Abstract

FORMULATION DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION OF ANTI-FUNGAL GEL USING PEANUT SKIN EXTRACT FOR THE TREATMENT OF CANDIDIASIS

Mr. Suraj Pujari*, Prof. Nilima Chaudhari, Ms. Manju Chavan and Prof. Suvarna Vanjari

ABSTRACT

Objective: The peanut or groundnut Arachis hypogaea L. is a species in the legume, family Fabaceae. The by-products of peanut industry which involves peanut plant leaves, roots, shells and skins have also been recognized as rich sources of phytochemicals. Peanut skins are most commonly used in skin diseases. Peanut skin has an excellent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti fungal, and antibacterial property. Aim: The present study was aimed to formulate and evaluate topical herbal Anti fungal gel using peanut skin extract for the treatment of candidiasis. Methods: Ethanolic extract was prepared by reflux method using reflux condensation apparatus. Gel formulation was prepared using Carbopol 940 as a gelling agent. Anti-fungal activity has been carried out using candida albicans. Evaluation: The optimized formulated herbal gel was evaluated for pH, viscosity, homogeneity, grittiness, extrudability, spreadability, anti fungal activity and In vitro drug release study. Results: The peanut skin extract herbal gel was found to be homogeneous, had good extrudability, no grittiness, pH 6.9. Zone of inhibition was found to be 21.01±1.00mm as compared to marketed 1% clotrimazole gel 19.07±0.34mm. Peanut skin extract has high potential as an anti fungal agent when formulated as an herbal gel for topical use and it can be effective in cutaneous candidiasis.

Keywords: Peanut skin, Ethanolic extract, Herbal gel, Carbopol gum, Candidiasis, Antifungal study, Topical delivery.