COMBINING NATURE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY: PONGAMIA- TURMERIC NANOEMULGEL FOR FUNGAL CONTROL

Sarah Nihal Shaikh, Suhani Namdev Dongare, Ashwini R. Nehe, *Dr. Shoheb Shaikh

The present study aims to develop and evaluate a novel emulgel formulation incorporating Pongamia pinnata (Karanja) seed extract and Curcuma longa (turmeric) extract loaded into nanoparticles for enhanced antifungal efficacy. Both extracts are renowned for their potent antimicrobial properties but face limitations such as low water solubility and poor skin permeability. To address these issues, nanoparticles were prepared using the solvent evaporation method and embedded into a topical emulgel base. The formulation was characterized for its physicochemical properties, including pH, viscosity, spreadability, drug content, and stability. In vitro antifungal activity was evaluated using the agar well diffusion method against fungal strains such as Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger. The results revealed that the nanoparticle-based emulgel provided enhanced antifungal activity, sustained drug release, and better skin retention compared to conventional formulations. These findings indicate the potential of this emulgel as an effective natural alternative for topical antifungal therapy.