Abstract

This literature review paper highlights the recent updates on the use of herbal extracts or essential oils of medicinal plants in the preparation of hand sanitizers. In India, Covid-19 patients with the development of black fungus infections, mucormycosis is another major health issue. Recent outbreak of coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) with mucormycosis has promoted the hand hygiene so as to achieve a full recognition among healthcare workers, public and particularly elderly people for controlling the cross contamination of the pathogen. Hand hygiene can be achieved either through hand washing, or hand disinfection. Human health hazards are linked with the frequent use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers is a major health issue. The range of available hand sanitizers and their effectiveness as well as the formulation aspects, adverse effects, and recommendations to enhance the formulation efficiency and safety. Adaptation of alternative preparations of hand sanitizers based on natural and plant resources are the possible solution to get rid off toxicity problem. Washing hands is one of the simplest, most effective ways to get rid of germs and avoid infection. Aromatic plants with essential oils have been used because of their many different biological properties, including antimicrobial properties. Therefore, herbal based hand sanitization has been promoted during the recent outbreak of SARS- CoV-2.

Keywords: Antimicrobial; Aromatherapy; Coronavirus; Hygiene; Hand washing; Medicinal plants

Abbreviations: SARS-CoV-2: Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-2; ARDS: Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome; MERS-CoV: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus; ABHS: Alcohol- Based Hand Sanitizers; NABHS: Non-Alcohol Based Hand Sanitizers; NBRI: National Botanical Research Institute; CSIR: Council of Scientific and Industrial Research; WHO: World Health Organisation; LAS: Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonates