Development and Characterization of Antifungal Cream

Fungal infections are a pervasive and global issue of increasing alarm, impacting a vast number of individuals and resulting in considerable consequences,discomfort,disfigurement, and even life threatening complications. Current antifungal treatments often have limitations, including resistance, toxicity, and unpleasant side effects. In response, there is a growing interest in exploring natural, plant based alternatives for antifungal therapy.Our research team has developed an innovative antifungal cream formulation that leverages the synergistic benefits of neem powder, turmeric powder, beeswax, borax, liquid paraffin, tween 20, and rose oil. This topical cream aims to provide an effective, safe, and gentle solution for managing fungal infections, promoting healthy skin, and enhancing overall well-being. ^[3,4]

Key Ingredients:

1. Neem Powder (Azadirachta indica): Renowned for its antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-swelling features, neem powder has shows that to exhibit potent antifungal effects against a range of fungal pathogens. 
2. Turmeric Powder (Curcuma longa): Turmeric's active compound, curcumin, has demonstrated impressive antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties, making it an ideal complement to neem powder.
3. Beeswax: A natural emollient and emulsifier, beeswax helps to soothe and protect the skin, while also enhancing the stability and texture of the cream.
4. Borax: A natural antifungal agent, borax helps to inhibit the growth of fungal pathogens and promote a healthy skin environment.
5. Liquid Paraffin: A gentle and non-irritating emollient, liquid paraffin helps to moisturize and protect the skin, while also enhancing the spreadability and absorption of the cream.
6. Tween 20: A non-ionic surfactant, tween 20 helps to stabilize the emulsion and enhance the delivery of the active ingredients.
7. Rose Oil: A natural antifungal and anti-inflammatory agent, rose oil helps to soothe and calm the skin, while also promoting a sense of well-being and relaxation.

This natural, topical cream aims to provide an effective, safe, and gentle solution for managing fungal infections, promoting healthy skin, and enhancing overall well-being. ^[1,2,5]

Formulation Table: -

Table:1: Formulation Table

A Cream was prepared and its ingredients are shown in Table. The initial step in making the cream was to heat a mixture of liquid paraffin and beeswax in a borosilicate glass beaker to 75°C ± 2°C while stirring constantly to create the oil phase. In parallel, borax was dissolved in purified water in a different beaker at 75°C ± 2°C to create the aqueous phase. After then, the two phases were mixed vigorously for one to two minutes. With constant stirring, neem and turmeric powders were added when the mixture cooled to about 45°C ± 2°C. At last, a suitable container was filled with the cream. ^[12,13]

Optimization and Preparation of Cream Formulation:

Table:2: Optimization and Preparation of Cream Formulation

Evaluation Parameters of Cream:

1. Organoleptic Evaluation of Cream:

Organoleptic evaluation such as colour, odour, texture, state was studied

1. Irritancy:

On the left hand's dorsal surface, a 1 cm² section was demarcated and set aside for the investigation. After applying the cream to the designated area, the application time was noted. After that, the area was observed for up to 24 hours to look for any indications of swelling, erythema, or discomfort. Any reactions that were seen were noted and reported. (Table:).

2. Washability:

Applying a tiny bit of cream to the hand and then rinsing it with tap water was the washability test.All three compositions' washability was examined.

3. Phase separation:

All formulations of creams was kept in Seal packed containers at 23-25°C (R. T) temperature away from exposure of UV and observed for 24hrs.Phase separation of formulations were studied.

4. pH:

pH is determined by Ph paper.

Figure1: pH Paper

2. Spreadability Test:

Spreadability, or the ease with which a semisolid spread over a skin surface after application, is a critical property of semisolids. A formulation's spreadability has an impact on its medicinal efficacy as well. A specialized equipment has been designed to assess this feature. The time (in seconds) it takes for two slides to separate from one another when positioned on the platform under a particular weight is used to measure spreadability. Better spreadability is indicated by a shorter separation time.Two glass slides to be determined was placed over one of glass slides.The other slide was placed on the top of the formulation was sandwitched between the two slides across the length of 5cm along the slide.100gm weight was placed up on the upper slide so that the formulation between the two slides was pressed uniformly to form a thin layer.The weigwas removed and the excess of formulation adhering to the slides was scrapped off

Figure2: Spreadability Test

3. Viscosity:

Using a Brookfield DV-II+ viscometer fitted with an LV-64 spindle, the cream's viscosity was determined. After pouring the prepared cream into the adapter of the viscometer, the angular velocity was progressively raised from 0.5 to 20 rpm. The cream has good spreadability and requires little shear force for easy application, as indicated by the measured viscosity, which fell within the range of -cps.

Figure3: Brook field viscometer

4. Types of Emulsion Under Dye:

The Scarlet red dye mixed with cream. Take a drop into cream-dye mixture and placed on microscopic slide and covered with cover slip.Examine under microscope which type of emulsion.^[9,10,11]

Figure4: Type of emulsion under dye test

RESULT AND DISCUSSION:

Evaluation Parameters:

1. Organoleptic Properties of Cream:

Organoleptic evaluation of Anti-fungal cream:

Table3: -Observations:

1. Irritancy test of cream: -

Table4: -Irritancy test of cream:

2. Washability test of cream: -

Table5: -Washability test of cream:

3. Phase separation of cream: -

Table6: - Phase separation of cream:

4. pH of cream: -

Table7: -pH of cream:

5. Spredability test of cream: -

Table8: -Spredability of cream:

RESULT: