Herbal Nanogel Formulation for Topical Antifungal Delivery

Abstract

The present study focuses on the formulation, development, and standardization of a herbal antifungal nanogel prepared from five medicinal plants, namely Vinca (Catharanthus roseus), Neem (Azadirachta indica), Turmeric (Curcuma longa), Swertia chirata, and Raktchandan (Pterocarpus santalinus). These plants were selected based on their well-documented antifungal, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimalarial properties reported in traditional medicine and modern pharmacological studies.

The synergistic combination of these herbal extracts is expected to provide broad-spectrum antifungal activity along with additional therapeutic benefits such as reduction of inflammation and improvement of skin healing.

The development of nano-based herbal formulations requires comprehensive understanding of plant-derived bioactive compounds, extraction methodologies, formulation strategies, and stability considerations to ensure consistent product quality, safety, and efficacy. In recent years, the demand for herbal and natural therapeutic products has significantly increased due to their perceived safety, lower side effects, and compatibility with biological systems. Therefore, the present research aims to explore the potential of herbal nanogel systems as an innovative and effective topical drug delivery approach for the treatment of fungal infections, offering an alternative to conventional synthetic antifungal agents.