Capsaicin Emulgel- Design, Optimization, and Formulation for Topical Delivery

Abstract

Topical therapy with emulgel -type of products allows efficient delivery of bioactive compounds with additional benefits to patients. This research aimed to design, optimize, formulate, and evaluate in vitro parameters between gels loaded with a microemulsion of extracted capsaicin to their standard. A crude form of capsaicin was extracted from capsicum. Using Box Behnken design, 15 different microemulsions were made by ultrasonication and optimized by varying three independent variables (amount of olive oil, Hydrophilic-lipophilic balance value of surfactants, and amount of surfactants used) using Stagraphic Centurion software. Microemulsions were optimized based on their organoleptic characters; dilution test, centrifugation test and P^H, and gelling agent Carbopol-940  was determined by its viscosity, spreadability, swelling index, consistency, and P^H. Finally, a stable capsaicin emulgel (0.05% and 0.1%) was made by incorporating optimized microemulsion (F8) and optimized gelling agent, 0.6% Carbopol- 940.  Those final capsaicin emulgels were tested for drug content percentage, which was within the standard range.