FORMULATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF POLYHERBAL GEL FOR EFFECTIVE FUNGAL TREATMENT
Sana Mew, Lokendra Singh, Rakesh Solanki, Ashish Sethiya, Rupesh Soni
ABSTRACT
This work aims at creating a polyherbal gel from Butea monosperma, Helicteres isora and Eclipta prostrata that can be used to treat a fungal infection. The hydroalcoholic extract of Helicteres isora had revealed the presence of diterpenes, phenolics, saponins, flavonoids and alkaloids. Phytochemical screening of extract of Eclipta prostrata showed the present of tannins, proteins, phenolics, carbohydrate, flavonoids and glycosides. Total phenol content was found to be 0.52 mg/100mg, 0.63 mg/100mg and 0.77 mg/100mg in Butea monosperma, Helicteres isora and Eclipta prostrata respectively. Total flavonoids content was found to be 0.87mg/100mg, 0.75mg/100mg and 0.96mg/100mg in Butea monosperma, Helicteres isora and Eclipta prostrata respectively. All the formulated polyherbal gels exhibited a light brown color, with no clogging, good homogeneity and smooth texture. All formulations (PHG1 to PHG6) exhibited good washability while extrudability of the polyherbal gels varied. The results of spreadability PHG4 showed the highest spreadability value (33.4 ± 4 gcm/sec), indicating that it can easily spread over a larger area on the skin upon application. PHG1, PHG4, and PHG6 showed pH values of 6.9 ± 0.2, 6.8 ± 0.2, and 7.1 ± 0.1, respectively, which are also close to neutral. The viscocity of formualtions of 10 ± 0.47 mm. As the concentration of the gel increased to 20µg/ml, the zone of inhibition also increased to 15 ± 0.57 mm. Results of In-vitro drug release study of polyherbal gel ranged from 2074±24 cps to 2896±27. Further, PHG5 exhibited the highest flavonoids content with a percentage of 82.5 ± 0.6%. At 10 µg/ml concentration, PHG5 showed a zone of inhibition formulation (PHG5) indicated that about 98.12% drug was released in 120minutes. Thus, the formulated PHG5 exhibited all ideal characteristics & can be used to cure fungal infection
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