Formulation and Characterization of insitu gel containing Chasteberry Extract For Umbilical Tissue delivery

Abstract

The main objective of the present study was to develop and evaluate in-situ gel formulation of Vitus-agnus castus fruit extract belonging to family Verbenaceae (verbena family) for topical drug delivery across umbilical skin tissue , aiming to enhance local penetration and in achieving sustained release effect of bio-active phytochemicals. Vitex agnus-castus extract was firstly incorporated in a poly-saccharide based thermosensitive in-situ gel matrix (eg Pluronic F127), the formulation was further designed to be liquid at room temperature and show transition in to gel at skin temperature (32-36.C The formulation was further assay for key physiochemicals properties such as Ph , viscosity, gelation time/temp, spreadability and drug content uniformity. The gel remained stable and sol-gel transition at various skin-mimicking temperatures .An in-situ gel drug delivery system loaded with Vitex agnus-castus extract for umbilical skin application which can offer localized as well as controlled release of bioactive compounds. Thus being non-invasive technique it also harnesses the antiangiogenic and anti-inflammatory properties of Vitex agnus-castus, waving way for targeted and localized drug delivery. Hydroalcoholic extract of Vitex agnus-castus was prepared and was found to be rich in flavonoids like casticin (used for its anticancer and anti inflammatory effect).