Formulation and Evaluation of Nanoemulsion Topical Gel Using Haritamanjari (Acalypha Indica L) For Antibacterial and Antifungal Activity
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70066/jahm.v14i9.3037Keywords:
Acalypha indica L, Antibacterial, Antifungal, Antimicrobial, Haritamanjari, Nanoemulgel, NanoemulsionAbstract
Background: Haritamanjari (Acalypha indica L.) has been extensively used in Siddha, Ayurveda, and Traditional medicine in the treatment of skin infections, eczema, dermatitis etc. The nanoemulgel formulation approach was employed to enhance the delivery of the Haritamanjari extract. Objective: The main aim of the present study was to prepare and evaluate a Haritamanjari nanoemulgel as a topical drug delivery system, with antibacterial and antifungal effects. Materials and Methods: The ethanolic leaf extract of Haritamanjari was prepared by cold maceration, and subjected to preliminary phytochemical screening. Then three nanoemulsion formulations (F1-F3) were prepared by spontaneous emulsification followed by probe sonication and incorporated into Carbopol 940 gel. The formulations were evaluated for particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, pH, viscosity, spreadability, homogeneity, and extract-equivalent content. The selected formulation was further characterized by FTIR, XRD, in vitro extract release, Antibacterial (S. aureus and E. coli), and Antifungal activity (C. albicans). Results: F2 was selected as the formulation for further evaluation, based on its overall physicochemical characteristics like particle size 245.73 ± 2.85 nm, PDI 0.327 ± 0.03, zeta potential −14.60 ± 0.80 mV, and the highest extract-equivalent content 93.17 ± 0.40%. FTIR findings indicated retention of characteristic functional groups without major chemical interaction, while XRD analysis showed reduced peak intensity and broadening in formulation, suggesting reduced crystallinity and increased amorphous character of extract within the formulation. F2 exhibited 73.32 ± 1.59 % cumulative extract release over 7 h, with Korsmeyer-Peppas model indicating anomalous release. Likewise, the nanoemulgel produced inhibition zones of 29.6 ± 1.5, 23.6 ± 4.7, and 22.3 ± 2 mm against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans. Conclusion: The developed Haritamanjari nanoemulgel showed potential as topical herbal antimicrobial formulation under experimental conditions. Further marker-based characterization, safety, stability, in vivo and clinical studies are required to establish its topical applicability.
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