Principal of pharmacy Oriental University Indore, (M.P.)
This study reports the formulation and evaluation of a polyherbal topical gel combining extracts of Solanum xanthocarpum and Sarcostemma acidum. The aim was to develop a stable, acceptable gel with enhanced antioxidant and antimicrobial properties for potential wound-care/dermatological application. Extracts were prepared by Soxhlet apparatus, standardized by phytochemical screening and total phenolic content (TPC). Gels were prepared using Carbopol 940 and Sodium CMC as gelling agent with glycerin and propylene glycol as humectants. The final formulations were evaluated for organoleptic properties, pH, viscosity, spreadability, homogeneity, extrudability, in vitro antioxidant , antimicrobial activity (agar-well diffusion), and accelerated stability. Results indicated good physical stability, pH compatible with skin.
Topical Drug Delivery System
Topical drug formulations are designed to exert localized effects at the site of application by allowing the drug to penetrate the skin or mucous membrane layers1. One of the key advantages of this delivery route is the bypassing of first-pass metabolism, which can otherwise reduce drug effectiveness2. Additionally, topical preparations avoid the complications and discomforts associated with intravenous therapy and are not affected by gastrointestinal factors such as pH variation, enzymatic activity, or gastric emptying time3. Among the various types of topical formulations, semisolids—such as creams, gels, and ointments—are most commonly used. However, other forms like foams, sprays, medicated powders, solutions, and medicated adhesive patches are also widely utilized. Topical systems are often employed when other routes of drug delivery are ineffective or unsuitable, particularly in areas such as pain relief, birth control, and treatment of urinary incontinence.
Advantages of Topical Drug Delivery Systems:
Disadvantages of Topical Drug Delivery Systems:
Gels
Gels are semi-solid systems in which a liquid phase is dispersed within a three- dimensional polymer network, formed from natural or synthetic gums. These systems rely on a high degree of physical or chemical cross-linking to maintain their structure. Polymers commonly used in gel formulations include natural gums such as tragacanth, pectin, carrageenan, agar, and alginic acid, as well as synthetic and semi-synthetic agents like methylcellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, and Carbopols—a class of synthetic vinyl polymers containing ionizable carboxyl groups6.
MATERIAL & METHODS
5.1 Prliminary Investigation
2.1 Collection of Plant Material
Solanum xanthocarpum and Sarcostemma acidum specimens were gathered from the Bhopal region. Dr. S. N. Verma, professor and head of the Department of Botany at SAGE University, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, confirmed the authenticity of the collected plants. A voucher specimen (No. IOS/Bot/SLF-033 and IOS/Bot/SLF-034) has been duly archived in the department for future reference.
2.1.2 Preparation of Plant Powder
After collection, the plant materials were shade-dried to preserve their phytochemical constituents. Once dried, they were coarsely powdered using a mechanical grinder. The powdered material was then passed through a #40 mesh sieve and stored in airtight containers for subsequent experimental procedures7.
2.2 Preparation of Extracts
Approximately 250 g each of Solanum xanthocarpum and Sarcostemma acidum (dried powder) were subjected to Soxhlet extraction. Initially, defatting was performed using petroleum ether, followed by exhaustive extraction using the selected solvents for about 36 hours. The process temperature was maintained between 40°C and 50°C. Ethanol was chosen as the solvent for S. xanthocarpum, while methanol was used for Sarcostemma acidum. After extraction, the solvents were evaporated under reduced pressure. The concentrated extracts were then vacuum dried using a rotary flash evaporator to obtain a semisolid mass. (Reference: Kokate, Gokhale et al., 2005)
Plant Details-
Dr. Sachin Jain, Tushar Prajapati*, Formulation and Evaluation of a Polyherbal Gel Containing Solanum Xanthocarpum and Sarcostemma Acidum Plant Extracts, Int. J. Sci. R. Tech., 2025, 2 (10), 180-192. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17328257
10.5281/zenodo.17328257
