Advancements in topical antifungal treatment: Cream and hydrogel nanosponge integration loaded with Palmarosa essential oil.

Purpose: To optimize the preparation of hydrogel and creams integrated using nanosponge loaded with palmarosa essential oil. Method: Palmarosa nanosponge essential oil was formulated by oil-in-water (o/w) emulsion solvent diffusion method using various ratios of drug to polymer; ethylcellulose (EC). Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and dichloromethane were used to create the aqueous and dispersed phases, respectively. Furthermore, nanosponge (NS) was studied for particle size and zeta potential, followed by integration into cream and hydrogel preparations. The preparations were evaluated for physicochemical characteristics and antifungal activity in vivo in animals induced by Candida albicans. Results: Results showed that the physical testing for optimum preparation of hydrogel had a pH of 6.9 ± 0.10, adhesion of 1.43 ± 0.40 seconds, spreadability of 5.43 ± 0.55 cm and viscosity of 276 ± 25.16 dPa.s. Meanwhile, for cream preparation, pH, adhesion, spreadability and viscosity values were 6.6 ± 0.2, 2.25 ± 0.37 seconds, 7 ± 0.70 cm, and 1500 ± 5 dPa.s, respectively. The in vivo test for antifungal activity in test animals induced with Candida albicans showed that treatment had a significantly different effect on the healing process of candidiasis infection. Conclusion: This study offers new knowledge regarding the development of hydrogel preparations and nanosponge integration cream containing palmarosa essential oil. The preparations had the advantages of efficacious ingredients, with good drug release and spreadability profile through the skin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]