Volume 17

July-September 2025

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Formulation and Evaluation of Niosomes Based Creams from Extract of Hibiscus Sabdariffa for Antibacterial Activity

J N Srilatha, S Pradesha, Ancha Dheeraja, Sonali N Sahoo, Mohammed Faiza Begum, Kalal Pavan Goud

Abstract:
The formulation and evaluation of a niosomal-based cream that incorporates Hibiscus sabdariffa leaf extract for its antibacterial characteristics is the main focus of this work. Hibiscus sabdariffa has strong antibacterial properties and is well-known for its diverse phytochemical profile, which includes flavonoids, anthocyanins, and polyphenols. Its medicinal potential is hampered by issues like low stability and restricted absorption. The ethanol injection approach was used to encapsulate the extract into niosomes in order to get over these restrictions. Franz diffusion studies were used to characterise the formed niosomes for in vitro release, drug content, particle size, and entrapment efficiency. With a controlled drug release over six hours, NF2 had the highest drug content (73.2%) and entrapment efficiency (79.09%) among the three niosomal formulations (NF1, NF2, and NF3). After being added to a cream base, the optimised niosomal solution was assessed for stability, viscosity, spreadability, pH, physical appearance, and drug release. When compared to a standard formulation and a plain extract-based cream (F2), the niosomal cream (F1) performed better in terms of consistency, spreadability, and controlled drug release. The drug’s compatibility with excipients was validated by FTIR investigations. When compared to the extract alone, the niosomal cream showed larger zones of inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, showing increased antibacterial efficacy by niosomal encapsulation, according to antibacterial activity measured using the agar well diffusion method.

Keywords: Niosome, Hibiscus Sabdariffa, Anti-bacterial Activity, Herbal Formulation, Nano Technology.  

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