Formulation and In-Vitro Evaluation of Ibuprofen Emulgel using Zingiber officinale Roscoe and Nigella sativa L. as a Natural Excipient

Emulgels have been developed as a potential drug delivery system for hydrophobic drugs. This study aimed to formulate an ibuprofen emulgel, utilizing Carbopol ۹۴۰ as a gelling agent and ginger oil and black seed oil as penetration enhancers. An emulsion was prepared and then incorporated into a gel base. All prepared ibuprofen emulgel formulations (F۰–F۶) demonstrated acceptable physicochemical properties suitable for topical application. The pH values (۴.۱–۵.۸) were within the normal physiological range for skin, indicating that the emulgels are safe and non-irritating. Although increasing concentrations of ginger oil and black seed oil led to a decrease in pH values, these readings remained within the permissible range. The blank formulation (F۰) exhibited the highest spreadability, while formulations containing ibuprofen and natural oils showed moderately lower values. Ginger oil formulations (F۱-F۳) demonstrated moderate and consistent spreadability. Black seed oil formulations (F۴-F۶) had slightly lower, but still acceptable, spreadability values. Viscosity tests indicated that the blank formulation had the highest viscosity. Increasing the proportion of ginger oil resulted in a rapid drop in viscosity, while black seed oil formulations maintained relatively higher viscosity values. This confirms that natural oils influence the rheology and flow properties of the gel. A skin irritation test confirmed that all formulations were non-irritating for up to ۲۴ hours post-application. In conclusion, all screened formulations were stable, safe, and suitable for the topical delivery of ibuprofen. Variations in natural oil concentration affected viscosity and spreadability but did not compromise skin compatibility.

کلیدواژه ها:

Carbopol ، Emulgel ، Ibuprofen ، Natural oils ، Nigella sativa