Gel Base Research Articles

Formulation and Evaluation of Clotrimazole Mucoadhesive Vaginal Globules

The aim of this study was to prepare vaginal suppositories with mucoadhesive properties to prolong the action of antifungal component clotrimazole (CLO). This was achieved by preparing vaginal pessaries on a hydrophilic gel base composed of gelatin and gelatin enriched with PEG 400 (in a 1:1 ratio), and then checking the properties of the obtained vaginal drugs. The prepared globules, containing 100 mg of CLO, were characterized in terms of mass and swelling index, organoleptic analysis was also prepared. In addition, a texture analysis and a study of the dissolution of clotrimazole were performed. On the basis of the obtained results, it was concluded that the modification of the composition of the gelatin–glycerin base by the addition of macrogol had a positive effect on the mucoadhesive properties of the globules. In addition, due to the presence of PEG 400, the globules were stiffer. It was also observed that the presence of CLO reduces the value of the force needed for compression during the texture analysis study. Comparing the CLO release profiles of the prepared globules and commercially available clotrimazole tablets, the release profile for the globules was slower than for the tablets, which indicates the possibility of using mucoadhesive globules as a form of a drug that releases the medicinal substance more slowly at the site of administration.

Immortelle Essential-Oil-Enriched Hydrogel for Diabetic Wound Repair: Development, Characterization, and In Vivo Efficacy Assessment

Background: Alarming data revealed that 19% to 34% of adults with diabetes mellitus develop chronic wounds, which are characterized by impaired healing and a higher risk of infections. Inspired by the traditional use of immortelle for wound healing and the lack of scientific evidence regarding how it thoroughly influences tissue regeneration, we aimed to formulate a hydrogel loaded with immortelle essential oil and assess its effectiveness on diabetic excision wounds. Methods: The rheological properties of the hydrogel, an in vivo safety test, as well as wound healing capacity, were determined in rats with induced diabetes and excision wounds. Diabetic rats were divided into four groups: untreated, treated with 1% silver sulfadiazine ointment, treated with a gel base, and treated with the immortelle essential oil-based hydrogel. Results: It was revealed that the hydrogel exerts pseudoplastic behavior and has no potential to act as an irritant, thus highlighting its suitability for skin application. Moreover, analysis of macroscopic, biochemical, and histopathological data revealed that the immortelle essential oil-based hydrogel significantly improves wound repair. Superior re-epithelialization, scar maturation, and increased collagen fiber density were achieved after immortelle essential oil-based gel application. Conclusions: These findings suggest that the immortelle essential oil-based hydrogel could be a natural, safe, and effective wound-healing dressing.

Study and selection of optimal rheological characteristics of piracetam gel compositions for intranasal use

Background. One of the important areas of pharmaceutical research is the creation of new, as well as improvement of existing, in-demand dosage forms, using already known drugs as active substances. Current issues are the development of drugs that activate the integrative properties and functions of the brain, as well as increase the body’s resistance to aggressive influences. Nootropics, namely piracetam and its analogues, are successfully used in neurological, psychiatric and drug treatment practice. At the same time, the intranasal route of administration is attractive for combined and longterm therapy of these diseases. when developing new intranasal compositions, the issues of choosing the optimal combination of excipients that allow the dosage form to be easily distributed in the nasal cavity must be resolved. The selection of optimal compositions based on consistency properties is possible on the basis of rheological research data, which allows not only to predict the properties of the dosage form being developed, but also to select the required composition and ratio of components. In addition, an important indicator of the quality of soft dosage forms that affects consumer properties is their stability during transportation and storage, as well as such an indicator as spreadability.Aim. Selection of the optimal composition of the gel with piracetam based on rheological characteristics and predicting the thermal and colloidal stability of the gel structure.Materials and methods. Carboxymethyl cellulose, chitosan and carbopol were chosen as the gel base. The rheological characteristics of the samples were studied by rotational viscometry on a Fungilab Premium viscometer (Spain). Data were obtained and collected using Fungilab Data Boss software; additional data processing was carried out using Microsoft Excel.Results. The gelling agent was selected and its rheological characteristics were determined.Conclusion. The optimal composition of excipients piracetam gel was selected taking into account the basic rheological parameters.

Prolonged Skin Retention of Luliconazole from SLNs Based Topical Gel Formulation Contributing to Ameliorated Antifungal Activity.

