Formulation and development of herbal ingredients loaded Emulgel

Abstract

The present study aims to develop and evaluate an emulgel that contains curcumin, clove oil, and basil oil for the treatment of mouth ulcers. Emulgels have become a potentially effective method of delivering hydrophobic medications. Menthol was used as a penetration enhancer, which also provides cooling effect to ulcers, whereas clove oil also acts as a penetration enhancer. The herbal medicines such as clove oil, tulsi (basil) oil, curcumin, and menthol have very good antiulcer activity. Clove oil has analgesic and antioxidant activity whereas, basil oil obtained from ocimum basilicum plants has antimicrobial and analgesic activity. Curcumin is obtained from curcuma longa which acts as anti-inflammatory and as antiseptic, whereas menthol provides cooling to the ulcers or oral sore. Five formulations were prepared and evaluated for viscosity, spreadability, extrudability, diffusion tests, and short-term stability. At the end of the five-hour investigation, the optimised formulation (E3G3S5T2) had showed drugs (clove, basil, and curcumin) release of 79 ± 3.2%, 72.22 ± 3.1%, and 72.07 ± 4.8% respectively. From the study, it can be suggested that the emulgel can be delivered and used topically and has better penetrating capabilities.