Abstract

FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF NANOEMULGEL CONTAINING SILYMARIN AND CARVACROL FOR ADVANCED ANTIMICROBIAL BENEFITS

*Patel Araben Tanmay, Patel Falguni Mahendrabhai

ABSTRACT

The present study aims to develop and evaluate a nanoemulgel formulation containing Silymarin and Carvacrol for topical application. The primary objective is to enhance the solubility, stability, and bioavailability of these hydrophobic compounds while ensuring sustained drug release and potent antimicrobial efficacy against common skin pathogens. Nanoemulgels were prepared using Carbopol 940, Carbopol 934, and HPMC as gelling agents, while Tween 80 and Span 80 were used as surfactants. The formulations (F1– F6) were optimized and characterized for pH, viscosity, spreadability, droplet size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, drug content, in vitro release profile, and antimicrobial activity. The drug release study was conducted using Franz diffusion cells, while antimicrobial efficacy was assessed using the disc diffusion method against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. All formulations exhibited pH values (5.2–6.1) within the acceptable skin-friendly range. The viscosity varied depending on the polymer concentration, ensuring good spreadability and ease of application. The droplet size ranged from 70–110 nm, with a PDI < 0.3, indicating uniform distribution. The zeta potential values exceeded ±30 mV, confirming good colloidal stability. Drug content analysis showed high encapsulation efficiency (96–98%). In vitro drug release studies demonstrated a sustained release pattern, with F4–F6 achieving higher cumulative release percentages. Antimicrobial studies confirmed that the nanoemulgel formulations exhibited significant inhibition zones, proving their efficacy in combating bacterial infections. The formulated nanoemulgels showed promising stability, sustained drug release, and potent antimicrobial activity, making them suitable candidates for dermatological applications. The optimized formulations (F4– F6) exhibited enhanced drug release profiles and superior physicochemical characteristics, confirming their potential as effective topical delivery systems for Silymarin and Carvacrol.

Keywords: Nanoemulgel, Silymarin, Carvacrol, Drug Release, Antimicrobial Activity, Topical Delivery, Stability.