A REVIEW ON THE PHYTOCHEMICAL, ANTIFUNGAL AND FORMULATION POTENTIAL OF PEDALIUM MUREX ETHANOLIC EXTRACT AGAINST ASPERGILLUS NIGER

The present study focuses on the formulation and evaluation of an ethanolic extract-loaded emulgel of Pedalium murex for antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger. Pedalium murex, belonging to the family Pedaliaceae and commonly known as Large Caltrops or YanaiNerunjil, is a medicinal plant reported to contain various phytoconstituents such as flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids, tannins, sterols, and glycosides. These constituents are associated with several pharmacological activities, including antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. The ethanolic extract of Pedalium murex is prepared by the maceration method, followed by filtration and concentration. The extract is incorporated into an emulgel system consisting of an emulsion and Carbopol-based gel. The emulsion is prepared using liquid paraffin, Span 80, Tween 80, and water, while Carbopol 940 is used as the gelling agent. Different formulations (F1–F6) are planned by varying the concentration of Carbopol to obtain an optimized formulation suitable for topical application. The prepared formulations are evaluated for physical appearance, colour, odour, homogeneity, consistency, pH, viscosity, spreadability, extrudability, drug content uniformity, and in-vitro drug release. The antifungal activity is assessed against Aspergillus niger by the agar well diffusion method, with the zone of inhibition measured and compared with a standard antifungal drug. Stability and formulation characteristics are also considered for selection of the optimized formulation. The study is intended to explore the potential of Pedalium murex ethanolic extract as a herbal antifungal agent in a topical emulgel dosage form and to develop a suitable formulation with acceptable physicochemical characteristics and antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger.