Abstract

FORMULATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF TOPICAL DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM FOR SKIN DISEASE (ACNE)

Rajpal Dhakad, Shefali Soni

ABSTRACT

The present study focuses on the formulation and evaluation of polyherbal gels prepared from methanolic extracts of Curcuma longa rhizomes, Acacia nilotica bark, and Chenopodium album leaves, aimed at combating acne vulgaris. The extraction process yielded extractive values of 7.92%, 6.81%, and 8.09% for Curcuma longa, Acacia nilotica, and Chenopodium album, respectively. Phytochemical analysis revealed significant levels of total phenolic compounds (TPC) and total flavonoid compounds (TFC), quantified using gallic acid and quercetin equivalents through calibration curves with high correlation coefficients (R² = 0.999). The formulated gels were evaluated for physicorheological properties including spreadability, washability, extrudability, viscosity, pH, and phenolic content. Among the formulations, G3 exhibited optimal characteristics with spreadability of 10.31 ± 1.51 and viscosity of 2510 ± 12.Anti-acne activity was assessed using the well diffusion method against Propionibacterium acnes, with polyherbal gels tested at concentrations of 100, 50, and 25 μg/ml. The results demonstrated significant inhibitory activity, confirming the potential of these herbal extracts in the treatment of acne vulgaris. This study establishes the efficacy of polyherbal gel formulations as promising alternatives to conventional therapies, offering natural, safe, and effective management of acne.

Keywords: Acne vulgaris, Propionibacterium acnes, polyherbal gel, Curcuma longa, Acacia nilotica, Chenopodium album, phenolics, flavonoids.