FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF ARGEMONE MEXICANA LEAF EXTRACT LOADED TRANSFEROSOMAL GEL FOR ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY

This study was designed to evaluate the transferosomal gel of leaf extract of Argemone mexicana. Because of smaller size transferosomes can penetrate across the pores of stratum corneum and enters the underlying viable skin in intact form. Different formulations of transferosomal gel were prepared and assessed for their antibacterial activity. The extract has been standardized for its alkaloid content using berberine as biomarker. Transferosomes were prepared using phosphatidylcholine, cholesterol and edge activator like sodium cholate by thin film hydration method using rotary evaporator and evaluated for various parameters. Later transferosomes were added to Carbopol934 gel and consequently evaluated for their physicochemical properties. Gels were found to be smooth, homogenous and pH lying in the normal skin pH range and easily spreadable. The size of transferosomes was in the range of 236.86to397.78 nm whereas entrapment efficiency was found between 49.84 to 68.23%. Amongst the prepared formulations of Argemone mexicana, B4 (20% sodium cholate) was found to possess significant drug content and encapsulation efficiency. From the study, it can be concluded that transferosomal gel served as an efficient drug delivery system for herbal extract with potential antibacterial activity.