The development of effective therapy is necessary because the patients have to contend with long-termtherapy as skin fungal infections usually relapse and are hardly treated. Despite being a potent antifungal agent, luliconazole (LCZ) has certainshortcomings such as limited skin penetration, low solubility in aqueous medium, and poor skin retention. Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLNs) were developed using biodegradable lipids by solvent injection method and were embodied into the gel base for topical administration. After in-vitro characterizations of the formulations, molecular interactions of the drug with excipients were analyzed using in-silico studies. Ex-vivo release was determined in contrast to the pure LCZ and the commercial formulation followed by in-vivo skin localization, skin irritation index, and antifungal activity. The prepared SLNs have an average particle size of 290.7nm with no aggregation of particles and homogenous gels containing SLNs with ideal rheology and smooth texture properties were successfully prepared. The ex-vivo LCZ release from the SLN gel was lower than the commercial formulation whereas its skin deposition and skin retention were higher as accessed by CLSM studies. The drug reaching the systemic circulation and the skin irritation potential were found to be negligible. Thesolubility and drug retention in the skin were both enhanced by the development of SLNs as a carrier. Thus, SLNs offer significant advantages by delivering long lasting concentrations of LCZ at the site of infection for a complete cure of the fungal load together with skin localization of the topical antifungal drug.

Effect of Aloe vera Gel and Sodium Metabisulphite on Expression of Fibroblast Growth Factor in Incision Wound of Rats

An incision wound is a wound caused by being sliced. Two ingredients that play a key role in the wound-healing process are glucomannan and acemannan, which are rich in polysaccharides and growth hormones. Growth hormones stimulate fibroblast activity and proliferation. The present study involved 35 Sprague Dawley male rats, aged 2-3 months old and weighing 200-300 grams. The study comprised seven groups including, negative control group (G1), positive control (aquades, G2), betadine 10% (G3), gel base (0.5 mg, G4), gel base + sodium metabisulfite 0.2 gr (G5), gel base + Aloe vera 5% (G6), and gel base + Aloe vera 5% + sodium metabisulfite 0.2 gr (G7). Each group had five replications. Initially, a 4-cm incision was made on the dorsal skin of each rat. The study lasted 15 days with observations made on days 3, 7, and 15. After the observation period, the rats were anesthetized and then terminated to collect skin tissues for microscopic examination. The tissue samples were then stained immunohistochemically to assess fibroblast growth factor (FGF) expressions. The results showed that the highest FGF expression was observed in the 5% Aloe vera + 2% metabisulfite group (G7), while the lowest FGF expression was in the negative control group (G1). It is concluded that Aloe vera L. extract gel at 5% + 2% metabisulfite (G7) significantly enhances the expression of FGF. Keywords: Aloe vera L, Fibroblast growth factor, Incision wound, Skin, Sodium metabisulfite

Nanoemulgel: A Comprehensive Review of Formulation Strategies, Characterization, Patents and Applications

<p>Background: Delivering hydrophobic or poorly soluble drugs has become increasingly challenging, with issues like stability and bioavailability complicating the process. Among various strategies devised to address these problems, nanoemulgels have proven effective. Nanoemulgels combine a gel base and an emulsion at the nanoscale, making them excellent for drug delivery. The nanoemulsion component protects the active ingredient from degradative reactions like hydrolysis and enzymatic degradation. Meanwhile, the gel base enhances the emulsion's thermodynamic stability by increasing the viscosity of the aqueous phase and reducing surface and interfacial tension. </p><p> Objective: The primary objective of this review was to explore nanoemulgels as a drug delivery system in the pharmaceutical industry. It delves into the advantages and applications of nanoemulgels in various medical fields, compares them with conventional emulgel, and examines formulation strategies, preparation methods, patent trends, future prospects, and evaluation methods in detail. </p><p> Method: An exhaustive literature survey was conducted keeping in view the various aspects of nanoemulgel. Information from various resources, such as books, review articles, scientific reports, research articles, and patents, were searched, read, analyzed, and summarized. </p><p> Conclusion: This review article thoroughly examines nanoemulgels, discussing their formulation strategies, characterization techniques, and applications in various fields. It highlights their benefits, such as enhanced drug solubility, controlled release, improved stability, and targeted delivery. The article also covers patents related to nanoemulgel technology and explores its future prospects, emphasizing potential applications in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, dermatology, and other industries.</p>

