Development of nanoemulsion gel based formulation of terbinafine for the synergistic antifungal activity: Dermatokinetic experiment for investigation of epidermal terbinafine deposition enhancement

Abstract

Objective of study was to develop and optimize nanoemulsion gel of terbinafine using Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil for synergistic antifungal activity against Candida albicans. Permeation coefficient of nanoemulsion gel and marketed cream was found to be 2.54 × 10−3 cm/h and 1.64 × 10−3 cm/h, respectively. Cskin max, AUC0–5h, AUC0-∞, and penetration constant (Kp) were found to be significantly more in the skin treated with nanoemulsion gel (p < 0.0001). Confocal studies depicted deeper penetration of terbinafine from nanoemulsion gel. Moreover, FTIR and DSC analysis indicated lipid bilayer fluidization mechanism of epidermal drug deposition enhancement. Zone of inhibition for tea tree oil, nanoemulsion gel and marketed cream of terbinafine hydrochloride was found to be 10.00 ± 1.12 mm, 43.20 ± 1.88 mm, and 34.70 ± 1.59 mm, respectively. These findings demonstrated that nanoemulsion gel of terbinafine containing tea tree oil could be used as promising approach to treat skin fungal infection.