms than compared to soaps. All hand sanitizer products require a designation called “national drug code” in the United States.
Formulation of Polyherbal Hand Sanitizer
Method of Preparation
Ethanolic extract of Andrographis Paniculata, ginger, lemon was prepared by Maceration process. Other ingredients except triethanolamine were added in water and stirred well using a mechanical stirrer.
To this the extracts were added and stirred. Then triethanolamine and perfume was added and the volume was made up using alcohol.
Uses of a Hand Sanitizer
These are antiseptic products used to avoid the transmission of skin infections/pathogens. Alcoholic hand sanitizer kills 99% of the bacteria on hands for seconds after application. Drying of the skin is less and leaves more moisture.
The above preparation can be used as a good hand sanitizer. Further studies are required to screen the antibacterial affect and compare with other available hand sanitizer
Handwashing and Hand Sanitizer Use
Germs are everywhere! They can get onto hands and items we touch during daily activities and make you sick. Cleaning hands at key times with soap and water or hand sanitizer is one of the most important steps you can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to those around you. There are important differences between washing hands with soap and water and cleaning them with hand sanitizer. For example, alcohol-based hand sanitizers don’t kill ALL types of germs, such as a stomach bug called norovirus, some parasites, and Clostridium difficile, which causes severe diarrhea. Hand sanitizers also may not remove harmful chemicals, such as pesticides and heavy metals like lead. Handwashing reduces the amounts of all types of germs, pesticides, and metals on hands. Knowing when to clean your hands and which method to use will give you the best chance of preventing sickness.
When should I use?
Soap and Water
• Before, during, and after preparing food
• Before eating food
• Before and after caring for someone who is sick
• Before and after treating a cut or wound
• After using the bathroom, changing diapers, or cleaning up a child who has used the bathroom
• After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
• After touching an animal, animal food or treats, animal cages, or animal waste
• After touching garbage
• If your hands are visibly dirty or greasy
Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizer
• Before and after visiting a friend or a loved one in a hospital or nursing home, unless the person is sick with Clostridium difficile (if so, use soap and water to wash hands).
• If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol, and wash with soap and water as soon as you can.
* Do NOT use hand sanitizer if your hands are visibly dirty or greasy: for example, after gardening, playing outdoors, or after fishing or camping (unless a handwashing station is not available). Wash your hands with soap and water instead.
Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Supervise young children when they use hand sanitizer to prevent swallowing alcohol, especially in schools and childcare facilities.
• Apply enough product on hands to cover all surfaces.
• Rub hands together, until hands feel dry. This should take around 20 seconds.
Note: Do not rinse or wipe off the hand sanitizer before it’s dry; it may not work as well against germs.