Formulation and evaluation of herbal microsphere gel

Formulation and evaluation of herbal microsphere gel involves designing a gel-based delivery system for herbal active ingredients encapsulated within microspheres. The process typically includes selecting suitable herbal extracts, encapsulating them into microspheres using techniques like solvent evaporation or emulsion-solvent evaporation, and then incorporating these microspheres into a gel base. Evaluation criteria may include physical characteristics (particle size, morphology), drug release kinetics, rheological properties, stability, and efficacy of the herbal ingredients. This approach aims to enhance the stability, controlled release, and therapeutic efficacy of herbal compounds, offering potential applications in various fields including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and personal care products. This present study demonstrated the effectiveness of carbopol based herbal gel containing extracts of tamarind possessing antibacterial activity. Thus, the formulated herbal gel incorporated with tamarind extracts show great promises in the management of antibacterial activity. Gel loaded with microspheres of tamarind was prepared with aim to deliver the drug which passes through transdermal route as it provides quick onset of action when compared to oral route. This gel loaded with microspheres of tamarind was successfully prepared using solvent evaporation method.

Ultraflexible liposomes for transdermal delivery of atorvastatin calcium: Rheological and ex vivo evaluation

AbstractOur research aims to explore the possibility of incorporating atorvastatin calcium (ATC) in ultraflexible nanovesicles (UFNVs) to avoid the hepatic first metabolism and enhance its effectiveness as a potential alternative to oral treatment. ATC nanovesicles were developed utilizing the rotary evaporation‐sonication method and assessed in vitro concerning their vesicle diameter, zeta potential (ZP), entrapment efficiency (EE), as well as in vitro release studies. The chosen formulation of ATC‐UFNVs was integrated into a different gel base that was evaluated for content uniformity, pH, spreading ability, viscosity, and rheological behavior. The skin permeation of the prepared nanovesicles was assessed using an ex vivo permeation and confocal laser microscopy images (CLSM). In vitro evaluation of the ATC‐loaded UFNVs showed that the mean diameter of the nanovesicles ranging between 60.84 ± 0.53 nm and 91.68 ± 2.11 nm, the Zeta potential values ranged from of –15.8 ± 0.31 to –25.1 ± 0.81 mV, the EE% were between 84.33 ± 1.94 and 86.53 ± 2.02%, and the ATC release from the formulations was 75.25–90.89%. All release patterns were analyzed kinetically following Higuchi's diffusion approach. Carbapol 934 gel bases containing ATC‐UF exhibited non‐Newtonian pseudo‐plastic flow with thixotropy equal to 2.013 cm2. Ex vivo data showed that ATC‐UFNVs had better penetration compared to free AC. CLSM revealed that the UF‐nanovesicle exhibited stronger and deeper fluorescence signals up to 90 µm depth of permeation in skin versus the rhodamine B‐free solution (50 µm). The transdermal ability of the ATC‐UFNVs gel formulation has been conclusively demonstrated by our research.Practical Applications: The successful development of atorvastatin calcium‐loaded ultraflexible nanovesicles (ATC‐UFNVs) in this study offers promising applications for researchers and healthcare professionals. The ability of these nanovesicles to bypass hepatic first‐pass metabolism and enhance drug delivery to the skin presents a potential alternative to oral administration, which can be associated with gastrointestinal side effects and variable absorption. The findings of this research can be applied in the development of novel transdermal drug delivery systems for the treatment of various cardiovascular conditions. ATC‐UFNVs may be incorporated into topical formulations for the management of hypercholesterolemia, reducing the need for systemic medication. Additionally, the insights gained from this study could be utilized to explore the feasibility of using nanovesicles for the delivery of other lipophilic drugs, expanding their potential therapeutic applications.

Development and characterization of polysiloxane-based gel loaded with phytoingredients encapsulated in phytosomes for scar management.

Recent research has emphasized the development of efficient drug delivery systems to facilitate the delivery of biological compounds such as polyphenols via skin absorption. Phytozomes have been employed as carriers of plant compounds in this context Hydrogen bonding between plant polyphenols and the phospholipid phosphate group enables efficient encapsulation of potent compounds for enhanced drug delivery systems. Additionally, the strong affinity of phytosomes for the skin's phospholipids enhances skin absorption. In this study, phytosomes were initially formulated using the thin-layer hydration method After optimizing the synthetic parameters, phytosomes were loaded with Resveratrol and Quercetin for enhanced delivery and skin absorption potential to assess the characteristics of the synthesized phytosomes, tests were conducted to determine particle distribution and size, zeta potential, and examine the microstructure morphology using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Furthermore, a siloxane gel base was formulated in this study, and the stability of the physicochemical and biological properties of the final prepared nanoformulation was investigated. The results of this study indicated that the formulated phytosomes exhibit optimal characteristics for facilitating high skin penetration of resveratrol and quercetin. A high skin absorption was observed after 60 days of synthesis. Additionally, the base of the siloxane gel can play a significant role in preventing the formation of scars by reducing the passage of water vapor.

