A research team at the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) has formulated a 100 percent natural antimicrobial cream using rare black turmeric (Curcuma caesia Roxb.), marking a significant advancement in herbal healthcare. The cream features a smooth texture, pleasant color, easy blending, and chemical-free cleansing properties.
Following five years of rigorous research and clinical testing across Karbianglong, Khetri, Moirang, and Nongpoh in Northeast India, the innovation has now been patented and published in the Indian Patent Journal on July 25, 2025. It has shown remarkable success in treating chronic skin conditions, including bedsores, acne, bacterial and fungal infections.
The study was led by PhD scholar Rana Mukherjee from the Department of Applied Biology at USTM, under the supervision of Dr. Deboja Sharma, Associate Professor, and co-supervised by Prof. G.D. Sharma, Vice Chancellor of USTM. Moumita Sarkar from Nagaon is also listed as a co-inventor.
“We took five years of intensive research to finally craft this groundbreaking formula,” said Dr. Deboja Sharma. “We tested it on fifty individuals with human ethical permission, and the results were simply stunning.”
Benchmarking against local herbal creams revealed that most contained chemical additives, while USTM’s product remains 100 percent herbal. The formulation combines black turmeric with aloe vera, coconut oil, and sandalwood oil, delivering anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, and UV protection benefits. It is safe for all skin types, including sensitive skin, and treats eczema, sunburns, and infections without synthetic chemicals or preservatives.
USTM is now in talks with pharmaceutical companies to commercialize the product, though funding remains a significant hurdle. The team is hopeful that industry and public health support will help bring this innovation to the wider market.
