Development and evaluation of dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) leaves nanogel for the treatment of bacterial skin infection

Abstract

This study explores the antibacterial and pharmaceutical potential of Taraxacum officinale (dandelion) leaves, focusing on the development of a nanogel formulation for the treatment of bacterial skin infections. Leaves from dandelions were shade dried, powdered, then extracted using methanol, ethanol, and water through Soxhlet extraction. Flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, saponins, and phenolic compounds were present as confirmed by the phytochemical screening. Solubility, partition coefficient and entrapment efficiency studies were performed to characterize the extract. The methanolic and ethanolic extracts exhibited excellent antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, having inhibition zones ranging between 12 - 20 mm and a MIC value was between 0.25 to 1.0 mg/mL. The findings suggest that dandelion leaves possess strong antibacterial properties and, when formulated into nanogels, could serve as a safe and natural alternative for managing bacterial skin infections.