Characterization and Evaluation of the Cytotoxicity of Pregabalin Gels for Oral Application.

The efficacy of pregabalin in pain treatment has led to the search for new formulations for its use through different routes of administration. This study aimed to prepare, characterize, and evaluate the cytotoxicity of pregabalin (PG) gels for topical application in the oral cavity. Solutions with three different concentrations of PG were prepared and added to a 1.0% carbopol gel base. Thermal analyses (TG and DSC) and FTIR were performed on the gel and pure pregabalin. Stability (preliminary and accelerated) and rheology studies were also conducted on the gels. Cytotoxicity was evaluated in human gingival fibroblasts in the following groups: WG (1.0% carbopol gel base), PG2G (2.0% pregabalin gel), PG5G (5.0% pregabalin gel), and PG10G (10% pregabalin gel). A transparent and homogeneous gel with a pH of 6 was obtained. The formulations showed stability, and the different drug concentrations did not influence the product's characteristics. None of the tested groups showed cytotoxicity for the analyzed cells. The pregabalin gels exhibited favorable and non-toxic characteristics for human gingival fibroblasts in vitro. Therefore, this product may be a promising therapeutic alternative for topical application in the oral mucosa.

Formulation and Characterization of Emulgel Lornoxicam Containing Lemon Grass Oil as Penetration Enhancer.

Emulgel dosage form is an advanced form of transdermal drug de-livery. It is a combination of emulsion and gel in a definite ratio. Emulsions are incorporated into the gel with proper mixing. The emulsion present in emulgel can be either oil/water or water/oil, which is thickened by mixing it with a gelling agent. On the basis of the solubility of lornoxicam in various oils, a surfac-tant and a co-surfactant were selected for further research. For the preparation of emulgel, the emulsion was prepared with Smix (surfactant and co-surfactant) in a ratio of 1:2. The prepared emulsion was incorporated into different concentrations of carbapol 934 in a 1:1 ratio to make a homogenous emulgel. The emulgel was inspected visually to see if it had any phase behaviour, spreadabil-ity, or grittiness by applying it to a slide. All formulations were evaluated for pH, physical properties, drug content, spreadability, extrudability, swelling index, viscosity, and centrifu-gation. Franz diffusion cell was used to perform in-vitro release of formulation with the help of egg membrane. Among all formulations, F3 showed 83% release after 6 hours and showed acceptable physical properties like homogeneity, colour, consistency, pH value, spreadability, extrudability, and drug content. Thus, emulgel can be regarded as a more feasible drug delivery system for hy-drophobic drugs (lornoxicam) than the currently marketed formulation. Optimized emulgel formulation consists of a microemulsion of lornoxicam, 1 % of carbopol 934, propylene gly-col, sodium benzoate, lemon grass oil, glycerin, and distilled water. In the in-vitro release studies, pH 7.4 phosphate buffer emulgel formulation (F3) showed 83% after 6 hours. Emulgel was found to be stable under stable conditions. The emulgel of the poorly water-soluble drug (lornoxicam) was formulated. The components and their optimum ratio for the formulation of microemulsion were obtained by solubility studies and droplet size analysis. Thus, microemulsion can be regarded as a more feasible dose delivery system for lornoxicam than the currently marketed tablet, capsule, and injection formulations. Optimized microemulsion of lornoxicam was incorporated into the gel base. Therefore, it may be concluded that emulgel of lornoxicam can be used as a controlled-release dosage form of the drug for local application in rheumatoid arthritis.

