FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF PREBIOTIC BIOGEL FROM GARCINIA INDICA(RIND) FOR SKIN HEALTH

The present study focused on the formulation and evaluation of a prebiotic biogel containing Garcinia indica (kokum) rind extract for potential skin-care applications. Kokum rind was shade-dried, powdered, and extracted using 70% ethanol by maceration. The obtained extract was subjected to preliminary phytochemical screening, which confirmed the presence of tannins, flavonoids, carbohydrates, anthocyanins, and hydroxycitric acid. A prebiotic biogel was formulated using kokum extract along with inulin, aloe vera gel, niacinamide, glycerin, vitamin E, Carbopol 940, and other suitable excipients. The formulation was evaluated for physical appearance, homogeneity, pH, viscosity, spreadability, extrudability, prebiotic characteristics, irritancy, and stability. The formulated biogel exhibited satisfactory physical characteristics and stability, while the irritancy evaluation showed absence of redness, itching, and irritation. The combination of kokum rind extract and inulin may provide anti hyaluronidase, moisturizing, skin-conditioning, and prebiotic benefits, supporting skin hydration and skin microbiome balance. Overall, the developed Garcinia indica-based prebiotic biogel demonstrates promising potential as a natural topical formulation for skin health. Further studies may be required to establish its biological efficacy and long-term safety.