Formulation and characterization of transfersome gel from Parkia speciosa extract using carbopol 940 and polyvinyl alcohol

Ethanol extract of Parkia speciosa pods can be formulated into topical dosage forms due to its pharmacological effects such as antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. This study aims to formulate and characterize transfersome gel of P. speciosa pod extract. Transfersome gels used were varied based on the type and concentration of gel bases, namely carbopol 940 and polyvinyl alcohol, which include F1 (2%:0%), F2 (1.5%:0.5%), F3 (1%:1%), F4 (0.5%:1.5%), and F5 (0%:2%). The optimum doses was determined based on the physical properties of the gel, stability, and the cumulative drug penetrated, while the data were analyzed using Anova (α=0.05). Based on the evaluation, the type and concentration of the base significantly affected the physical properties and gel stability (p<0.05). The analysis of IR spectra also showed that there was no chemical interaction between bases and the extract. Meanwhile, the optimum formula was produced by the combination of carbopol 940 and PVA (1%:1%) with a drug that penetrated 60.35%. The reaction kinetics of the optimum formula followed the zero-order kinetic model on storage condition (4°C) with a half- and a shelf life of 69 and 14 days, respectively.