Development of radish extract-loaded transfersomes blended sunscreen formulation for tyrosinase melanin and photoprotective sunscreening effect

Radish sprouts consist of a variety of active compounds, including phenolic compounds and ascorbic acid, which has antityrosinase activity, the key enzyme in melanogenesis. Furthermore, UV radiation cause hyperpigmentation and skin damage. The aim of this study was to develop radish sprouts extract (R)-loaded transfersomes for anti-aging and skin-whitening formulation. To provide UV protection, transfersomes were combined with sunscreen emulgel formulation. The physicochemical characteristics, biological activity, and cytotoxicity to skin cells of formulations were studied. The results showed that R-loaded transfersomes exhibited spherical nanovesicles and negative zeta potential. The vesicles were able to reduce tyrosinase activity and melanin content. However, transfersomes were safe to skin cells at low concentrations. By combining R-loaded transfersomes with sunscreen emulgels, the cytotoxicity of formulation decreased in addition to exhibiting stability under accelerated conditions. The formulation also absorbed UVA and UVB wavelengths with SPF and UVAPF values, due to the photoprotective properties of sunscreening agents. Furthermore, R slowly released from transfersome, emulsion matrix and gel base of the formulation. Thus, R-loaded transfersomes blended sunscreen emulgels could be applied as promising formulation with satisfactory activity for tyrosinase melanin and photoprotective sunscreening effect.

Development of formulation and evaluation of topical micro emulsion gel loaded with terbinafine HCL micro emulsion

Fungal infections, particularly in immunocompromised patients, present significant health challenges and are often difficult to treat with conventional topical therapies due to bioavailability issues. This study explores the development of a topical gel formulation using solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) loaded with Terbinafine, an antifungal agent, to improve drug delivery and efficacy. SLNs were prepared by a solvent diffusion method and optimized with stearic acid and poloxamer 188. The formulation with the highest entrapment efficiency (SLN F6) exhibited 92.13% ± 0.975. The optimized SLN formulation was incorporated into a gel base containing carbopol 934, resulting in SLN gel G3 with 1.5% carbopol showing the highest drug entrapment (91.39% ± 0.187). The gel was evaluated for physicochemical properties, including viscosity (369 cP), pH (6.12 ± 0.255), and spreadability (4.5). In vitro release studies indicated controlled drug release, fitting best with the Higuchi and Korsmeyer-Peppas models. FTIR analysis confirmed no significant interactions between the drug and excipients, supporting the formulation's purity and effectiveness. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed the spherical shape and smooth surface of the nanoparticles. This study demonstrates that Terbinafine-loaded SLNs in a topical gel formulation provide a promising approach for sustained drug delivery in treating fungal infections.

BURN WOUND HEALING ACTIVITY OF ETHANOL EXTRACT OF ECENG GONDOK (Eichornia crassipes) LEAVES

Eceng gondok is a weed plant that lives in shallow water areas. The aim of this research was to determine the burn wound healing activity of an ethanol extract of Eceng gondok leaves. The study utilized 28 male mice with burn injuries as test animals, dividing them into 4 groups. We gave a gel containing an ethanol extract to the 10% group. The 0% group received a gel base; the positive control group received Bioplacenton® gel; and the negative control group received no treatment. For 14 days, we administered treatment to all treatment and control groups once a day and measured the burn wound's diameter using the Morton method every two days. Data shown were significant differences between the 10% extract group and the positive control groups. The concentration that is effective in burn wound healing is 10%, with the smallest wound diameter and the largest healing percentage.

ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF BACANG MANGO (Mangifera foetida L.) LEAVES ETHANOL EXTRACT IN GEL FORMULATION AS ANTI-ACNE

Acne was a chronic skin disorder that was most often found in adolescents, so it frequently caused psychological effects that made the acne fighters look for ways to treat it quickly. Although topical antibiotics effectively treat acne, excessive long-term use can cause resistance. This has led to an interest in natural antimicrobials as an alternative treatment for acne. The natural antibacterial activity of the ethanol extract of bacang mango (Mangifera foetida L.) leaves has previously been reported to have antibacterial effects against Propionibacterium acnes, but only in the form of extracts not formulated into pharmaceutical preparations. Therefore, this study aimed to re-test the antibacterial activity of this extract, which has now been formulated into a gel preparation against the same bacteria. The gelling agent used in the gel formulation was Na-CMC with three different concentrations: 3%, 4%, and 5%. The Agar stab technique tests the antibacterial activity for three different extract concentrations. Those were 10%, 15%, and 20% for optimization of inhibitory activity before being formulated. Based on the results of testing the antibacterial activity of the ethanol extract of bacang mango (Mangifera foetida L.) leaves, an extract concentration of 20% had a more potent inhibitory activity than the others so that this concentration was chosen to be formulated into a gel preparation. After the formulation of the extracted gel, Na-CMC with a concentration of 5% produced a better gel base than other formulations. In addition, the three formulations provided the same inhibitory activity of 10 mm, so it can be concluded that the differences in gelling agent concentrations did not affect the antibacterial activity of the extracts in the preparations. However, a 3 mm decrease in inhibition occurred in the extract after it was formulated into a gel preparation. Even so, the extract gel preparation still has antibacterial activity against Propionibacterium acnes with antimicrobial inhibition zone activity, which is in the moderate category.

