SYNERGISTIC EFFECT OF NIGELLA OIL AND CLOTRIMAZOLE AS ETHOSOMAL GEL FOR IMPROVED TREATMENT OF FUNGAL INFECTIONS

The aim of this research work was to develop an ethosomal gel containing nigella oil encapsulated with clotrimazole (CLT) for improved antifungal activity. The ethosomes were prepared using soya lecithin (SpC) and Nigella oil (NO) as lipids by thin film hydration and they exhibited a particle size of 136±69 nm with an entrapment efficiency of 65.44±1.08 %. CLT ethosomal gel exhibited controlled release of CLT with a steady flux of 7.20mcg/cm2/h across cellophane membrane. The ethosomal gel was stable for 180 days with no significant change in physiochemical parameters. In vitro antifungal activity demonstrated a synergistic action of CLT and NO against the fungal strains compared to plain CLT and NO. This signifies that the combination of NO and CLT in an ethosomal gel has tremendous potential to serve as a synergistic topical anti-fungal preparation than simple ethosomal formulation of CLT.