GARLIC OIL: NIRGUNDI OIL NANOEMULSIFICATION: A NOVEL APPROACH FOR ENHANCED THERAPEUTIC POTENTIAL IN PHARMACEUTICAL APPLICATIONS

Abstract

The current research focuses on the formulation and evaluation of a garlic oil:nirgundi oil-loaded nanoemulsion intended for topical delivery. A 2³ full factorial framework was implemented to optimize formulation determinants, including concentrations of Polysorbate 80 (Tween® 80) , PEG 400(Kollisolv®) and oil (garlic oil:nirgundi oil mixture). Preformulation studies confirmed the identity and compatibility of the drug and excipients using boiling point analysis and FTIR spectroscopy. Eight nanoemulsion batches (F1– F8) were prepared, among which formulation F3 exhibited the most promising characteristics. F3 had an average droplet size of 112.4 nm, polydispersity index of 0.209, and zeta potential of –30.96 mV, confirming its nanoscale uniformity and stability. TEM analysis revealed spherical droplets with smooth surfaces. The pH (6.98), viscosity profile, and absence of phase separation indicated suitability for skin application and physical stability. In vitro drug release studies validated sustained release, with F3 achieving 98.84 ± 2.59% and 98.45±2.56% release over 8 h. Three-month accelerated studies confirmed that the garlic oil-nirgundi oil nanoemulsion (F3) is a stable and effective carrier for drug delivery.