Development and Evaluation of a Topical Herbal Gel Incorporating Peltophorum pterocarpum Ethanolic Extract: An Antifungal Approach Against Candidiasis

Abstract

Background: Peltophorum pterocarpum is a medicinal plant rich in flavonoids, tannins, phenolics, and saponins, which possess promising antimicrobial and antifungal properties. Developing herbal topical gels from its pod extract may provide a safe and effective alternative for the management of superficial fungal infections. Methods: The pod extract was prepared by Soxhlet extraction using ethanol and incorporated into Carbopol 940 gel. Four formulations (F1–F4) containing different concentrations of Carbopol and plant extract were prepared. The formulations were evaluated for physical appearance, pH, viscosity, spreadability, homogeneity, consistency, and washability. Results: All formulations exhibited satisfactory physical characteristics with no phase separation and good homogeneity. The pH values were within the acceptable range for topical application. Increasing Carbopol concentration increased viscosity while reducing spreadability. Among the formulations, F2 showed the best balance of pH, viscosity, spreadability, consistency, and washability, making it the optimized formulation.