Design and characterisation of topical emulgel containing neem oil for its antidandruff properties

Abstract

Emulgel is a novel drug delivery system for controlled release of drug. It is suitable for the dual release of drugs. This study focuses on the development and characterization of topical emulgel containing neem oil for its anti-dandruff properties. Neem oil is emulsified using suitable surfactant in the ratio 4:2:1 and the prepared emulsion is incorporated with Carbopol gel base in ratio1:1. A total of 5 formulations were prepared using the polymer carbopol-934. Topical emulgel of neem oil was formulated and subjected to evaluation studies such as organoleptic properties, pH, Viscosity, Spreadibility, Invitro diffusion studies, Accelerated stability studies using ultracentrifugation, SEM analysis and Invitro antifungal properties. Formulation F5 subjected to in vitro oil diffusion study had shown a total release of 65.27% after 8 hours. Korsmeyer-Peppa’s plot had shown that the mechanism of diffusion was non-fickian. Emulgel of neem oil shown zone of inhibition on invitro antifungal study using Candida albicans as fungi. Formulation F5 show highest zone of inhibition of 12mm as compared to other formulations. It was concluded that, formulation of neem oil as a semi solid dual release control emulgel formulation with a time dependant oil diffusion, also add up all the advantage of a semisolid dosage compared to liquids with optimum Spreadibility, stability, aesthetic appearance, adherence to the affected scalp area and with pH that is similar scalp.