USTM Researchers Formulate Breakthrough Herbal Antimicrobial Cream Using Rare Black Turmeric
A pioneering team of researchers at USTM made an exciting breakthrough in herbal healthcare, formulating a 100% natural antimicrobial cream using rare black turmeric (Curcuma caesia Roxb.). This innovation marks a major step forward in plant-based skincare solutions, offering powerful healing properties, exhibiting good sensory appeal with smooth texture, pleasant color, easy blending, and cleansing without chemical additives.
After five years of rigorous scientific research and clinical testing, scaling four territories, Karbianglong, Khetri, Moirang, and Nongpoh in North East India, the formulation, now patented and published in the Indian Patent Journal on July 25, 2025, has demonstrated remarkable results in treating a range of chronic skin conditions.The formulation has been widely appreciated across scientific forums and peer circles, earning acclaim for its innovative approach, rigorous methodology, and integration of traditional knowledge with modern biomedical research.
The research was led by PhD scholar Rana Mukherjee from USTM’s Department of Applied Biology, under the supervision of Dr. Deboja Sharma, Associate Professor from the Department of AppliedBiology, and co-supervised by Prof. G.D. Sharma, Vice Chancellor of USTM. Moumita Sarkar from Nagaon is also a co-inventor in the project.
“We took five years of intensive research to finally craft this groundbreaking formula,” said Dr. Deboja Sharma. “We tested it on fifty individuals with the human ethical permission, and the results were simply stunning. One patient suffering from chronic bedsores recovered completely. Others with severe acne, bacterial and fungal infections also saw dramatic improvements.”
Tested across four regions in Northeast India—Karbianglong, Khetri, Moirang, and Nongpoh, the cream demonstrated remarkable effectiveness.
During early investigational stages, the team benchmarked their formulation against herbal creams available in the local market, only to find that most contained chemical additives. In contrast, USTM’s innovation stands out as 100% pure and herbal, setting a new standard in natural skincare solutions.
The anti-microbial soothing cream, made from Black Turmeric (Curcuma caesiaRoxb.), Aloe vera, Coconut oil, and Sandalwood oil, offers anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, and UV protection benefits. Designed to heal, soothe, and moisturize, it’s ideal for all skin types, including sensitive skin, and treats conditions like eczema, acne, sunburns, and infections—without any synthetic chemicals or preservatives.
USTM is currently engaging with pharmaceutical companies to bring this unique formulation to market. However, funding remains a key challenge, and the team hopes that support from the industry and public health stakeholders will help transform their innovation into a widely available product.