Influence of gel matrix on the wound healing activity of adhesive dressings filled with silver nanoparticles and humic acid applied on a rat burn model

BACKGROUND: Thermal injuries to the skin (burns) are common household and man-made traumatic injuries in humans. In wartime, thermal injuries are additional damaging factors in combined skin lesions caused by the damaging elements of modern weapons. AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of gels based on silver nanoparticles in combination with humic acid on the healing of thermal skin injuries (burn wounds) in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the experiments on 57 white nonlinear male rats weighing 218–260 g, the wound healing effects of gels with 10% humic acid modified with nanosilver on various bases, prepared in a pharmacopoeial manner, on a grade IIIB thermal skin burn model were examined. The gel bases used in three experimental groups were as follows: sodium carboxymethylcellulose (group Ia, n = 12), polyacrylamide (group Ib, n = 12), and polyethylene glycol (group Ic, n = 12). The comparison group (group II, n = 12) received Levomekol ointment, whereas the control group (group III, n = 8) did not receive treatment. A grade III thermal burn was made on the proximal part of the back under general anesthesia using a thermal applicator with a circular-shaped flat working part with a diameter of 20 mm. Seventy-two hours after the burn, the wound was freed from scab by complete excision along the border of the intact skin, a splinting ring was applied, and the study drugs were administered. The dynamics of the changes in the burn wound were assessed on days 10, 14, 17, 21, 24, and 28 using the Universal Desktop Ruler program. RESULTS: The average times (median) to reach 75% epithelialization of wounds in groups Ia, Ic, and II were 29.4 ± 0.2, 34 (33–34), and 33.3 ± 0.45 days, respectively, whereas in groups Ib and III, the median time to 75% epithelization was not achieved. The 28-day healing index (%/day) values were 8.6, 4.8, 6.5, 6.1, and 4.4 in groups Ia, Ib, Ic, II, and III, respectively. The dynamics of epithelialization of thermal burns were most pronounced in group Ia, where the sodium carboxymethylcellulose acted as a gel base for humic substances modified with nanosilver. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicated that the gel added with nanosilver-modified humic substances based on sodium carboxymethylcellulose has a wound healing effect on thermal skin injuries, superior to the effect of the reference drug Levomekol in terms of the healing time of burn wounds.

Formulation Development and Evaluation of Polyherbal Emulgel for Anti Inflammatory Activity

This study focuses on the formulation development and evaluation of a polyherbal emulgel incorporating curcumin and coriander seed oil, aimed at enhancing anti-inflammatory activity. Preformulation studies were conducted to characterize the physical, chemical, and mechanical properties of the active substances, and to establish a robust basis for the formulation approach. Various parameters including solubility, melting point, partition coefficient, and drug-excipient interactions were assessed to ensure compatibility and efficacy. The emulgel was prepared through a systematic process involving the preparation of a gel base, oil phase, aqueous phase, and subsequent emulsification. The final product was evaluated for various properties such as physical appearance, homogeneity, pH, spreadability, extrudability, swelling index, viscosity, drug content, and in vitro drug diffusion. Stability studies were also conducted over three months to ensure the longevity and reliability of the formulation. Results indicated that the formulated emulgel exhibited desirable physical properties, optimal pH, high spreadability, good extrudability, and a significant swelling index. Viscosity measurements confirmed appropriate consistency, while drug content analysis ensured accurate dosing. In vitro drug release studies demonstrated sustained release profiles, fitting well with kinetic models. Additionally, in vivo anti-inflammatory activity was assessed using a carrageenan-induced paw edema model in rats, showing promising results with notable inhibition of inflammation. Overall, the polyherbal emulgel formulation developed in this study offers a promising alternative for anti-inflammatory therapy, combining the therapeutic benefits of curcumin and coriander seed oil in a stable and effective dosage form. Further studies are recommended to explore clinical efficacy and potential applications in broader therapeutic areas

