Formulation and Evaluation of Ethanolic Extract Loaded Emulgel of Pedalium Murex for Antifungal Activity Against Aspergillus Niger
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: The present study aimed to develop and evaluate a herbal emulgel containing the ethanolic extract of Pedalium murex Linn. for the topical treatment of fungal skin infections caused by Aspergillus niger. Pedalium murex is a medicinal plant containing phytoconstituents such as flavonoids, phenolics, tannins, saponins, alkaloids, and terpenoids, which may provide antifungal activity. The ethanolic extract was prepared by the maceration method and incorporated into six emulgel formulations (F1–F6) using different concentrations of Carbopol 940. The formulations were evaluated for appearance, homogeneity, pH, viscosity, spreadability, extrudability, drug content, and antifungal activity. All formulations showed satisfactory properties and were suitable for topical use. The pH values ranged from 5.12 ± 0.03 to 5.91 ± 0.05, indicating good skin compatibility, while increasing Carbopol 940 concentration increased viscosity and decreased spreadability and extrudability. Drug content ranged from 93.6% to 99.2%, showing uniform distribution of the extract. Among the formulations, F4 containing 0.8 g of Carbopol 940 was selected as the optimized formulation due to its balanced properties. F4 showed a pH of 5.63 ± 0.03, viscosity of 13,800 ± 145 cP, spreadability of 15.6 ± 0.3 g·cm/s, drug content of 99.2 ± 0.5%, and the highest antifungal activity, with a 22.7 mm zone of inhibition against Aspergillus niger. The study indicates that Pedalium murex emulgel has promising antifungal potential and may be a safe and economical herbal topical formulation. However, further stability, skin irritation, in vivo, and clinical studies are required to confirm its safety and effectiveness.
Language: English
Subfield: Pharmaceutical Science
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7224867799