Abstract

FORMULATION & EVALUATION OF TOPICAL HERBAL NANOGEL BY USING ALLIUM CEPA (ONION PEEL) EXTRACT FOR ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY

Ramesh Gadekar*, Omkar Tandale, Tejas Shinde, Shivani Veer and Sanket Thange

ABSTRACT

Herbal medicines have gained significant popularity in primary health care due to their cultural acceptability, compatibility with the human body, and fewer side effects. The aim of the present study was to formulate and evaluate a herbal gel containing Allium cepa (onion) extract. The topical gel formulation was designed using Allium cepa extract, Carbopol 934 as a gelling agent, and various excipients. Allium cepa, a herbaceous plant with great health significance, has been consumed for its nutritional and therapeutic benefits for centuries. It contains flavonoid compounds—most notably quercetin, a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent—which significantly contributes to its antimicrobial, antifungal, and wound-healing properties. Quercetin plays a key role in protecting the skin from microbial infections and promoting faster healing, making it ideal fortopical formulations. Raw onion, often consumed in salad form, plays an important role in promoting health. To enhance the bioavailability and skin penetration of the active compounds, nanoparticle-based delivery was incorporated into the formulation. The use of nanoparticles improves drug stability, provides controlled release, and enhances absorption through the skin, thereby increasing the therapeutic effectiveness of the gel. The gel was prepared by incorporating the Allium cepa extract-loaded nanoparticles into the gel at a specific stage to create a smooth, non-greasy formulation. The optimized formulation, F3 batch, used 1.5% Carbopol 934. Various gel formulations were evaluated for their physical appearance, pH, spreadability, homogeneity, in-vitro diffusion, and viscosity. The results provide insights into the potential of the Allium cepa-based herbal gel, supported by quercetin and nanoparticle technology, for topical applications—particularly for antimicrobial activity and enhanced skin delivery.

Keywords: Allium cepa, antimicrobial activity, Quercetin, Nano Partical, Topical gel.