Main Article Content

Advancements in topical antifungal treatment: Cream and hydrogel nanosponge integration loaded with Palmarosa essential oil


Iwan Setiawan
Diska Wandani
Ernawati
Fadli Asmani
Eka Kusuma
Kurniawan

Abstract

Purpose: To optimize the preparation of hydrogel and creams integrated using nanosponge loaded with palmarosa essential oil.


Method: Palmarosa nanosponge essential oil was formulated by oil-in-water (o/w) emulsion solvent diffusion method using various ratios  of drug to polymer; ethylcellulose (EC). Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and dichloromethane were used to create the aqueous and dispersed  phases, respectively. Furthermore, nanosponge (NS) was studied for particle size and zeta potential, followed by integration into cream  and hydrogel preparations. The preparations were evaluated for physicochemical characteristics and antifungal activity in vivo in animals  induced by Candida albicans.


Results: Results showed that the physical testing for optimum preparation of hydrogel had a pH of 6.9 ±  0.10, adhesion of 1.43 ± 0.40 seconds, spreadability of 5.43 ± 0.55 cm and viscosity of 276 ± 25.16 dPa.s. Meanwhile, for cream preparation,  pH, adhesion, spreadability and viscosity values were 6.6 ± 0.2, 2.25 ± 0.37 seconds, 7 ± 0.70 cm, and 1500 ± 5 dPa.s,  respectively. The in vivo test for antifungal activity in test animals induced with Candida albicans showed that treatment had a  significantly different effect on the healing process of candidiasis infection.


Conclusion: This study offers new knowledge regarding the  development of hydrogel preparations and nanosponge integration cream containing palmarosa essential oil. The preparations had the  advantages of efficacious ingredients, with good drug release and spreadability profile through the skin.  


Journal Identifiers


eISSN: 1596-9827
print ISSN: 1596-5996
 
empty cookie