Abstract

FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF HERBAL GEL FOR THE TREATMENT OF PSORIASIS

Mrinalini C. Damle, Mangesh R. Bhalekar* and Sneha A. Lonkar

ABSTRACT

Psoriasis is regarded as an autoimmune disease in which genetic and environmental factors have a significant role. Natural remedies are more acceptable with the belief that they are safe and having less side effects. Herbal drugs have been used since many years not only in Asian countries but also worldwide for social well being. The present work deals with the formulation and evaluation of the herbal extract of root of Coleus forskohli (mainmula). In literature it is reported that this plant having antipsoriatic activity by regulating cAMP levels in skin cells to have therapeutic benefit for the sufferers of psoriasis. The composition of gel consist of Forskolin an active constitute, propylene glycol as a penetration enhancer and Sodium CMC as gelling agent showed the best results in final formulation. The percentage of drug release, viscosity & spreadiability profile of gel formulation was studied by 3² factorial design. Accelerated Stability to check the physical appearance, rheological properties, drug content remains unchanged upon storage for 1, 2, 3 months at 40°C /75% RH condition. International Conference on Harmonisation Q8 guidelines was applied using 32 factorial designs coupled with response surface methodology.

Keywords: Psoriasis, Herbal, Coleus forskohli, Sodium CMC, Factorial design.