Comparative Development, Optimization and Characterization of Allium sativum L. and Calendula officinalis L. Polymeric Microsponge Gels
Abstract
This study comparatively developed polymeric microsponge gels containing Allium sativum L. extract and Calendula officinalis L. essential oil for controlled topical delivery. Garlic was selected for its organosulfur antifungal constituents, whereas calendula was selected for its flavonoids, triterpenoids and volatile components with antifungal and skin-supportive relevance. Garlic extraction produced an 18.6% w/w semisolid extract, while hydrodistillation of dried calendula flowers produced 0.74% v/w essential oil. Microsponges were prepared by quasi-emulsion solvent diffusion using ethyl cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol and drug-to-polymer ratios of 1:1, 1:2 and 1:3. Calendula formulations additionally contained polyethylene glycol 400 to disperse the oil. Increasing polymer concentration improved production yield, drug loading and entrapment for both actives. The selected ASMS-3 and COMS-3 formulations showed yields of 82 ± 1.4% and 80 ± 1.5%, entrapment efficiencies of 88 ± 1.1% and 85 ± 1.0%, and particle sizes of approximately 45 and 46 µm, respectively. Instrumental analysis gave Z-average sizes of 45.3 ± 1.2 µm for garlic and 46.8 ± 1.4 µm for calendula, with polydispersity indices below 0.3. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed spherical porous particles. Eight-hour cumulative release reached 86 ± 1.8% for garlic and 82 ± 1.6% for calendula. The optimized particles were separately incorporated into 1% Carbopol 934 gel. Both gels were homogeneous, spreadable and skin compatible; garlic gel showed pH 5.8 ± 0.2 and viscosity 2850 ± 120 cP, while calendula gel showed pH 6.0 ± 0.2 and viscosity 2950 ± 115 cP. Both retained more than 90% content after 90 days. The results show that the same microsponge platform can accommodate chemically different herbal actives while producing distinct but acceptable loading, release and gel characteristics.
How to Cite
Ayushi Srivastava , Sushila Kaura, "Comparative Development, Optimization and Characterization of Allium sativum L. and Calendula officinalis L. Polymeric Microsponge Gels", Vol. 4, Issue 2, 24-05-2026, pp. 72-83. DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.21428268
