FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF MICROEMUL GEL CONTAINING CODIAEUM VARIEGATUM LEAVES EXTRACT AND ITS ANTIFUNGAL ACTIVITY

Present study focused on the formulation and evaluation of a microemulgel containing Codiaeum variegatum leaves extract and its antifungal activity against Candida albicans. Leaves of Codiaeum variegatum were collected and subjected to extraction using petroleum ether and ethanol, with ethanol yielding a higher extract percentage (6.37%). Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of bioactive compounds such as alkaloids, glycosides, saponins, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds. The extract showed good solubility in ethanol and petroleum ether. A series of microemulsion formulations were developed, with formulation F5 showing optimal particle size (48.58 nm) and highest zeta potential (-30.2 mV), indicating good stability. This formulation was further incorporated into a gel base to form a microemulgel, which exhibited desirable physical properties including semi-solid consistency, yellowish colour, characteristic odour, pH of 5.9, high viscosity (5254±0.89 cps), and excellent spreadability (12.06 gm·cm/sec).