HARNESSING PHYTO-NANOTECHNOLOGY: A REVIEW ON PONGAMIA AND TURMERIC-INFUSED NANOEMULGELS FOR ANTIFUNGAL THERAPY

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

The present study focuses on the formulation and evaluation of a nano emulgel incorporating Pongamia pinnata seed extract and Curcuma longa (turmeric) for enhanced antifungal activity. Nano emulgels combine the benefits of nanoemulsion technology with gel- based topical delivery, offering improved drug solubility, skin permeability, and sustained release. Pongamia seed extract is known for its potent antifungal and wound-healing properties, while turmeric contributes strong anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects due to its curcumin content. The nanoemulsion was prepared using the aqueous titration method and incorporated into a gel base using carbopol 940 to form a stable nano emulgel. The formulation was evaluated for its physical characteristics (appearance, pH, viscosity, spreadability), drug content, in-vitro drug release, and antifungal efficacy against common fungal strains such as Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger. Results indicated that the optimized formulation exhibited superior antifungal activity, sustained release profile, and good physicochemical stability, making it a promising candidate for topical antifungal therapy. Sure! Here's an extended version of the abstract for your research on the formulation and evaluation of a Pongamia seed and turmeric-loaded nano emulgel for antifungal activity. Fungal infections of the skin and mucous membranes are increasingly prevalent due to changing lifestyles, climate conditions, and immunosuppressive disorders. Traditional topical formulations often suffer from poor skin penetration and low drug retention time. In this study, a novel nano emulgel was developed incorporating Pongamia pinnata seed extract and Curcuma longa (turmeric) extract, both known for their potent antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties, to overcome these limitations and enhance therapeutic efficacy. The nanoemulsion was formulated using the aqueous phase titration method, employing suitable surfactants and co-surfactants to achieve a stable, nanosized dispersion. This nanoemulsion was then incorporated into a gel base using Carbopol 940, resulting in a nano emulgel that combined the high solubilization capacity and improved permeability of nanoemulsions with the ease of application and patient compliance offered by gels.