A Novel Approach for Pain and Inflammation Management

In search for healthy, natural pain relief options is still underway, and salicin from willow bark is a historically significant molecule. The goal of this work is to create a salicin-enriched topical gel formulation as a cutting-edge method of treating pain and inflammation. The objective of this study is to create and assess a salicin- enriched gel made from willow bark, which may be used topically to treat pain and inflammation in place of oral or synthetic drugs. Willow bark was used to extract salicin, which was then added to a topical gel base. The permeability, salicin concentration, and physical stability of the formulation were evaluated.Efficacy was evaluated through in-vitro skin permeation studies and in-vivo anti- inflammatory and analgesic models. The developed salicin- enriched gel demonstrated good physical stability and consistent release of salicin. In-vitro permeation studies indicated effective skin absorption, while in-vivo tests revealed significant reduction in inflammation and pain indicators compared to controls. The gel was well-tolerated with no adverse effects observed. The salicin-enriched gel from willow bark represents a promising topical alternative for pain and inflammation management. Its efficacy and safety profile suggest potential for further development and clinical use. Future studies focusing on larger-scale clinical trials and formulation optimization are warranted to fully establish its therapeutic value.

Preparation and Evaluation of Fenticonazole Nitrate Loaded Topical Emulgel for the Treatment of Cutaneous Candidiasis

Fenticonazole nitrate is a broad-spectrum antifungal agent possessing fungicidal, antiparasitic, and fungistatic activities. It is effective against various fungi, including Candida species, dermatophytes, and Trichomonas, which are associated with skin and vaginal infections. Emulgel systems have gained significant attention as topical drug delivery vehicles due to their ability to incorporate a wide range of therapeutic molecules, including both hydrophobic and hydrophilic drugs. The primary objective of this study was to develop an emulgel formulation of fenticonazole nitrate for the treatment of cutaneous candidiasis (cutaneous moniliasis). Conventional emulsions often face stability issues during manufacturing and storage, which can impact drug release patterns. To overcome these challenges, the emulsion was incorporated into a gel base to enhance stability. Emulgels offer significant advantages over traditional and newer vesicular systems, such as improved therapeutic efficacy, higher drug entrapment capacity, better physiological and biological compatibility, and enhanced stability. In this study, the primary oil-in-water (o/w) emulsion was prepared using a surfactant and co-surfactant mixture (3:1 ratio) incorporated with light liquid paraffin. After characterization and optimization, the final emulsion batch was mixed with the gelling agent HPMC K4M (1:1 ratio) to obtain the emulgel formulation. The optimized emulgel exhibited optimal drug release and satisfactory results in various evaluation parameters, making it a promising topical delivery system for fenticonazole nitrate in the treatment of cutaneous candidiasis

Dermal Delivery of Hypericum perforatum (L.) Loaded Nanogel: Formulation to Preclinical Psoriasis Assessment.

Nanophytosomes represent an effective choice for topical drug delivery systems thanks to their small size, general non-toxicity, ease of functionalization and high surface to volume ratio. The goal of the current study was to investigate the potential benefits of using Hypericum perforatum extract nanogel as a means of improving skin penetration and prolonging skin deposition in dermatitis similar to psoriasis. Nanophytosomes (NPs) were developed, optimised and thoroughly characterised. The optimised NPs were then placed in a Carbopol gel base matrix and tested ex-vivo (skin penetration and dermatokinetic) and in-vivo (antipsoriatic activity in an Imiquimod-induced psoriatic rat model). The optimised NPs had a spherical form and entrapment efficiency of 69.68% with a nanosized and zeta potential of 168 nm and -10.37mV, respectively. XRD spectra and transmission electron microscopy tests confirmed the plant botanical encapsulation in the NPs. Following 60 days of storage at 40 ± 2°C/75 ± 5% RH, the optimised formula remained relatively stable. As compared to extract gel, nano-gel showed a much-improved ex vivo permeability profile and considerable drug deposition in the viable epidermal-dermal layers. When developed nano-gel was applied topically to a rat model of psoriasis, it demonstrated distinct in vivo anti-psoriatic efficacy in terms of drug activity and reduction of epidermal thickness in comparison to other formulations and the control. ELISA and histopathologic studies also demonstrated that nano-organogel had improved skin integrity and downregulated inflammatory markers (IL-17, IL-6, IFN-γ and MCP-1). Findings suggest that a developed plant botanicals-based nanogel has a potential for the treatment of psoriasis-like dermatitis with better skin retention and effectiveness.