Development of Nanoparticulate Hydrogel Loaded with Crossandra infundibuliformis Extract

Objective: Present study is aimed at formulation of hydrogel containing PLGA nanoparticles loaded with of Crossandra infundibuliformis (CI) extract. Leaf extract of Crossandra infundibuliformis has been reported to possess antibacterial, antifungal activity hence an attempt was done to improve the efficacy of the extract by formulating into nanoparticulate hydrogel which can be used as a feasible alternative to conventional formulations of Crossandra infundibuliformis extract with dual benefit of sustained release and advanced permeation characteristics for transdermal application. Methodology: In this study, the active ingredients present in the leaves of Crossandra infundibuliformis (CI) were extracted by cold maceration using ethanol. The crude extracts were developed into poly meric nanoparticles by nanoprecipitation method using PLGA as polymer, polyvinyl alcohol as surfactant and dimethyl sulphoxide as organic phase solvent. Polymeric nanoparticles were incorporated into gel matrix con taining HPMC K4M as gel matrix base. Results: Polymeric nanoparticles showed nearly spherical shape with z-average 143-325nm, PDI in the range of 0.235- 0.299 and -2.08 mV to -3.58mV zeta potential with maximum % drug entrapment of 69%. Nanoparticulate hydrogel formulations showed high viscosity, neutral pH with good spreadability which is suitable for transdermal application. In vitro drug release showed initial burst release of 28.56 ± 0.93 % with prolonged drug release of 90.06± 0.93 % from optimized formulation up to 24 h. Conclusion: Nanoparticulate hydrogel can be used as carrier for transdermal delivery of extract of Crossandra infundibuliformis.