Formulation, evaluation and optimization of herbal nanogel containing Alium cepa extract for skin diseases

Abstract

The present study focuses on the formulation, evaluation, and optimization of a herbal nanogel containing Allium cepa extract for the treatment of skin diseases. Nanogels were prepared using Pluronic F127 and polyethyleneimine (PEI) via an emulsification and solvent evaporation technique. Compatibility studies using FT-IR confirmed the absence of any significant interaction between drug and excipients. A 3² full factorial design was employed to optimize formulation variables, namely concentration of Pluronic F127 (X1) and PEI (X2), and their effects on particle size, entrapment efficiency, and drug release. The optimized formulation (F2) exhibited a particle size of 81.97 nm, entrapment efficiency of 76.67%, and drug release of 96.42% over 12 hours. Ex-vivo studies demonstrated sustained drug permeation through the skin. Stability studies revealed that the formulation remained stable under refrigerated conditions but showed degradation at elevated temperature and humidity. The developed nanogel system proved to be a promising carrier for topical delivery of Allium cepa extract with enhanced stability and controlled release properties.

Keywords: Allium cepa, Nanogel, Pluronic F127, Polyethyleneimine (PEI), drug release