Design, Formulation, and Evaluation of Herbal Microsphere-Based Topical Gel for Treating Bacterial Infections

Abstract

The present study focused on the development and evaluation of a controlled-release herbal microsphere-based topical gel for the management of bacterial skin infections. Herbal extracts of Neem (Azadirachta indica) and Aloe vera were incorporated into polymeric microspheres using the solvent evaporation technique. The prepared microspheres were characterized for important formulation parameters and subsequently incorporated into a Carbopol 934-based topical gel. The developed gel formulations were evaluated for physical appearance, homogeneity, pH, viscosity, spreadability, in-vitro drug release, antibacterial activity, and stability. The formulation demonstrated suitable physicochemical characteristics and sustained release behavior, indicating effective retention and controlled delivery of the herbal constituents. Antibacterial evaluation against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa demonstrated promising antimicrobial activity. Stability studies further indicated that the optimized formulation remained physically and chemically stable during the study period. Overall, the developed herbal microsphere-based topical gel represents a promising localized drug delivery system with potential applications in the treatment of bacterial skin infections while providing the combined benefits of herbal therapy and controlled drug release.