Abstract

Healthcare-associated infections are a major concern among healthcare professionals and hospitalized individuals. These infections can be significantly controlled through proper hand hygiene. Conventionally, alcohol-based agents are used for hand sanitization, but they often cause severe skin dryness. Maintaining skin moisture is essential to prevent damage that could potentially lead to chronic infections. This can be achieved by using non-alcoholic hand sanitizers. The primary objective of this study was to develop such a non-alcoholic hand sanitizers. To achieve this, a novel Ayurveda-based herbal non-alcoholic hand sanitizer was formulated using aqueous distillate (Arka) prepared from the dried flowers of an Indian medicinal herb, Woodfordia fruticosa Kurz (commonly known as fire flame bush or Dhathaki). Phytochemical analysis and antimicrobial activity testing were conducted on this preparation, termed Dhathaki Arka. Additionally, its hand sanitization efficacy was compared among healthcare professionals at Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara College of Ayurveda and Hospital, Hassan, India. Results indicated that the novel non-alcoholic herbal hand sanitizer, formulated based on Ayurvedic principles, demonstrated effective antimicrobial activity, making it a competent and skin-safe hand sanitizer. In conclusion, the herbal-based Dhathaki Arka hand sanitizer is effective for hand hygiene while avoiding the adverse effects on skin caused by alcohol-based alternatives. Therefore, Dhathaki Arka warrants further large-scale evaluation for development as a commercial herbal-based hand sanitizer.