Formulation and Evaluation of Calendula and Lavender Oil Based Topical Antifungal Gel

Aim: Calendula officinalis and Lavendula angustifolia are traditional medicinal plants that have antifungal activity. A combination of these two plants has not been known for its activity against fungus. The present study deals with the formulation and evaluation of herbal topical Antifungal gel containing essential oils of both plants.

Study Design: Proto type research design.

Place and Duration of Study: Smt. R. D. Gardi Pharmacy College, Nyara- Rajkot. January 2024 to April 2024.

Methodology: As 90% of skin infections are caused by Candida albicans, the antifungal activity of topical gel against this species was assessed. In this investigation, we created an antifungal herbal gel by combining carbopol 940 and other excipients with the essential oils of Calendula officinalis and Lavendula angustifolia in varying concentrations. For compatibility study, FTIR study would be done. Evaluation of Antifungal gel performed by using different tests likes, pH, Stability, Extrudability, Spreadability, Viscosity, Antifungal activity against Candida albicance, and in-vitro drug diffusion study.

Results: As a result, the formulation's physiochemical characteristics, in vitro antifungal efficacy, and stability analysis (stable even after 30 days) were assessed. Every herbal gel formulation with a pH of 5–7 had favorable outcomes for physiochemical measures. Out of all the formulations, batch no 4 exhibited superior release characteristics (98 %) and zone of inhibition in comparison to the other formulated batches. The drug release profile of batch 4 showed great results.

Conclusion: This is the first study on the scientific evaluation of Calendula officinalis and Lavendula angustifolia essential oil as a gel for antifungal activity. Thus this study reveals both good antifungals and in-vitro drug release; their essential oil may be formulated as Topical Gel Antifungal with satisfactory physicochemical parameters.