Alam, S: Formulation and Evaluation of Berberine Nanogel

The present study aims to develop and evaluate the permeation as well as anti-microbial activity of developed nanogel of berberine. The incorporation of berberine inside a nanogel should improve berberine stability and permeability. Berberine is a natural polyphenolic agent with promising anti- inflammatory and anti-microbial activity. However, the therapeutic efficacy was challenged in clinical trials mostly due to its low solubility. We berberine loaded carbopol-934 nanogel to make it stable and substantially enhances cellular permeability. Pseudoternary phase diagram is constructed to obtain the nanoemulsion region. It is popular amongst the general population in regions all over the world. Carbopol-934 is added as gelling agent. Oil in water nanoemulsion was prepared by the self-nanoemulsification method, using Tween 80 and Carbitol as surfactant and cosurfactant using an oil phase of oleic acid. Evaluation of the nanoemulsion included analysis of particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, physical stability, and morphology. A modified vertical Franz diffusion cell and diffusion membrane were used to study the in vitro permeation.