Formulation And Characterization Of Aloe Vera Based Polyherbal Emulgel For Topical Drug Delivery

Abstract

Background: Herbal medicines have gained considerable attention as potential alternatives for topical therapy because of their diverse phytoconstituents and therapeutic properties. Emulgels offer several advantages as topical drug delivery systems, including improved spreadability, stability, patient acceptability, and the ability to incorporate both hydrophilic and lipophilic components. The present study was undertaken to formulate and evaluate a polyherbal emulgel containing Aloe vera and selected herbal essential oils for topical drug delivery. Methods: The polyherbal emulgel was prepared by incorporating selected herbal components, including Aloe vera, Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus), clove (Syzygium aromaticum), coconut (Cocos nucifera), and eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus). The formulation was prepared through sequential development of a gel base, emulsion, and final emulgel using suitable gelling and emulsifying agents. The developed formulation was evaluated for physical appearance, homogeneity, pH, viscosity, spreadability, drug content, and stability. Results: The prepared Aloe vera-containing emulgel exhibited acceptable physical characteristics and was reported as a translucent, semisolid formulation. The pH was 6.8 ± 0.3, while viscosity was reported as approximately 27,000 cP. The spreadability was 3.7 ± 0.26 cm, indicating satisfactory application characteristics. The drug content of the formulation was 85.30 ± 0.38%. During the stability study, formulation showed only slight changes in appearance and pH, with drug content decreasing from 97.18 ± 0.02% initially to 94.56 ± 0.24% after 90 days. Conclusion: The findings indicate that the developed Aloe vera-containing polyherbal emulgel possesses suitable physicochemical properties, satisfactory spreadability, drug content, and stability, suggesting its potential as a topical drug delivery system. Further comprehensive investigations, including therapeutic efficacy and skin permeation studies, are warranted to establish its clinical applicability.